Paddle Weight Tape Guide: Placement, Performance, and Kitchen Drills

Weighted Tape Study

Why Use Weighted Tape:

• Improves performance by increasing power, sweet spot, plow through
• Try it before buying a new paddle

Lead vs Tungsten:

• Tungsten is non-toxic, lead requires caution
• But lead is cheaper

Weight Per Inch Options:

• 0.5g, 1g, 2g, 3g pre-cut strips available

Placement Zones:

1. Head - Increases swing weight quickly for more plow
2. Sides - Increases stability and plow
3. Bottom/Throat - Increases stability, minimal swing weight change
4. Handle - Changes balance, impact not well-studied

Findings:

• For max twist weight, min swing weight change:
  • 5-7 inches of 1-2g tape at neck upwards
• <5 inches of 0.5g does very little
• 3-5 inches of 1g often outperforms 0.5g and 2g lengths
• Setup depends on paddle shape/needs, not just numbers
  • Wide bodies may need head weight for plow
  • Elongated may need side weight for stability

Kitchen Improvements

• Fourth shot drill from Josh J Pickleball video

  • Controversial cupped stroke for topspin
  • Hard to pull off at higher levels

• Countering drills:

  • Hard ball blocking
  • Diagonal running counter drill for timing

• Tennis forehand grip adjustment:

  • Pointing paddle face down instead of open
  • Massive topspin/power increase on serves, forehands

Emphasis on consistent targeted drilling for improvement over new paddles.

For the weighted tape, aim for 3-5 inches of 1g tape at the throat for maximizing twist weight without drastically affecting swing weight.