Are you a fan of pickleball but struggle with sweaty hands or blisters? Have you ever considered wearing gloves during the game? Well, you’re not alone! Many players wonder if they should wear gloves for pickleball and what type of glove would be best.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why wearing gloves can benefit your game and provide tips on choosing the right pair.
So read on before your next match!
Can You Wear Gloves for Pickleball Game?
The short answer is yes; you can wear gloves for pickleball if you choose. Wearing gloves can help improve your grip on the paddle and prevent blisters from forming on your hands due to friction from extended play.
Additionally, wearing gloves can reduce sweat buildup on your paddle handle, improving control during intense rallies. However, it’s worthwhile to note that wearing gloves may also affect how quickly you adjust to changes in temperature or humidity since it adds a layer between your hand and the paddle surface.
Ultimately, whether or not you wear gloves when playing pickleball comes down to personal preference – some players find them helpful, while others prefer not to use them!
4 Reasons You Should Wear Gloves for Pickleball
Wearing gloves can provide numerous benefits, including better grip on your paddle, less fatigue in your hands during long games, reduced cuts and minor injuries from the paddle or ball hitting them too hard, and warmth and flexibility in cold weather conditions.
Better for Grip
Pickleball is a popular sport that requires skill and grip. Wearing gloves while playing can improve your game by providing better control and stability of the paddle.
Better grip is one reason to wear gloves for pickleball. Not only do they provide additional grip, but they also protect your hands from blisters and calluses caused by long hours on the court.
Gloves designed specifically for pickleball have padded palms, offering extra cushioning to reduce the impact on the hand. This allows better control when hitting shots. In addition, these gloves are breathable and keep your hands cool during long games in hot weather.
They also come in different sizes to accommodate all hand sizes regardless of gender, young or old. Lastly, wearing gloves can increase confidence levels as it helps you feel more secure when handling the paddle. This leads to improved efficiency.
So if you want to take your pickleball game up a notch, start wearing gloves today!
Reduces Fatigue
Wearing gloves while playing pickleball is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Gloves can help reduce fatigue during games, providing extra grip on the paddle handle and absorbing some shock associated with hitting balls. It can remove strain from your wrists and arms, preventing soreness or injury.
Furthermore, gloves also provide a superior grip on the ball when you hit it, allowing you to make shots with more accuracy and power. They also protect your hands from chaffed or blistered from too much contact with the paddle surface.
In addition, they help protect your hands from any rough surfaces on the court, such as concrete or gravel. Additionally, gloves will keep your hands warm in cold weather, which can increase your performance due to improved skill when making shots.
Wearing gloves for pickleball is an easy way to boost game performance while reducing fatigue levels throughout a game session.
Reduces Cuts and Minor Injuries
Wearing protective gloves while playing pickleball is a crucial safety measure that reduces cuts and minor injuries. Gloves protect your hands and the paddle, reducing the risk of cuts, abrasions, and other minor injuries.
In addition to protecting your hands from physical damage, gloves prevent sweat build-up while playing. Sweat can cause slippery conditions on the paddle, which could lead to injury if you are not wearing gloves.
Gloves also provide a better grip on the paddle, improving playability. This enhanced control helps you play with more precision, leading to fewer mistakes and a higher quality game overall.
Wearing gloves for pickleball is essential for maintaining safety on the court and improving performance, so don’t forget them before playing!
Gloves Keep Your Hands Warm and Flexible
Wearing gloves can keep your hands warm and flexible, allowing you to make quick shots more accurately. Additionally, gloves protect your hands from accidental contact with the pickleball paddle or court surface.
The grip on most gloves also improves your control over the paddle, which leads to more powerful shots. Furthermore, wearing gloves during pickleball will reduce friction from handling the paddle, reducing fatigue during extended playing sessions.
All these reasons mean you should wear gloves when playing pickleball to get the maximum performance out of your game.
Should You Wear Gloves on One or Both Hands?
Wearing gloves while playing pickleball can be tricky. While gloves may provide additional protection and grip, they can also limit your skill and range of motion, potentially hurting your game. The choice of gloves on one or both hands in pickleball should be based on your preferences.
Gloves can provide several benefits for players who wear them in pickleball, including improved grip and shock absorption when hitting the ball with paddles. In addition, they provide extra padding that protects the palms from blisters and calluses caused by prolonged contact with the paddle handle.
Furthermore, if you have sweaty hands during play, wearing gloves may help keep them dryer than without them. On the other hand (pun intended), some players find wearing gloves challenging to control their shots as they cannot feel their paddle correctly due to lack of skin contact.
Whether you should wear gloves on one or both hands in pickleball is ultimately up to you and what works best for your game style and preferences!
Can You Wear Fingerless Gloves?
Fingerless gloves are a popular and practical choice for many pickleball players. They provide an added layer of protection against blisters and sunburn while allowing the player to control their paddle completely.
Fingerless gloves also help maintain a firm grip on the paddle’s handle, which is especially important in pickleball as it requires precise hand-eye coordination. They also offer extra warmth in cold weather, enabling players to continue playing even when temperatures drop.
In short, fingerless gloves can be an ideal choice for pickleball players looking for improved performance and comfort on the court.
How to Choose a Pickleball Glove?
When choosing a pickleball glove, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure you select the right one for your needs. Here’s a brief guide to help you choose a pickleball glove that suits you:
Material
The material of the pickleball glove is an essential aspect to consider. Look for gloves made from high-quality materials with durability and a good grip. Common materials used in pickleball gloves include leather, synthetic leather, and mesh.
Leather gloves provide excellent grip and durability but may take some time to break in. Synthetic leather gloves are typically more affordable and may offer better breathability. Mesh gloves are lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for hot weather conditions.
Padding and Thickness
A pickleball glove’s level of padding and thickness can affect both comfort and control. Some players prefer gloves with extra padding in the palm area to absorb impact and reduce vibrations.
Thicker gloves may offer more protection, especially for players with sensitive hands or those prone to blisters. However, remember that thicker gloves may sacrifice some tactile feel and control. Balancing security and skill is essential to maintain a good grip on the paddle.
Wrist Strap
The wrist strap on a pickleball glove plays a crucial role in securing the glove in place and providing additional support. Look for gloves with adjustable straps to customize the fit to your wrist size and preference.
A secure wrist strap helps prevent the glove from slipping or twisting during play, enhancing your grip and overall performance.
Breathability
Pickleball is active, and players can sweat on the court. Therefore, choosing a glove with good breathability is essential to keep your hands cool and dry.
Look for gloves with breathable materials, such as mesh panels or moisture-wicking fabrics, that allow air circulation and sweat evaporation. Gloves with good breathability can help prevent discomfort, odor, and the accumulation of moisture that can affect your grip.
Note: Some of the best pickleball gloves are –
- Head AirFlow Tour Racquetball Glove
- Bionic Men’s Racquetball Glove
- Franklin Sports Pickleball Glove
FAQs
It depends on the weather and the conditions of the playing surface. Generally, comfortable clothing that allows for a full range of motion, such as shorts or sweatpants and a t-shirt or tank top, is recommended. Athletic shoes with good grip are also crucial for pickleball.
Pickleball can be physically demanding but is generally considered low-impact and easy on the body. It does not involve running or jumping, and players are usually not required to move quickly around the court. As with any sport, proper technique and form should be used to reduce the risk of injury.
Yes, pickleball is a healthy sport. Pickleball is a low-impact sport suitable for people of all ages, making it an excellent choice for maintaining an active lifestyle. With its health benefits and inclusive nature, pickleball offers a fun and accessible way to stay fit and exercise regularly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wearing gloves for pickleball can be a great way to improve your grip on the paddle and protect your hands from blisters. However, it is essential to consider the size of the glove you choose and how often you play before deciding if they suit you.
Ultimately, pickleball is about having fun, so do what’s best for your body and game! Happy pickleballing!
I am a professional physiotherapist and the author of the BallSportsPro. I worked with athletes of all levels, from amateur to professional, and i helped them overcome injuries and improve their performance. I am a certified Pickleball instructor and has been playing the sport for over 10 years.
