How Can I Know Pickleball Paddle Is USAPA Approved?
When you are playing pickleball, you want to have the best possible experience. Part of that is using the right equipment, and that includes a paddle that is USAPA approved. How can you be sure your paddle is properly labeled? Read on for more information.
In This Post
What Does USAPA Approved Mean?
The United States of America Pickleball Association is the official governing body for pickleball in the United States. If a paddle has this logo on it, that means it was approved by the USAPA. It meets all their standards and requirements. Thus, you know you are getting a paddle that is a good fit for the type of play you want to do.
What Are The Different Ratings?
These ratings can be found on your paddle along with the logo, and each one represents a different aspect of the design. The first number is the power rating, which rates how powerful it will feel when you hit the ball.
The number is in inches, and the higher the number, the more powerful it will feel when you make a strike. The second digit is control rating, which rates how much control you have over where your shots can go.
This can be from 1 to 5, with 1 being the least amount of control and 5 being high control. The last number is spin rating, which rates how many spins you can create on your shots.
This number ranges from 1 to 5 depending on the level of skill you have and how many spins you like to put on your shots.
How Can I Use This Information?
If you are playing pickleball at higher levels, using a paddle with these ratings can help you to match your skill level and the amount of effort you put into every shot.
For example, if you are playing in tournaments or highly competitive games, then using a high power rating paddle will help you keep up with the other players. However, this is not recommended for beginners because it can be overwhelming.
If you are just starting out, it’s best to find a paddle with a power rating that is suited for your skill level. This way, you won’t struggle to hit the ball and you will have more control over how hard or soft your shots are.
Spin can be fun because it can make your shots much more strategic. However, if you are still perfecting your technique and trying to get a feel for how the game is played, then don’t worry about spin just yet.
Instead, focus on learning the basics and improving your skill level. Once you know what you’re doing, then it’s okay to start working on creating some extra spin on your shots too.
No matter what experience level you’re at, USAPA approved paddles will help you get the most out of your game. You can find a wide variety of these types of paddles online and in stores where pickleball equipment is sold.
Before purchasing your next paddle, be sure to check for the USAPA logo so you know you are getting the best quality product.
The competition for power, control, and spin is fierce in the pickleball world. Discover which of these characteristics is most important to you with the help of an official USAPA paddle.
