Pickleball paddle and methods of using same

Abstract

A pickleball paddle includes a paddle face having a lower face portion that narrows into a throat region connecting to a handle. At least one lateral groove is formed in the throat region, the groove having a generally U-shaped bottom profile configured to receive a user's index finger. The groove allows the user to assume a pistol-like grip by wrapping the index finger around an upper portion of the handle, improving comfort and control. In some embodiments, grooves are provided on both sides of the throat region for right- or left-handed use, or multiple grooves on one side to accommodate different hand sizes. The paddle enables a two-handed backhand grip in which the dominant hand holds a lower handle portion and the non-dominant hand engages the groove, producing a more powerful and controlled backhand shot while reducing finger obstruction and enhancing paddle-face awareness.

Description

PICKLEBALL PADDLE AND METHODS OF USING SAMEINCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 704,084, filed on 7 October 2024 and entitled "Pickleball Paddle and Methods of Using Same", the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to sporting equipment, and more particularly to a pickleball paddle and methods of using same.BACKGROUND

[0003] Pickleball is a racket or paddle sport in which two players (singles) or four players (doubles) use a smooth-faced paddle to hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball over a 34-inch-high (0.86 m) net until one side is unable to return the ball or commits a rule infraction. The sport is played indoors and outdoors. It was invented in the United States in 1965 and is one of the fastest growing racquet sports.

[0004] Aspects of the sport resemble tennis and table tennis, but pickleball has specific rules, paddles and court dimensions. The USA Pickleball Association (or "USAPA") has been formed as a governing body in the United States. Internationally, the International Federation of Pickleball (or "IFP") serves as a governing body for international competition. Together, the USAPA and the IFP publish a rules book.

[0005] According to the rules of pickleball, there are size limitations to the pickleball paddle. According to Section 2.E.3, "[t]he combined length and width, including any edge guard and butt cap [of the paddle], shall not exceed 24 inches (60.96 cm). The paddle length cannot exceed 17 inches (43.18 cm). The rules do permit some variation in length to width ratio, and there is no restriction on paddle thickness. The most common shape or a paddle is a "wide-body" that measures approximately 8 inches wide by 15 and 3 / 4 inches long (20.32 cm x 40 cm).

[0006] There is a desire in the field for improvements that in turn improves the player's performance, control and confidence in at least some aspects of the game.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The current invention has several aspects. In one aspect, a pickleball paddle is described. The pickleball paddle includes a paddle face having an upper portion and a lower portion; a handle having an upper portion and a lower portion, the handle extending from the lower portion of the paddle face along a longitudinal axis. The paddle also includes a throat region formed between the paddle face and the handle as the lower portion of the paddle face narrows toward the upper portion of the handle. The paddle further includes at least one lateral groove formed in the throat region, the at least one lateral groove defining a generally curved bottom profile when viewed in cross section and dimensioned to receive an index finger of a user, such that, when the index finger is received in the at least one lateral groove, the index finger wraps around the upper portion of the handle to provide a pistol-like grip.

[0008] In a related embodiment, the at least one lateral groove is formed on both lateral sides of the throat region, forming opposing side grooves, such that a respective groove is positioned to accommodate either a right-handed or a left-handed pistollike grip.

[0009] In a related embodiment, the opposing side grooves are substantially symmetric about the longitudinal axis.

[0010] In a related embodiment, the at least one lateral groove is formed as a continuous cutout extending from an outer face surface of the paddle through to an inner surface of the throat region.

[0011] In a related embodiment, the paddle face and handle are integrally formed.

[0012] In a related embodiment, the throat region, where the at least one lateral groove is formed is narrower laterally than the opposite lateral side of the throat region.

[0013] In a related embodiment, the paddle further comprises a friction-reducing surface coating or insert within the at least one lateral groove to reduce contact friction on the user's index finger.

[0014] In a related embodiment, the at least one lateral groove has a depth and width configured to receive at least a portion of an adult index finger.

[0015] In a related embodiment, the at least one lateral groove has a depth and width configured to receive at least a portion of a child index finger.

[0016] In a related embodiment, the at least one lateral groove is a single lateral groove on one lateral side of the throat region, and the pickleball paddle is selectable for use by right-handed or left-handed users by inverting the paddle.

[0017] In a related embodiment, the throat region is dimensioned such that a user's non-dominant hand engages the paddle in the pistol-type grip while permitting placement of a dominant hand on the lower portion of the handle simultaneously.

[0018] In a related embodiment, the at least one lateral groove comprises a plurality of lateral grooves on a single lateral side of the throat region, the plurality of lateral grooves being arranged at different distances from the handle to accommodate different size hands or different playing techniques.

[0019] In another aspect of the invention, a method of using a pickleball paddle is described for performing a two-handed backhand stroke. The method includes the steps of:• providing pickleball paddle having a paddle face, a handle, and at least one lateral groove formed in a throat region between the paddle face and the handle;• gripping a lower portion of the handle with a user's dominant hand;• placing a user's non-dominant hand on an upper portion of the handle such that an index finger of the non-dominant hand is received in the at least one lateral groove formed in the throat region, the lateral groove having a generally curved bottom profile and being configured to permit the index finger to wrap around the upper portion of the handle in a pistol-like grip; and• executing a backhand stroke with the user's dominant and non-dominant hands on the handle so as to generate a controlled and power-enhanced backhand shot.

[0020] In a related method, placing the non-dominant hand on the upper portion of the handle comprises positioning the non-dominant hand to avoid the index finger obstructing a lower face portion of the paddle during the two-handed backhand stroke.

[0021] In a related method, engaging the non-dominant hand in the pistol-like grip reduces skin friction and irritation during repeated strokes.

[0022] In a related method, the at least one lateral groove comprises a plurality of lateral groove and the method further comprising selecting one lateral groove from the plurality of lateral grooves formed in the throat region based on a hand size of the non-dominant hand prior to placing the non-dominant hand on the upper portion of the handle.

[0023] In a related method, the dominant hand applies supporting force during follow-through to improve strength and stability.

[0024] In another related method, further comprising repeating the two-handed backhand stroke while maintaining both hands on the handle to improve stroke power and control.

[0025] Other aspects and embodiments of the invention will be apparent as will be shown in the detailed description of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations. The accompanying drawings illustrate non-limiting example embodiments of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a pickleball paddle according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 shows another perspective view of the pickleball paddle in FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the pickleball paddle in FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 4 shows a back view of the pickleball paddle of FIG. 1 held by a player's hands with the dominant hand holding the paddle near the base of the handle of the paddle and the non-dominant hand griping the upper portion of the handle in a pistollike grip.

[0031] FIG. 5 shows a front view of the FIG. 4.

[0032] FIG. 6 to FIG. 9 show a first side, second side, top planner and bottom planner views of the pickleball paddle in FIG. 1, respectively.

[0033] FIG. 10 to FIG. 12 show images of various two-handed grips of a pickleball paddle according to the prior art.DEATAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. The following description of examples of the technology is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the system to the precise forms of any example embodiment. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense. The use of same reference numbers in different instances in the description and figures may indicate similar or identical items.

[0035] The current invention relates to an improved pickleball paddle. Over the years, the popularity of the game has increased substantially with many tennis players showing interest and partaking in the game. As the game and game play develops, it is noticed that many players are trying to develop a two-handed backhand shot that is intended to be a power shot.

[0036] To develop such power shot, a player would use both hands, where the dominant hand holds the paddle from a position of the handle that is near the base of the handle. The player would also use his or her non-dominant hand to grip the upper portion of the handle, where at least one finger of such hand, usually the index finger, covers a part of the neck of the paddle and potentially part of the back face of the paddle. An example of such placement of the hands is shown in FIG. 10 and 11. As shown in the figures, the index finger placement may obstruct a proper back-hand shot if the index finger is not placed properly to minimize obstruction of the back face of the paddle. Also, the position of the index finger may limit the range of motion a player may have to control and orient the back face of the paddle while in the two- handed grip to generate sufficient power and control for a successful two-handed backhand power shot.

[0037] In some cases, as shown in FIG. 12, the player may avoid placing the index finger on the back face of the paddle and may place the index finger at the base of theneck portion of the paddle. In such cases, it is observed that prolonged use of such grip is not comfortable, may cause blisters, skin scrapes or potential injury to the hand near the thumb and index finger and also may require the dominant hand grip to be adjusted mid-play to accommodate the space required on the handle of the nondominant hand to achieve such grip.

[0038] The current disclosure, as exemplary shown in FIGs. 1-9 present a solution to this problem. Specifically, as shown in the figures, the 2HANDR™ pickleball paddle presents an improvement on the pickleball paddle known in the prior art by introducing at least one cutout or indentation, or groove along the throat or neck of the paddle to allow for the proper placement of the index finger of the non-dominant hand, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. Such improvement allows for maintaining the dominant hand grip in its natural position that is used also for one-handed shots. It also provides the player with a comfortable pistol-like grip of the paddle by the nondominant hand, while minimizing or eliminating discomfort, potential scrapes or injuries to the index finger and / or the thumb of the non-dominant hand. It further provides the player with better range of motion and control of the orientation of the face of the paddle to allow for a proper execution of a two-handed backhand power shot. In addition, by providing a specific position on the throat of the paddle for placing the index finger of the non-dominant hand, this provides an increased consistency in successful performance of the intended power shot during game play.

[0039] FIGs. 1-9 show a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the improved pickleball paddle 100. The paddle has a paddle face 110 a handle 120 extending along a longitudinal axis. The paddle face has an upper face portion 112 and a lower face portion 114 that transitions smoothly into the handle 120. A throat region 130 is formed where the lower portion 112 of the paddle face narrows toward the handle section 120.

[0040] The paddle face 110 may be of any conventional pickleball paddle construction known in the art. Also, the handle section 120 may be of any conventional handleconstruction known in the art, typically including a core member and an external grip covering (not shown). The handle section 120 defines a lower handle portion 121 and an upper handle portion 122 adjacent to the throat region 130.

[0041] The throat or transition region 130 is defined at the junction of the paddle face 110 and handle 120. The throat region 130 includes at least one indentation or cutout or groove 140 formed on at least one lateral side of the throat region 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the groove 140 has a generally U-shaped bottom 142 and extends longitudinally along at least a portion of the throat region 130 of the body of the paddle 100. The groove 140 may be formed by machining, molding, or removing material from the paddle body.

[0042] The presence of the groove 140 locally narrows the lateral width of the throat region 130, forming a recessed contour that comfortably accommodates an index finger 150 of a user when gripping the paddle in a pistol-like configuration. The groove 140 provides tactile indexing and enables the user's index finger to wrap around the upper handle portion 122 while maintaining clearance from the paddle face 110.

[0043] The embodiment of FIGs. 1-3 shows a groove 140 on each lateral side of the paddle body in the transition or throat region 130. It is noted that a single cutout or groove 140 is needed on either side of the throat or the transitionary region 130 of paddle 100. Therefore, the groove on the opposing lateral side is optional. As show in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, one cutout may be utilized by the user to have a comfortable placement of the index finger 150 of the non-dominant hand. In such case, the cutout 140 on the other side of the throat region 130 is not utilized. In fact, it is to be understood that a single cutout may suffice. The placement of the other cutout presents a mirror image to accommodate players that are left hand or right hand dominant. In the non-limiting exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, grooves 140 are symmetrically formed on both the right and left sides of the throat region 130. This configuration allows the paddle 100 to be gripped in the pistol-likeorientation by either right-handed or left-handed users, thereby forming a universal version of the paddle 100. It is noted that the embodiment, where the groove is formed only on one later side of the throat region 130, may also be used by left-handled or right-handed users, where the paddle is flipped to accommodate the right or left handed orientation of use.

[0044] The position of the indentation or cutout or groove 140 as well as the dept and size of it may vary in different embodiments. For example, the groove 140 may be formed substantially in the lateral direction as shown in the figures. In other embodiments, the groove may be formed to be inclined upwardly toward the paddle face at an angle between 5° and 25° relative to the longitudinal axis. Such variation is contemplated to be part of the invention and may be indented to accommodate different hand and finger sizes of different players to allow for a comfortable fit, and in turn a good control and convenience to players of different sizes and ones that adopt different playing techniques.

[0045] In some embodiments (not shown), the number of grooves formed on a single lateral side of the throat region 130 may be more than one. Each groove is positioned at a different elevation or distance from the handle axis to correspond to varying hand sizes. Such configuration may allow for placing the index finger in the paddle in a different position for different users, depending on the size of the hand of the user or the playing technique. For example, a smaller hand, such as a child's, may comfortably fit within a certain groove, while a larger hand of an adult may utilize a different groove. In such embodiment, only one groove is intended to be engaged at a time by the user's index finger. In related embodiments, the plurality of grooves may be formed on both later sides of the throat region 130 to allow for right-handed and lefthanded use. Such embodiment may also be considered a universal design to avoid the use of different paddles for different sizes and playing techniques.

[0046] Referring back to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the figures show a two-handed backhand grip configuration. The dominant hand 161 grips the lower handle portion 121, whilethe non-dominant hand 162 grips the upper handle portion 122 such that its index finger 150 is positioned within the groove 140. This arrangement allows both hands to apply leverage to the paddle handle, thereby enhancing ergonomics, control, stability, and power during a backhand stroke. The groove 140 provides space for the nondominant index finger to wrap around the upper handle portion 122 without contacting or obstructing the lower face portion 112 of the paddle 100.

[0047] In use, to perform a two-handed backhand power shot, a player first grips the lower handle portion 121 with the dominant hand 161. The player then places the nondominant hand 162 on the upper handle portion 122, positioning the index finger 150 in the groove 140 so that the finger naturally wraps around the handle 120. During the backhand stroke, both hands rotate together to deliver a controlled, powerful shot.

[0048] This grip allows the paddle face angle to be finely adjusted through coordinated wrist and arm movement, increasing the player's face-angle awareness and providing consistent power and accuracy. Additionally, the groove 140 eliminates finger obstruction along the lower paddle face 112 and minimizes skin friction and irritation during play.

[0049] The improved paddle may also be used as a training tool for improving game technique and game play of a player. One particular exemplary use of paddle 100 as a training tool is for improving backhand power. An instructor may guide the player to repeat swing motions using the pistol-grip position while focusing on the feel of the paddle's face orientation. Naturally, a person's control of his or her non-dominant hand is not as accurate or strong compared to that of the dominant hand. This is basically related to a person being either left-brain or right-brain dominant. Having a cutout or a groove specifically to always accommodate the index finger of the non- dominant hand of the player, allows the player to establish consistency of a proper grip. This also allows the player to have a pistol-like grip of the paddle, which provides the player with increased control and ability to guide the ball to the intendeddirection and the overall awareness of the paddle face angle, which in turn allows for accurate and successful two-handed backhand power shot.

[0050] It is noted that some users may hold the paddle 100 in a one-handed pistol-like grip configuration. In such configuration of use, the dominant hand would grip the handle section near the upper handle portion, with the index finger received in the groove. This arrangement may be used in cases where the player wishes to execute short shots accurately for example, where power is not the focus. Such arrangement may improve tactile feedback, provide secure indexing, and prevent skin friction between the sides of the index finger and thumb and the paddle's throat region.

[0051] Thus, in accordance with the system and method described in the present invention, the invention disclosed according to the different embodiments advantageously provides an improved pickleball paddle that allows the player to have a comfortable pistol-like grip by the non-dominant hand while performing a two-handed backhand power shot. The invention also allows the player to have more control of the paddle, while holding it in such configuration, to have a wider range of motion and orientation of the face of the paddle as well as develop a strong sense of awareness of the paddle face angels necessary for performing a strong, accurate and consistent power shot. This is all done without reducing the length and width of the paddle and maintaining complains with the game rules.

[0052] While the description specifically describes the use of the improved paddle for the performance of a two-handed backhand power shot, it is to be understood that the paddle may also be used to allow for a one handed grip by the player's dominant hand, where the dominant hand is used to hold the paddle from the top portion of the paddle handle / throat of the paddle and for the index finger of the dominant hand be accommodated by the cutout or groove of the paddle. This arrangement may be used in cases where the player wishes to execute short shots accurately for example, where power is not the focus. Such arrangement may improve tactile feedback, provide secure indexing, and prevent skin friction between the sides of the index finger andthumb and the paddle's throat region. It is also understood that the improved paddle is not restricted to having a two-handed backhand power shot but could also be used for making any type of shot, including but not limited to forehand power shots or other types of shows contemplated in the game play of the game.

[0053] Other embodiments are contemplated in this disclosure. For example, In some embodiments, the groove depth, width, and curvature radius may vary depending on the paddle's material and intended use. The groove may be formed integrally during molding or subsequently machined. The paddle may also be formed from composite materials including polymer cores, carbon-fiber faces, fiberglass layers, or wood laminates. The groove may include a smooth finish, textured surface, or elastomeric insert to enhance tactile grip. While the illustrated embodiments show a U-shaped cross-section, other cross-sectional profiles such as V-shaped or curved channels may also be used without departing from the scope of the invention.Interpretation of Terms:

[0054] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims:• "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".• "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof.• "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used to describe this specification shall refer to this specification as a whole and not to any particular portions of this specification.• "or," in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.• the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" also include the meaning of any appropriate plural forms.

[0055] Words that indicate directions such as "vertical", "transverse", "horizontal", "lateral", "longitudinal", "upward", "downward", "forward", "backward", "inward", "outward", "vertical", "transverse", "left", "right" , "front", "back" , "top", "bottom", "below", "above", "under", "upper", "lower", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like, used in this description and any accompanying claims (where present) depend on the specific orientation of the apparatus described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.

[0056] Specific examples of devices and methods have been described herein for purposes of illustration. These are only examples. The technology provided herein can be applied to devices and methods other than the examples described above. Many alterations, modifications, additions, omissions and permutations are possible within the practice of this invention. This invention includes variations on described embodiments that would be apparent to the skilled addressee, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements and / or acts with equivalent features, elements and / or acts; mixing and matching of features, elements and / or acts from different embodiments; combining features, elements and / or acts from embodiments as described herein with features, elements and / or acts of other technology; and / or omitting combining features, elements and / or acts from described embodiments.

[0057] It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, omissions and sub-combinations as may reasonably be inferred. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A pickleball paddle comprising: a paddle face having an upper portion and a lower portion; a handle having an upper portion and a lower portion, the handle extending from the lower portion of the paddle face along a longitudinal axis, a throat region formed between the paddle face and the handle as the lower portion of the paddle face narrows toward the upper portion of the handle; and at least one lateral groove formed in the throat region, the at least one lateral groove defining a generally curved bottom profile when viewed in cross section and dimensioned to receive an index finger of a user, such that, when the index finger is received in the at least one lateral groove, the index finger wraps around the upper portion of the handle to provide a pistol-like grip.

2. The pickleball paddle of claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral groove is formed on both lateral sides of the throat region, forming opposing side grooves, such that a respective groove is positioned to accommodate either a right-handed or a left-handed pistol-like grip.

3. The pickleball paddle of claim 2, wherein the opposing side grooves are substantially symmetric about the longitudinal axis.

4. The pickleball paddle of claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral groove is formed as a continuous cutout extending from an outer face surface of the paddle through to an inner surface of the throat region.

5. The pickleball paddle of claim 1, wherein the paddle face and handle are integrally formed.

6. The pickleball paddle of claim 1, wherein the throat region, where the at least one lateral groove is formed is narrower laterally than the opposite lateral side of the throat region.

7. The pickleball paddle of claim 1, further comprising a friction-reducing surface coating or insert within the at least one lateral groove to reduce contact friction on the user's index finger.

8. The pickleball paddle of claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral groove has a depth and width configured to receive at least a portion of an adult index finger.

9. The pickleball paddle of claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral groove has a depth and width configured to receive at least a portion of a child index finger.

10. The pickleball paddle of claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral groove is a single lateral groove on one lateral side of the throat region, and the pickleball paddle is selectable for use by right-handed or left-handed users by inverting the paddle.

11. The pickleball paddle of claim 1, wherein the throat region is dimensioned such that a user's non-dominant hand engages the paddle in the pistol-type grip while permitting placement of a dominant hand on the lower portion of the handle simultaneously.

12. The pickleball paddle of claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral groove comprises a plurality of lateral grooves on a single lateral side of the throat region, the plurality of lateral grooves being arranged at different distances from the handle to accommodate different size hands or different playing techniques.

13. A method of using a pickleball paddle for performing a two-handed stroke, the method comprising: providing pickleball paddle having a paddle face, a handle, and at least one lateral groove formed in a throat region between the paddle face and the handle; gripping a lower portion of the handle with a user's dominant hand;placing a user's non-dominant hand on an upper portion of the handle such that an index finger of the non-dominant hand is received in the at least one lateral groove formed in the throat region, the lateral groove having a generally curved bottom profile and being configured to permit the index finger to wrap around the upper portion of the handle in a pistol-like grip; and executing the two-handed stroke with the user's dominant and non-dominant hands on the handle so as to generate a controlled and power-enhanced shot.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein placing the non-dominant hand on the upper portion of the handle comprises positioning the non-dominant hand to avoid the index finger obstructing a lower face portion of the paddle during the two- handed stroke.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein engaging the non-dominant hand in the pistol-like grip reduces skin friction and irritation during repeated strokes.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one lateral groove comprises a plurality of lateral groove and the method further comprising selecting one lateral groove from the plurality of lateral grooves formed in the throat region based on a hand size of the non-dominant hand prior to placing the non-dominant hand on the upper portion of the handle.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the dominant hand applies supporting force during follow-through to improve strength and stability.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising repeating the two-handed stroke while maintaining both hands on the handle to improve stroke power and control.

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