Introduction
As an intermediate pickleball player, you've mastered the fundamentals and now want to experience more control and power to get to the next level. You're not alone because most intermediate pickleball players wonder about the best pickleball paddle for intermediate players and they can find one.
Sound familiar?
This is the right time to choose the best pickleball paddles for intermediate players to take their game to high standards. Well if you're new to the game, you should read our guide for best pickleball paddles for beginners to get things started.
Helios Pickleball recognizes the needs of intermediate players and provides an array of high-performance intermediate pickleball paddles that effortlessly combine power, control, and elegance.
In this comprehensive article, we'll take you through the list of best intermediate pickleball paddle and showcase our top picks from the Helios collection. Let's dive in and find the best pickleball paddle for intermediate players to help you dominate the court!
What Does It Mean To Be An Intermediate Pickleball Player?
As an intermediate pickleball player, you've developed a solid foundation of skills and are ready to take your game to the next level. An intermediate pickleball player, people expect you to have a good understanding of the pickleball rules, court positions, and basic shot techniques like drives. However, there's always room for improvement considering what the games demands and refinement with practice.
Intermediate players often focus on developing more advanced shots, such as the dink, lob, and overhead smash. Speed, footwork agility, court coverage with a blend of accuracy are a few things that will be anticipated. At this level, strategic planning and mental toughness become increasingly important, as you face more challenging opponents and longer rallies.
Choosing the right paddle is crucial for intermediate players, as it can significantly impact your performance and help you achieve your goals on the court.
The best intermediate pickleball paddles offer a balance of power, control, and feel, allowing you to execute a variety of shots with confidence and precision.
Key Considerations For Intermediate Pickleball Paddles
When choosing a pickleball paddle as an intermediate player, several factors come into play:
- Core Material and Thickness: The core of the paddle significantly impacts its overall durability and performance. Intermediate paddles often feature polymer or honeycomb cores, which offer a balance of power and control. Consider the thickness of the core as well – thicker cores provide more power, while thinner cores offer better control and touch.
- Paddle Weight and Balance: Paddle weight affects your swing speed and maneuverability. As an intermediate player, you may prefer a slightly heavier paddle for increased stability and power. However, finding the right balance is key to maintaining control and precision.
- Grip Size and Comfort: A comfortable grip is essential for maintaining proper form and reducing fatigue during long rallies. Measure your hand and choose a grip size that allows you to maintain a secure hold without straining your wrist or fingers. Helios Pickleball offers paddles with ergonomic grips designed for optimal comfort and performance.
- Paddle Shape and Size: Intermediate players often benefit from larger paddle faces, which provide a bigger sweet spot and more forgiveness on off-center hits. Consider the shape of the paddle as well – elongated paddles offer more reach, while wider paddles provide a larger hitting surface.
5 Best Pickleball Paddles For Intermediate Players
Here’s the list of some best intermediate pickleball paddles that can be utilized by aspiring players:
The Gaia by Helios Pickleball
Category: Recreational
Player Level: Beginner - Intermediate
The Gaia paddle is extremely recommended for players that are in their transition period from being a beginner to an intermediate pickleball player. THE GAIA is made with our characteristic Toray carbon fiber, and improved with 16-hour compression technology, provides exceptional control, letting you to master every shot angle with accuracy.
The reactive honeycomb polymer core promises to guarantee the best feel and hybrid performance with responsiveness.
The long anti-slip grip handle is padded with a sweat-resistant PU exterior and ergonomic ridges to provide a solid grip and reduce the risk of injury during prolonged play. Explore The Gaia paddle here and take your pickleball game to the next level.
The Helios by Helios Pickleball
Category: Recreational
Player Level: Beginner - Intermediate
The Helios paddle is completely equipped with power and sharp precision that makes it favorite among intermediate pickleball players. Built with Toray T700 particle printed carbon fiber accompanied to form multiple layers for remarkable strength for dinks and drives.
The faux leather wrapping ensures anti-slip grip strength and efficient shock absorption, whereas the honeycomb polymer core makes it consistently deliver consistent rebound and reduced vibrations.
With The Helios, you'll have the confidence to execute your shots with pinpoint accuracy. Check out The Helios paddle here and experience the difference it can make in your game.
The Selene by Helios Pickleball
Category: Performance
Player Level: Intermediate
For intermediate players who value spin and control, The Selene paddle is a versatile option. Its textured surface and balanced weight distribution allow for precise shot placement and enhanced spin generation.
The Toray T700 Carbon Fiber construction ensures durability and responsiveness, making The Selene a joy to play with. With its comfortable grip and responsive core, The Selene gives you the tools to outmaneuver your opponents. Discover The Selene paddle here and unleash your creative shot-making abilities.
The Athos by Helios Pickleball
Category: Recreational
Player Level: Beginner - Intermediate
Lightweight and maneuverable, The Athos is an excellent choice for intermediate and beginner players. Its sleek design and Kevlar from Dupont construction offer a perfect balance of speed and control.
The Athos features a reactive honeycomb polymer core and a textured surface for enhanced grip and spin. With its comfortable grip and responsive feel, The Athos allows you to react quickly and dominate fast-paced rallies
The Khione by Helios Pickleball
Category: Recreational
Player Level: Beginner - Intermediate
The Khione paddle, ideal for beginners, is reinforced with fiberglass to ensure a lightweight design that's easy to maneuver for learning strokes. The triple layer of G2S Fiberglass outer surface gives outstanding spin, while the 13mm thick Honeycomb core provides superior responsiveness.
Crafted especially for beginners wishing to improve their game, the Khione has a brisk feel with every shot and weighs only 8 ounces for quick, smooth swings. Explore The Khione paddle here and experience the raw power it brings to your game.
How To Choose The Best Pickleball Paddle For Intermediate Players?
When selecting the best intermediate pickleball paddle, one should remember considering a few pointers based on their playing style and preferences.
Do you like a strong paddle, control, or a great mix of both?
Are you trying to find a paddle that complements your spin, or something that has a larger sweet spot for accuracy?
One must test different paddles, try them out, and get a feel of the weight, balance, and grip size. Many retailers offer demo programs where someone can try out all the paddles before buying. Pay attention to the feel in your hand of the paddle and how it plays on court.
Does it give you the control and power that you want? In other words, does it feel comfortable in your swing?
Another feature that will be obliged to be taken into account is the paddle's sturdiness and quality. To be consistent with performance, it should have premium faces made from carbon fiber or fiberglass combined with well-made cores.
The Helios Pickleball paddles are designed with advanced technology and great material for high-quality durability and a long-lasting performance.
Tips For Improving Your Intermediate Pickleball Game
Besides choosing the best pickleball paddle for intermediate players, there are also several ways that help an intermediate player improve on pickleball:
- Improving your footwork and placement in court: This can be developed by creating agility and quick shuffle around the court to get to the shot to take away a good defensive position.
- Master advanced shooting techniques: Dedicate ample time to practice and master different shots of pickleball like dink, lob, overhead smash, and other strategic shots that will definitely give you an edge on the court.
- Work on your mindset: Try staying in complete focus, think positive, and resilient during challenging points and turnaround in matches. Learn to manage your anxious emotions and maintain a strategic mental control.
- Experiment with opponents: Once you start exposing yourself to different playing styles and opponents, you’ll learn to value and understand their thought process and shooting skill that can help you improve your own game.
- Seek feedback: Taking lessons and guidance from a certified pickleball instructor or joining a local pickleball club to learn with peers having similar interests and goals.
Conclusion
Choosing the best pickleball paddle as an intermediate player is an exciting step in your pickleball journey. While it may seem daunting at first with little exposure regarding the depth and intensity of the game at different levels, the few factors that we mentioned above like core material, weight, grip size, and paddle shape will only help you to find the perfect intermediate paddle to match your playing style and dominate the court!
Helios Pickleball offers a varied range of exceptional pickleball paddles built specifically for intermediate pickleball players, including The Gaia, The Helios, The Selene, The Athos, and The Khione. Each paddle features advanced technologies and premium materials to enhance your performance and elevate your game.
As an intermediate player, the key to success is to continue refining your skills, developing advanced shots, and focusing on strategy and mental toughness. With the right paddle in your hand and a commitment to improvement, you'll be well on your way to becoming a pickleball champion.
Explore Helios Pickleball's collection of intermediate paddles here and find the perfect companion to help you crush it on the court. Happy playing!
FAQ
What is the difference between beginner and intermediate pickleball paddles?
Intermediate pickleball paddles often feature more advanced materials and technologies compared to beginner paddles. They may have thinner cores for better control, textured surfaces for enhanced spin, and more balanced weight distribution for improved maneuverability. Intermediate paddles cater to the specific needs and playing styles of more experienced players.
How do I know if I'm ready for an intermediate pickleball paddle?
You may be ready for an intermediate paddle if you've been playing pickleball regularly and have developed a consistent skill set that can be achieved within 3-6 months depending on the learning ability.
A few signs that you can see when you're ready for an intermediate pickleball paddle are improved ball control, executing various shots, and being calm in tough games.
Can an intermediate paddle help me improve my game?
Yes, an intermediate paddle can definitely help you improve your game. By choosing a paddle that matches your playing style and skill level, you'll have the tools to execute shots with greater precision, power, and control.
Intermediate paddles often feature advanced technologies and materials that enhance performance and provide a more responsive feel, allowing you to take your skills to new heights.
What should I look for in an intermediate pickleball paddle?
When choosing an intermediate pickleball paddle, consider the following factors:
- Core material and thickness
- Paddle weight and balance
- Grip size and comfort
- Paddle shape and size
Look for paddles that offer a balance of power and control, with features like textured surfaces for enhanced spin and reactive cores for consistent performance.
How can I take my intermediate pickleball game to the next level?
To take your intermediate pickleball game to the next level, follow these steps:
- Identify areas of your game by analyzing your strengths and weaknesses that need improvement.
- Establish measurable objectives for your pickleball game, such as improving your serve accuracy or increasing your win percentage.
- Engage in focused, purposeful practice sessions that target specific aspects of your game.
- Participate in tournaments, leagues, or competitive play with players of similar or higher skill levels to push yourself and gain valuable experience.
- Watch instructional videos, attend clinics, and seek advice from experienced players or coaches to expand your knowledge and adapt your game.