A coach should take a moment to do a quick check on the basics of a player’s equipment and educate them on any deficiencies such as:

• Ensure the dimensions of their paddle set them up for success. Shorter wider paddles are more stable and provide more room for error by expanding the sweet spot left and right, which is where most players mis-hit the ball on the paddle face. A shorter wider paddle also places the weight closer to a player’s hand which aids control and maneuverability. If a player is using a paddle that is longer and more narrow than is suitable for their skill set, the coach should recommend a change.
• Ensure paddle is of an appropriate weight – 7.6 ounces starts on the lighter side, with 8.4 ounces ending on the heavier side. A good average starting paddle weight for a beginner or low-level player is between 7.8-8.2 ounces. If the paddle is outside this general weight range, a coach should recommend a change.
• Ensure paddle has an appropriate grip size for the player’s hand – a player should roughly be able to squeeze their ring finger to their palm when gripping extremely hard. This is not a precise measurement but can be used as a quick check to see if the grip circumference is in the vicinity of being correct. If the grip is outside of this vicinity, a coach should recommend altering the grip size by adding or reducing the number of grips on the paddle.
• Define quality of the product – if a player shows up with a wooden paddle or very low-quality starter paddle that handicaps their ability to achieve success, it can be appropriate to recommend a higher quality product that will aid success. A coach should be ready to provide an appropriate demo paddle when possible. Players often receive paddles as gifts or may have had their paddle recommended by someone, so it is best to use language that makes it clear that your goal is to set them up for success, not knock the paddle they have.
• Educate a player on when a paddle upgrade becomes advisable – if a player is playing regularly (at least twice a week), it is advisable they invest in a quality paddle. Players will often ask the price point of such a quality product. The best general answer is that it will cost upwards of $100.
• Define where the sweet spot on the paddle face is – just beyond the center of the paddle towards the tip. Demonstrate where the true sweet spot is by drawing attention to where the wear is on the clinician’s paddle face. Note that most players will naturally start to hit the ball on the paddle face’s sweet spot without instruction since it will feel better. However, if a player is struggling to consistently achieve clean contact, it can be helpful for a coach to point out where the true sweet spot on the paddle face is.
• Recommend overgrips to avoid grip slipping. Having an appropriately tacky grip helps a player find their grip more easily and promotes player safety by decreasing the risk that they lose hold of the paddle, once perspiration makes it become more slippery.