Collection: Paddles

Think of your paddle core as the foundation of your game. You might find paddles made of Nomex or Aluminium honeycomb, but at Little Court Co, we've opted for a premium thermoformed honeycomb core, which, unlike the other cold-pressed options, delivers a cleaner connection, a bigger sweet spot and a build that holds up over time.

It’s the same tech used by many top players - ideal for Australians looking for reliable performance on court.

Paddle weight is basically a balancing act between power and control, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer here. Lightweight paddles are quick through the air and good for those with arm or shoulder issues, but you'll need to put more muscle into your drives to generate serious power.

Midweight paddles, like the ones supplied by Little Court Co., are the "Goldilocks" option - not too heavy, not too light, but just right for learning the game. You get reasonable power without completely sacrificing maneuverability, making them perfect while you're still figuring out your playing style.

Heavy paddles are power tools in the truest sense. They'll crush drives and passing shots, but they demand more from your arm and shoulder, and they're tougher to whip around quickly during fast exchanges.

The sweet spot is basically your paddle's happy place, that magical zone where physics works in your favour. When you hit the ball here, you get maximum power transfer with minimal vibration, kind of like hitting a baseball right on the bat's sweet spot.

Most sweet spots live somewhere near the centre of your paddle face, but the size can vary dramatically based on design. A bigger sweet spot means you're more forgiving when your aim isn't perfect, which happens to even the pros more often than they'd like to admit.

Wide-body paddles typically have larger sweet spots, while those sleek, elongated paddles have smaller ones that demand more precision. Hitting consistently in the sweet spot actually reduces vibration, which can help prevent that dreaded "pickleball elbow" that sidelines so many players.

Yep, it can make a big difference to how the paddle plays.

Standard shape paddles are your reliable everyday option. They're balanced, forgiving, and work well for virtually everyone. If you're just starting out or you're a recreational player who wants something dependable, this is probably your best bet. Our Little Court Co paddles sit in this segment.

Elongated paddles are designed for players who want extra reach and power, particularly in singles play. They're longer and narrower, which gives you more leverage on your shots but creates a smaller sweet spot. Think of it as trading forgiveness for performance (great if you've got the skills to back it up).

Wide-body paddles are shorter but significantly wider, creating a huge sweet spot and tons of control. They're good for doubles players who value consistency over raw power. You might sacrifice some reach, but you'll hit more solid shots overall. It can be trickier to find paddles of this shape that are USAPA approved.

Surface texture is basically about how much spin you can put on the ball, and it's become a huge part of modern pickleball strategy.

Fibreglass surfaces, like the ones of Little Court Co paddles, give you predictable, consistent shots with minimal spin. They're perfect for those who want to focus on fundamentals without worrying about the ball doing unpredictable things. You know exactly how the ball's going to behave when it comes off your paddle.

More texture equals more spin potential, but it also means you need a better technique to control that spin effectively. Some players love the extra bite they can put on the ball, while others (particularly those playing casually) find it makes their shots too unpredictable.

There's no set timeline here because it depends on how often you play and how you treat your equipment. Serious players who are out there multiple times a week might need a new paddle every 6-12 months, while weekend warriors can often get 2-3 years or even longer with proper care. It goes without saying - if your paddle is a cheapie from a major retailer you can expect to be back buying a new one sooner rather than later.

Watch for warning signs like loose edge guards, cracks in the face, or soft spots that feel different when you press on them. If your paddle starts sounding different when you hit the ball, it might be delaminating internally and time to start shopping for a replacement.

Little Court Co’s paddles are designed to last. We’re proud to get the ‘woah’ factor with our paddles - you can tell they’re premium from the moment you pick them up. Get yours today for better times on and off court.

In short: yes, especially if you care about performance and feel. Thermoformed paddles, like ours, are heat-pressed during construction. This makes the paddle:

• More durable
• Less likely to delaminate
• More stable on impact (better feel and feedback)

It’s a key difference between high-quality paddles and cheaper models you’ll find in big-box stores.