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Pole effect

The pole effect refers to when a racket wobbles on its vertical axis.
Updated
•
August 31, 2024
Pole effect

Pole effect key takeaways

  • Light rackets often exhibit a pole effect
  • The pole effect can tire and irritate your wrist
  • This happens to many rackets when blocking hard shots, e.g. bajadas, at the net

What is the pole effect in padel rackets?

The pole effect is a negative result of playing with a light racket. When missing the center of the sweet spot with a light racket, the racket often rotates on its axis. This rotation can irritate the player's wrist when it occurs repeatedly.

A racket's center of mass moves up the center of its vertical axis, so when the blocks a hard ball with the side of the racket face of a light racket, they will notice the pole effect.

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FAQs

What is the pole effect?

When the racket rotates due to the player making contact with the ball on the side of the racket face. This is more common with lightweight rackets.

What can I do to avoid the pole effect of padel rackets?

The pole effect is a normal part of playing and not totally avoidable, but playing with a heavier racket and making contact in the center of the racket face will reduce this sensation.

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