Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Elongated (16.5"+) | Standard (15.5-16") |
|---|---|---|
| Reach | 1-2 inches longer, better for baseline play | Shorter reach, rely on footwork |
| Sweet Spot | Smaller and shifted toward the top | Larger and more centered |
| Maneuverability | Slower to react at net, wider swing arc | Quick hands, easier paddle flips |
| Power | More leverage on drives and serves | Moderate power, consistent contact |
| Control | Precise when you hit the sweet spot, punishing when you miss | Forgiving on off-center hits |
| Typical Width | 7.3-7.5 inches | 7.8-8.25 inches |
| Best For | Singles, baseliners, tall players | Doubles, net play, beginners |
When Elongated Makes Sense
Elongated paddles shine when you spend a lot of time hitting from the baseline. The extra inch or two of length translates to real reach on groundstrokes, and the added leverage helps with power on drives and serves.
Players who play a lot of singles tend to gravitate toward elongated shapes. The game involves more baseline rallies and fewer kitchen exchanges, which plays to the elongated paddle's strengths while minimizing its weaknesses.
The Reach Advantage
That extra reach matters more than you'd think. Balls that would clip the edge of a standard paddle land cleanly on an elongated face. This is especially noticeable on two-handed backhands and when stretching for wide returns. Taller players with longer arms amplify this benefit even more.
Power Generation
The longer handle and face create a bigger lever arm, which means more head speed with the same swing effort. Serving with an elongated paddle produces noticeably more pace for most players. Drives from the baseline carry more zip too.
When Standard Is the Better Choice
Standard paddles have a wider face, which means a bigger sweet spot. In fast-paced exchanges at the kitchen line where you barely have time to react, that forgiveness matters. A lot.
Doubles players overwhelmingly prefer standard shapes. The game revolves around dinking, blocking, and quick volleys where maneuverability beats reach every time. When someone drives a ball at your chest from 7 feet away, you want a paddle that responds quickly.
The Sweet Spot Difference
Standard paddles typically offer 15-20% more sweet spot area than elongated models. That's not a marketing gimmick. You can feel it on off-center hits. Standard paddles are more forgiving, keeping mishits in play instead of sending them into the net or long.
Net Play and Quick Hands
Less length means less rotational inertia. In plain terms: the paddle is easier to move quickly. During a fast volley exchange, those fractions of a second matter. Players who live at the kitchen line consistently report feeling faster with a standard shape.
Hybrid Shapes: The Middle Ground
Some manufacturers now offer hybrid shapes that split the difference. These paddles are slightly longer than standard but not as narrow as full elongated models. Think 16 to 16.25 inches long with a width around 7.5 to 7.75 inches.
Hybrids work well for players who want a bit of extra reach without sacrificing too much sweet spot. They're a good option if you play both singles and doubles regularly and don't want to carry two different paddles.
The Bottom Line
If you play mostly doubles and spend a lot of time at the kitchen line, go with a standard shape. The bigger sweet spot and quicker maneuverability will serve you better in the shots that matter most.
If you play singles regularly, hit from the baseline frequently, or just want more reach and power on drives, an elongated paddle is worth trying.
Not sure? Start with a standard shape. It's the more forgiving option while you develop your game. You can always switch to elongated later once you know your play style. Going the other direction, from elongated to standard, is an easier transition anyway since you're gaining sweet spot rather than losing it.
Marcus went back to standard and hasn't looked back. But his buddy Kevin plays singles twice a week and swears by his elongated Joola. Different games, different paddles. There's no universal answer here.