← Glossary
Equipment
Swing weight
How heavy the paddle feels when swung — a function of mass distribution, not raw weight. High swing weight = more power, slower hands.
Last revised
Swing weight measures how heavy a paddle feels when you swing it — distinct from static weight. A paddle can be 8.0oz on a scale but feel like 10oz to swing if the mass is concentrated in the head.
High swing weight = more power on drives and serves, but slower hand-speed at the net. Low swing weight = faster hands, less raw pop. Tournament-level players often add lead tape to dial in their preferred swing weight.