Abstract: A pickleball paddle. The paddle includes a ball striking portion, or head, and a handle. A first planar face resides on a first side of the head, and a second planar face resides on a second side of the head opposite the first side. The paddle also includes a transition portion comprising a frame. In one aspect, the frame comprises two members that extend into the handle, and that also extend up to the head and form a hoop around the head. Preferably, the frame forms an open throat at the transition section, between the two frame members. The first planar face has a control response and a power response, while the second planar face also has a control response and a power response. In one arrangement, the control response of the first face is greater than the control response of the second face.