How to Hold a Padel Racket: Continental Grip Explained for Beginners & Pros
Padel technique · Grip fundamentals · Updated June 2026
Quick answer: what grip should you use for padel volleys?
The best grip for padel volleys is the continental grip, often called the hammer grip. It keeps the racket face stable, helps you block fast balls at the net and reduces the need to change grip between volleys, serves, bandejas and defensive shots off the glass.
The continental grip is padel’s most important foundational grip. It is used for volleys, serves, overheads such as the bandeja and víbora, and many defensive shots off the back glass. The key cue is simple: hold the racket like a hammer, with the V between your thumb and index finger sitting on the top bevel of the handle.
New to padel? Start with our complete beginner’s guide for everything you need before your first session.
How to hold the continental grip
Why the continental grip matters in padel
Many players arrive from tennis and instinctively use a strong forehand grip. In padel, that causes problems at the net and off the glass. The continental grip keeps your racket face stable so you can block, volley and defend without panicking or changing grip too late.
- More control: a stable wrist means fewer floaty volleys.
- Faster reactions: you do not waste time re-gripping between shots.
- Better overheads: it supports slice-based bandejas, víboras and controlled smashes.
- Cleaner defence: it makes glass rebounds easier to guide.
Padel volley grip: why continental is recommended
For most padel volleys, the continental grip is recommended because it lets you keep the racket face neutral and compact. At the net, there is rarely time for a big swing or a grip change. A continental grip helps you block, guide and redirect the ball with a short movement.
If you use a strong forehand grip for volleys, the racket face can close too much and send the ball into the net. If the grip opens too far, volleys can float long. The continental grip gives beginners and improving players a more stable middle position.
- Forehand volley: keep the wrist firm and punch through the ball.
- Backhand volley: use the same grip and turn your shoulders early.
- Fast exchanges: keep the racket in front and avoid changing grip.
- Low volleys: soften the hand slightly and guide the ball deep.
When to use the continental grip
- Volleys: stabilises the racket face for blocks, fast reactions and net exchanges.
- Serves: keeps the face neutral and helps with direction.
- Overheads: works as the base grip for the bandeja, víbora and controlled smash.
- Wall defence: keeps the face under control when glass rebounds are awkward.
Continental grip for left-handed players
Left-handed players use the same principle: hold the racket like a hammer and place the V between the thumb and index finger on the top bevel. The feeling should be neutral, with the racket face stable rather than twisted into a strong forehand position.
Continental vs Eastern grip in padel
| Grip | Best for | Strength | Watch-out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continental | Volleys, blocks, serves, overheads, wall defence | Fast reactions and minimal grip changes | Feels unfamiliar for tennis converts at first |
| Eastern | Some drive shots and spin-led forehands | Easy to feel spin | Can reduce volley stability at the net |
Common mistakes and quick fixes
| Mistake | What happens | Quick fix |
|---|---|---|
| Grip too tight | Locked wrist and poor touch | Use 5/10 pressure in rallies |
| V drifts into forehand grip | Floaty volleys and late contact | Reset the V on the top bevel between points |
| Index finger extended | Less stability through contact | Wrap all fingers naturally around the handle |
| Big volley swings | Late contact and uncontrolled direction | Short swing: block and place, do not swing |
| Switching grips mid-rally | Slower reactions at net | Commit to continental for two full sessions |
Three drills to master the grip fast
- Wall drill: rally against a wall for two minutes with no grip changes. Focus on centred contact.
- Volley freeze drill: volley slowly with a partner, freeze after each shot and check the V position.
- Serve and first volley: serve underarm, move forward and play a controlled first volley. Repeat for 10 minutes.
- Complete beginner’s guide to padel
- How to master the volley in padel
- How to master the bandeja shot
- What are the main shots in padel?
- How do I get started playing padel?
What to wear for your first padel sessions
You do not need specialist clothing for your first game, but breathable kit helps you move freely when you are learning volleys, serves and overheads. Choose lightweight tops, comfortable shorts or leggings, and court shoes with good lateral support.
Frequently asked questions
What is the continental grip in padel?
It is a neutral hammer-style grip where the V between your thumb and index finger sits on the top bevel of the handle. It is the most versatile padel grip for volleys, serves, overheads and wall defence.
Is the continental grip best for padel volleys?
Yes. The continental grip is recommended for padel volleys because it keeps the racket face stable and lets you react quickly at the net without changing grip.
Is the continental grip best for beginners?
Yes. It stabilises the racket face, reduces grip changes and improves reaction speed. It can feel unfamiliar at first, especially for tennis players, but it becomes natural with repetition.
How tight should I hold the padel racket?
Use about 5/10 pressure during rallies. Tighten slightly at contact, then relax again. If the handle slips, add an overgrip rather than squeezing harder.
Do padel pros use the continental grip?
Most high-level players use continental as their base grip for net play, volleys and overheads. Some adjust slightly for specific drive shots, but continental is the foundation.
Why does the continental grip feel strange coming from tennis?
Tennis players often drift into a forehand grip. In padel, that makes volleys and glass defence harder. Focus on the V position and compact volleys for two to three sessions.