How to Hold a Padel Racket: Continental Grip Explained for Beginners & Pros
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Padel technique · Grip fundamentals · Updated January 2026
The continental grip (the “hammer grip”) is padel’s most important foundational grip — used for volleys, serves, overheads (bandeja, víbora, martillo) and wall defence. It keeps your wrist stable and eliminates grip changes under pressure. The V between your thumb and index finger sits on the top bevel of the handle (bevel 2 for right-handers).
How to hold the continental grip
Why the continental grip matters in padel
Many players come 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.
- More control: stable wrist means fewer “floaty” volleys
- Faster reactions: no time wasted re-gripping between shots
- Better overheads: supports the slice-based bandeja and víbora
- Cleaner defence: easier to guide wall rebounds accurately
When to use it
- Volleys: continental stabilises the racket face for blocks and fast reactions
- Serves: a neutral grip keeps direction consistent under pressure
- Overheads: the bandeja, víbora and martillo all use continental as the base grip
- Wall defence: continental keeps the face under control when glass rebounds are awkward
Continental vs Eastern grip in padel
| Grip | Best for | Strength | Watch-out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continental | Volleys, blocks, serves, overheads, wall defence | Fast reactions + 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, poor touch | Use 5/10 pressure in rallies |
| V drifts into forehand grip | Floaty volleys, 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, uncontrolled direction | Short swing: block and place, 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 (2 mins): Rally against a wall with no grip changes. Focus on centred contact.
- Volley freeze drill (5 mins): Volley slowly with a partner, freeze after each shot and check the V position.
- Serve + first volley (10 mins): Serve underarm, move forward, play a controlled first volley. Repeat.
- 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?
Play in the right kit
Good grip starts with the right racket — and the right clothing keeps you comfortable on court all session.
Frequently asked questions
What is the continental grip in padel?
A neutral “hammer” grip where the V sits on the top bevel (bevel 2 for right-handers). The most versatile padel grip for volleys, serves, overheads and glass defence.
Is the continental grip best for beginners?
Yes. It stabilises the racket face, reduces grip changes and improves reaction speed at the net. It feels unfamiliar at first for tennis players but becomes natural within two or three sessions.
How tight should I hold the padel racket?
About 5/10 pressure in rallies. Tighten slightly at contact, then relax again. If the handle slips, add an overgrip rather than gripping harder.
Do padel pros use the continental grip?
Yes. Most high-level players use continental as their base grip for net play, volleys and overheads. Some switch to a slightly different grip for specific drive shots.
Why does the continental grip feel weird coming from tennis?
Tennis players typically drift into a forehand grip. The continental feels “backward” at first. Focus on the V position and compact volleys for two to three sessions and it becomes natural.