How to Hold a Padel Racket: Continental Grip Explained for Beginners & Pros
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Padel Technique · Grip Fundamentals
Last updated: · Corcuera Padel Club · Reading time: ~6–8 mins
The continental grip (the “hammer grip”) is padel’s most important foundational grip for volleys, serves, overheads (bandeja/víbora/martillo) and wall defence because it keeps your wrist stable and reduces grip changes under pressure.
New to padel? How Do I Get Started Playing Padel? | Rules refresher: Padel Rules (Beginner Guide) | Explore: Padel Knowledge Hub
Quick Answer: What is the continental grip in padel?
The continental grip in padel is a neutral grip where the V between your thumb and index finger sits on the top bevel of the handle (often described as bevel 2 for right-handers). It’s the most versatile grip because you can play forehand, backhand, volleys and defensive blocks without constantly switching grip.
- Best for: volleys, blocks, serves, bandeja/víbora/martillo, glass rebounds
- Feels like: holding a hammer (firm, but not tense)
- Fastest win: quicker reactions at the net because you stop re-gripping mid-point
What is the continental grip?
The continental grip is a neutral padel racket grip that sits between forehand and backhand hand positions. Instead of rotating your hand for different shots, you keep one reliable grip and adjust your racket face, contact point and footwork. In padel - where rallies are fast and rebounds off glass arrive quickly - this gives you consistency and speed.
Why the continental grip matters in padel (not tennis)
Many players come from tennis and instinctively use a strong forehand grip. In padel, that often 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 and switching your hand position.
- More control: stable wrist = fewer “floaty” volleys.
- Faster reactions: no time wasted re-gripping.
- Better overheads: supports slice-based padel overheads.
- Cleaner defence: easier to guide wall rebounds.
Pair this grip guide with your next two essentials: Master the Volley in Padel and Perfect the Lob in Padel.
How to hold the continental grip (step-by-step)
Step 1: Use the “hammer” cue
Hold the racket as if you’re holding a hammer. Your wrist should feel stable — not rigid. This is your default padel hand position.
Step 2: Find the “V” position (bevel reference)
Look at the V between your thumb and index finger. In a continental grip, that V sits on the top bevel of the handle (often described as bevel 2 for right-handers).
Left-handers: same concept — mirror the position.
Step 3: Use the “two contact points” check (stops drifting)
A strong continental grip has two reliable reference points: (1) the base knuckle of your index finger and (2) your heel pad (the fleshy part of the palm) contacting the top bevel area. This prevents your grip drifting into a tennis-style forehand grip in fast rallies.
Step 4: Thumb & fingers (touch + control)
- Thumb: rests comfortably along the back/side of the handle (not wrapped aggressively).
- Fingers: wrap naturally around the handle; avoid sticking the index finger straight out.
- Feel cue: keep a small relaxed “gap” feeling — it improves touch and wrist mobility.
Micro-reset between points (10 seconds): loosen fingers → re-seat the V → return to ready position. This single habit keeps the grip consistent in real matches.
Grip pressure: the #1 reason the continental grip breaks
Most “bad grip” problems are really pressure problems. When tension rises, players squeeze harder — the wrist locks and volleys spray. The fix is simple: stay relaxed between shots and firm up only at contact.
- Rule of thumb: about 5/10 pressure in rallies.
- At impact: tighten slightly for control, then relax again.
- Practical tip: if the handle slips, add an overgrip rather than death-gripping.
When to use it: volleys, serves, overheads, walls
Volleys & net exchanges
Continental is padel’s default volley grip because it stabilises the face for blocks and fast reactions. Go deeper here: How to Master the Volley in Padel.
Serves & returns
Padel serves are underarm and placement-led. A neutral grip helps keep direction consistent — especially under pressure. Rules context: Padel Rules Guide.
Overheads: bandeja, víbora, martillo
Slice-style overheads are a hallmark of padel, and continental supports them naturally. Use these shot guides as examples (and link them back to this page where they mention “continental grip”): Mastering the Bandeja, Mastering the Vibora, Mastering the Martillo.
Wall defence (glass rebounds)
Off the glass, you often guide and block rather than swing big. Continental helps keep the face under control when 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 (forehand-style) | Some drive shots and spin-led forehands | Easy to “feel” spin on certain swings | Can reduce volley stability and slow net reactions |
Most padel players keep continental as their base grip and make small adjustments when needed. If you’re a beginner, your fastest improvement comes from one stable grip and clean fundamentals.
Common mistakes (and quick fixes)
| Mistake | What happens | Quick fix |
|---|---|---|
| Grip too tight | Locked wrist, tense volleys, poor touch | Use 5/10 pressure; relax between shots |
| V drifts into forehand grip | Floaty volleys, inconsistent blocks | Reset the V on the top bevel; shadow 3 compact volleys |
| Index finger extended | Less stability on blocks and fast volleys | Wrap all fingers naturally around the handle |
| Big volley swings | Late contact + loss of control | Short swing: set the face early and “block + place” |
| Switching grips mid-rally | Slower reactions at the net | Commit to continental for 2 full practice sessions |
Best drills to master the grip fast
1) Wall drill (2 minutes)
- Rally gently against a wall.
- Rule: no grip changes — stay continental throughout.
- Focus on centred contact and a stable face.
2) Volley “freeze” drill (5 minutes)
- Volley slowly with a partner.
- After each volley, freeze for 1 second.
- Check: V position correct? Face stable? Swing compact?
3) Serve + first volley pattern (10 minutes)
- Serve underarm with placement.
- Move forward and play a controlled first volley.
- Goal: make continental your default under pressure.
Want one more “confidence builder”? Keep this open: Padel Vocabulary Guide (Spanish terms).
FAQs: Continental Grip in Padel
➕ What is the continental grip in padel?
The continental grip is a neutral “hammer” grip where the V between your thumb and index finger sits on the top bevel of the handle. It’s the most versatile padel grip for volleys, serves, overheads and defence.
➕ Is the continental grip best for beginners?
Yes. It stabilises the racket face and reduces the need to switch grips mid-point, which improves reaction speed at the net.
➕ Why does it feel weird if I come from tennis?
Tennis players often drift into a stronger forehand grip. In padel, that can hurt volleys and blocks. Focus on the V position and compact swings for 2–3 sessions and it becomes natural quickly.
➕ Do pros use the continental grip?
Yes. Most high-level padel players use continental as their base grip for net play and overheads, with only small adjustments when required.
➕ How tight should I hold the padel racket?
Aim for about 5/10 grip pressure in rallies. Tighten slightly at contact for control, then relax again to keep touch and wrist mobility.
➕ What’s the best next skill after learning the grip?
Volleys. Once your grip is stable, your volley becomes simpler and more consistent. Read: How to Master the Volley in Padel.
Related Corcuera guides (build your fundamentals stack)
- How to Master the Volley in Padel
- How to Perfect the Lob in Padel
- Mastering the Bandeja Shot
- Mastering the Vibora Shot
- Mastering the Martillo
- Padel Vocabulary Guide
Pro move: On the bandeja/víbora/martillo posts, link the words “continental grip” back to this article to strengthen topical authority.
Conclusion
The continental grip is your padel foundation: stable wrist, faster net reactions, cleaner overheads and better defence off glass. Keep the V on the top bevel, stay relaxed at 5/10 pressure, and run the drills for two weeks — you’ll feel a step change.
Disclaimer: This guide is educational and not a substitute for coaching. If you have pain or a recurring injury, stop and seek professional advice.