Padel Grip Guide: How to Hold Your Racket Correctly

The Continental Grip: Your Default

Hold the racket like you're shaking hands with it — the V formed by your thumb and index finger should align with the top edge of the racket frame. This grip allows you to hit volleys, serves, smashes, bandejas, and most shots without changing hand position.

Why Continental Works for Padel

Rallies move fast and there isn't time to change grips between forehand and backhand volleys. The continental grip is neutral and creates the slight open racket face needed for slice shots.

Grip Pressure

Maintain about 4-5 out of 10 during rallies, tightening to 7-8 only at contact. A death grip causes arm fatigue and reduces touch.

The Wrist Strap

Always use it. It's mandatory in most facilities for safety. Loop it around your wrist before play.

Eastern Grip for Ground Strokes

Some players switch to eastern forehand for baseline ground strokes. However, many successful players use continental for everything. Master continental first.

Overgrips and Maintenance

Change your overgrip every 3-5 sessions or whenever it becomes slick. Keep a spare in your bag.

Grip Size

To check: hold the racket and fit your opposite index finger between fingertips and palm. One finger width of space is correct. Too small forces harder squeezing. Too large reduces wrist mobility.