PadelPadel Grip Technique: The Continental Grip Explained
By Theo Diether · Published 23/07/2026 · 2 min read
Before racket shape or hardness even come into play, something far more fundamental decides how you play: how you hold the racket. Most beginner mistakes on forehand, backhand and volley come down to a wrong grip, and yet the fix can be learned in a few minutes.
The Continental Grip: the only grip you need
Unlike in tennis, where you switch between several grips depending on the shot, in padel you get through almost every situation with a single grip: the Continental Grip.
Here is how to find it:
Hold it like a hammer
Your hand grips from above.
The V on the top edge
The V between thumb and index finger sits on the top edge of the handle, not on the side.
Wrap right round
All fingers wrap fully around the handle, with the heel of your hand resting on the bottom end.
The big advantage
You don't have to change grip between forehand, backhand, volley and defensive blocks. In fast rallies at the net, that saves exactly the time you would otherwise be missing.
The most common grip mistakes
Gripping too low
Your little finger hangs below the end of the handle and the racket becomes unstable.
Gripping too high
The handle sticks out of the bottom of your hand and you lose leverage.
A tense grip
It locks the wrist, makes shots less accurate and tires the forearm faster (see also our guide Padel rackets for tennis elbow).
Gripping too tightly all the time
Hold the racket loosely between shots and squeeze firmly only at the moment of contact. A constant, cramped grip is one of the main reasons for forearm complaints among beginners.
Why the overgrip is more than cosmetics
A good overgrip directly affects how securely you hold the racket, especially with sweaty hands or in a warm hall. Overgrips that are too thin or soaked with sweat make you grip harder without noticing, to keep control: exactly the tense grip you want to avoid.
Overgrips in the price comparison
Next step
Once your grip is right, the difference between racket shapes becomes much more noticeable. If you are still unsure which model suits you, our Racket Finder gives you a recommendation in 7 questions, or you can first read up on which shape suits your own playing style.