Continental grip technique and practice

What this lesson covers

The continental grip serves as the foundation for all padel shots. Often described as a handshake or chopping grip, it allows for consistency across forehands, backhands, volleys, and bandejas. Players transitioning from tennis may struggle with extreme grips, but a slight adjustment toward a forehand or backhand variation is acceptable at the back of the court. This adjustment must never occur at the net, where reaction time is limited and the continental grip is mandatory.

Effective grip management requires active use of the left hand. Between shots, the left hand holds the throat of the racket, allowing the right hand to remain loose and make necessary adjustments. The right hand should only squeeze firmly during the take-back and at the moment of contact to prevent the racket head from wobbling. Practicing against a wall in a controlled environment helps build confidence. By standing two or three meters from a wall and hitting forehands and backhands while maintaining the continental grip, players develop the necessary control and muscle memory to apply this technique during match play.