Continental grip: versatility and wrist mobility

What this lesson covers

The continental grip, often called the shaking hands or hammer grip, provides full mobility of the wrist. This range of motion allows a player to pronate and supinate, which is necessary to execute every shot in the game, including the forehand, backhand, bandeja, vibora, and smash. A simple test to identify this grip involves hitting balls on both sides of the racket; if both feel comfortable without excessive wrist strain, the player is likely using a continental grip.

While some professional players use variations like an eastern forehand or eastern backhand grip, these require specific adjustments to contact points. For instance, a player using an eastern backhand grip must wait longer to hit a forehand volley to avoid breaking the wrist. Coaches recommend the continental grip because it simplifies the game and prevents the wrist stress or potential injuries associated with extreme grips. For most players, learning the continental grip is the most effective path to developing a complete game, as it removes the need to adjust the grip during fast-paced rallies.