Backhand Grip
Also known as: grip de revés, eastern backhand grip padel
The Backhand Grip in padel is a slight rotation of the Continental toward the Eastern Backhand position, used by some players to generate more topspin and racket-face stability on two-handed or single-handed backhand drives.
While the Continental is adequate for backhand volleys and defensive shots, some players rotate slightly toward the Eastern Backhand (base knuckle on bevel 1) to close the face marginally and enable brushed topspin drives from the baseline. This grip modification is optional and most padel coaches recommend mastering the Continental first, adding grip variation only once the fundamentals are solid. The risk of a modified backhand grip is slower transitions: switching from a forehand Continental to a distinct backhand grip during fast net exchanges is unrealistic, so any grip deviation is limited to slower backcourt rallies.
Example
From a settled baseline position, the player rotates to a slight Eastern Backhand grip before driving a two-handed topspin crosscourt — then returns to Continental for the following volley.
Why it matters
Excessive grip changes are a common source of timing errors at intermediate level. SwingVantage analyses your backhand face angle at contact to flag grip inconsistency.
Related terms
- Continental GripThe Continental Grip is the most versatile grip in padel — and the recommended default — allowing players to hit forehands, backhands, volleys, and serves without changing grip between shots.
- Wrist SnapWrist Snap in padel is the rapid rotation of the forearm and wrist through impact used primarily in the vibora, bandeja, and aggressive topspin drives to generate additional pace and spin beyond what arm acceleration alone provides.
- Contact PointContact Point in padel is the position in space — relative to the body and racket face — where the ball and the racket face meet at impact, and is the single most important determinant of shot quality, direction, and consistency.
- Racket PreparationRacket Preparation is the early rotation of the shoulders and positioning of the racket head before the ball arrives — the first technical movement of any padel groundstroke and a prerequisite for consistent, balanced shot-making.
Related guides & benchmarks
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