Continental Grip
Also known as: grip continental, hammer grip
The Continental Grip is padel's most versatile hold and the recommended default. Forehands, backhands, volleys and serves all come off it without the hand moving.
To find it, place the base knuckle of the index finger on bevel 2 of the racket handle. Bevel 2 is the upper right bevel when holding the racket flat. This "shake-hands" position produces a naturally open or neutral face for forehands, backhands, volleys, and serves. Padel exchanges in the net zone happen fast and leave almost no time to move the hand. That makes the Continental the practical choice at every level. Some players modify slightly for heavy topspin drives, but this remains the foundation everything else is taught from.
Set the hand once at the start of every session — index-finger base knuckle on the upper-right bevel — then leave it there for the whole session. This builds consistency through repetition before any tactical thinking.
Practice serving and volleying in a single rapid exchange without looking at your hand — if the volley face angle matches the serve, the hold is automatic and will not break down under pressure.
Example
Holding one position throughout a net exchange, the player transitions seamlessly from a forehand volley to a backhand block to a smash without adjusting the hand.
Why it matters
Moving the hand under pressure causes mishits and timing failures. Motion Lab does not read your grip or the racket face. As a result, check on video that your hand stays in the same place across shot types.
How it shows up on video
In video, look at the racket-face angle on volleys and serves. A consistent hold produces a slightly open or neutral face on both wings with no visible hand adjustment between shots. Changes show up as small pauses between shots, a re-seating motion visible at the base of the handle, or uneven face angles on the same shot type.
Common mistakes
- Shifting to a more closed forehand hold for drives and then struggling to reopen in time for the next volley.
- Gripping the racket too tightly, creating tension through the forearm that reduces feel on volleys and soft shots.
- Using it on all shots but placing the base knuckle on the wrong bevel, slightly closing or opening the face beyond the neutral range.
- Abandoning it under pressure in favour of a closed hold that feels more powerful but severely limits shot variety.
In SwingVantage Motion Lab
Motion Lab does not measure the racket face, so it cannot infer your grip from it. On video, check for a face 5 to 15 degrees open at contact on volleys, serves and overheads. A consistent angle confirms the grip.
Frequently asked questions
Should the smash be hit differently?
No. The same hold works for padel smashes. A more closed hand can add power but limits variety, and most coaches recommend against it.
Related terms
- Backhand GripThe Backhand Grip in padel is the Continental turned slightly toward an Eastern Backhand. Some players use it for more topspin and racket-face stability on backhand drives.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Related guides & benchmarks
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