When starting out in padel, one of the fundamentals that people often get wrong (or just ignore) is the grip on the racket. Often this is because they have previously held a tennis or squash racket, and assume the grip is the same, which is a fair assumption. 

‍

In padel, as with any racket sport, the grip you use can make a significant impact on your performance. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, understanding the three main grips in padel - Continental, Eastern, and Western - can help you improve your game. 

Generally, the Continental grip is your go-to for nearly all shot types and situations in padel. However, as your game becomes more advanced, there are slight variations on the grip which can give you a bit more control or power. Here’s a quick breakdown of each grip:

‍

‍Continental Grip

The continental grip in padel is a fundamental grip used for most shots, and it's often referred to as the "shaking hands" or "hammer grip" because it feels like holding a hammer. So imagine you are hammering a nail into a piece of wood with the edge or side (not the playing surface) of your racket, and you’ve got it! The V-shape between your thumb and index finger should be in the middle of the grip. This grip offers versatility and control, making it suitable for most shots including forehand, backhand and volley. If you’re a beginner, just stick with this grip to begin with, and you won’t go far wrong.

‍

Eastern Grip

The eastern grip is mostly used by more advanced players for topspin forehand shots, offering more power and spin than the continental. To find this grip, it is a slight move to the right, or east of the grip (for right-handers), so position the base knuckle of your index finger on the third bevel of the racket (a note on bevels: your racket handle is an octagonal shape. The bevels are the sides of this octagon, numbered 1 through 8, clockwise for right-handed players).

‍

Western Grip

The western grip is used primarily by advanced players for some overhead shots (smash and viboras) and can help generate more spin and power. To find this grip, start with the continental grip, and move the V-shape between your thumb and index finger slightly to the left (for right handers), or to the west. 

‍

If the above is in any way confusing, let Coach Juan show you how it’s done here!

‍