How to Hold a Padel Racket: Grips Explained for Beginners
Getting your grip right is the single most useful thing a new padel player can do. The good news: padel uses one main grip for almost everything, so it is quick to learn and it makes every shot easier. Here is how to hold a padel racket the right way.
The continental grip: your default
Hold the racket as if you were shaking hands with it, with the base knuckle of your index finger on the top-left bevel (for a right-hander). This is the continental grip, and it is the foundation of padel. If you imagine holding a hammer to knock in a nail, you are close.
Why one grip works for both sides
The continental grip lets you play forehands, backhands, volleys, and overheads without changing your hand, which matters because padel is fast and there is rarely time to switch. It also opens the racket face slightly, which helps with the slice and control that padel rewards.
Common grip mistakes
Gripping too tight: a tense grip kills touch. Hold firmly but relaxed, and squeeze only at contact.
Using a tennis forehand grip: it closes the face too much for padel's control game.
Changing grips mid-rally: stick with the continental grip and let it do the work.
Overgrip and comfort
A fresh overgrip improves feel and stops the racket slipping, especially in Dubai's heat. Replace it when it gets slick, and use a wrist strap for safety on court.
Practise it
Groove the grip with simple drills and a good serve technique. A coaching session is the fastest way to lock it in from the start.
FAQ
How should I hold a padel racket? Use the continental grip: shake hands with the racket so the face is slightly open. It works for both forehand and backhand.
Is the padel grip the same as tennis? Not quite. Padel favours the continental grip for control and slice, rather than a closed tennis forehand grip.
How tight should I grip? Firm but relaxed. Squeeze slightly at contact and loosen between shots to keep touch.
Get it right from the start. Book coaching or a court at Redline.
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