The perfect grip for your padel racket

March 31, 2026

Control, power, precision. It all starts here: the grip.
Whether you're a beginner playing your first matches or an advanced player, the way you hold your racket can determine the quality of your game, your confidence on the court, and even prevent injuries.

Unlike tennis, where there are numerous grips (eastern, western, semi-western…) and players often change their grip depending on the shot, in padel the range of grips is narrower and the grip is changed much less during play.
This is not just a technical matter, but also a practical necessity: the court is smaller, the game is faster, and the time between shots is reduced.
There is almost never enough time to change grip between a volley and a smash, or between a bandeja and a defensive shot.

For this reason, finding the right grip — stable, versatile, and effective — is even more important.

Why the grip is important in padel

The grip is the first point of contact between you and the racket. Every shot starts there. An incorrect grip can:

Reduce ball control
Generate inaccurate or weak shots
Strain the wrist and arm
Increase the risk of epicondylitis (the famous "tennis elbow")

A correct grip, on the other hand, allows you to:

Adapt to all types of shots (volley, bandeja, vibora, smash)
Maintain flexibility and quickness of movement
Avoid unnecessary muscle tension

The main grips in padel

In padel, two main types of grip are used:

1. Continental (hammer grip)

This is the most common and recommended for most shots.
How to do it:

Imagine gripping the racket as if it were a hammer.
The index finger forms a "V" with the thumb along the handle.

✅ Advantages:

Excellent for volleys, bandejas, smashes, serves, and defense.
Allows for a good transition between shots without changing grip.

2. Eastern (more open grip)

A variation that slightly rotates the hand forward, more common among experienced players to increase spin.

✅ Advantages:

More topspin and power in attacking shots.
Ideal for those who already have full control of their technique.

⚠️ Caution: requires more technique and wrist strength.

High or low grip? A detail that changes the game

An often-overlooked aspect is the position of the hand on the handle.
More experienced players, with greater technical proficiency, tend to hold the racket lower down, sometimes leaving part of their hand off the handle.

🌀 Why do they do it?

To increase wrist and racket flexibility
To generate more spin (kick) in overhead shots, such as in the x3.
To obtain greater leverage and maximize power

It's an advanced choice, not suitable for beginners, but very effective for those looking for that extra something in decisive shots.

How to tell if you're gripping correctly

A simple trick:

Place the racket vertically on the ground.
Lift it as if it were a carpenter's hammer.
If you feel stability and no tension in your wrist: you're on the right track.

Furthermore:

Your hand should be neither too tight nor too relaxed.
Use a new grip or an overgrip to prevent slipping.
Change your grip regularly: this is also part of the technique!

The perfect grip changes with you

There isn't one "best" grip for everyone.
The important thing is to find one that:

Suits your playing style
Allows you to best express your technique and instinct
Makes you feel in control of every shot

The advice from Tenax coaches? Start with the continental, explore, experiment, observe your shots, and listen to your body. Over time, you'll understand how to adapt your grip to get the best out of every situation.

In conclusion

The racket grip is not just a technical detail: it is the foundation of your game.
Choosing the right one is like choosing the perfect posture: invisible to the eye, but decisive on the court.

And you, have you ever tried changing your grip to improve a shot? Let us know in the comments or tag us on Instagram with your favorite grip!

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about padel grips

🔹 What is the best grip to start playing padel?
The continental grip is the most recommended for beginners: versatile, stable, and suitable for all basic shots.

🔹 Do I need to change my grip for every shot, like in tennis?
No. In padel, given the speed of the game, players tend to maintain the same grip for most situations.

🔹 Can I grip the racket very low?
Yes, many advanced players do this to increase leverage and add more spin to their shots. However, it requires good technique and control.

🔹 How do I know if my grip is wrong?
If you feel wrist tension, poor stability, or pain after playing, your grip is probably incorrect. Try consulting an instructor or returning to the basic grip.

🔹 How often should I change my grip?
It depends on how much you play, but on average every 10-15 hours of play or when you feel the racket slipping more easily.