How to hold the padel racket is one of the main questions amateur players have. There is no single way to hold the racket, and, to a large extent, it depends on the type of grip you choose.
Choosing one grip or the other when making a shot affects the way we hit the ball, the way we put spin on it, the power and direction we give the ball... It can even affect the type of injury that can result from choosing the wrong grip.
As players reach higher and higher levels, they incorporate new and different types of grips. Nonetheless, they tend to all be based on three main types of grips, of which the continental grip is the most common.
- The continental grip (or hammer) is the most common and versatile. When you hold the padel racket using the continental grip, you hold it as if you were holding a hammer or saluting. This grip comes from tennis and can be used for any type of shot. It makes playing and reacting easier, because you don't need to change grips with each shot.
- The grip is on the right. This way of holding the racket allows you to execute powerful flat forehands, although it also allows for topspin. It is also used on backhand volleys, smashes and even to hit a lob.
- The Eastern backhand grip is the one typically used for the flat backhand shot, also allowing attack or finishing shots, the topspin shot and the X3 shot. It is also used to defend very low balls.