How to Hold a Padel Racket and Master Your Grip

Welcome, padel enthusiasts! Whether you are new to the exciting world of padel or simply looking to improve your skills, one thing is for certain – the way you hold your padel racket can make all the difference. So, let’s dive into the art of gripping your padel racket like a pro!

Understanding the Basics: What is Padel?

Before we jump right into the nitty-gritty of holding a padel racket, let’s quickly address those who may be unfamiliar with the sport. Padel, often referred to as “the cousin of tennis,” is a thrilling racquet sport that originated in Mexico and quickly gained international popularity. It combines elements of tennis and squash, played in an enclosed court with glass walls and mesh fencing.

Now that we have that covered, let’s focus on the most crucial aspect – how to hold your padel racket correctly.

The Continental Grip

In padel, the grip commonly used by professionals, and a fundamental grip to master, is known as the “continental grip.” To get a feel for this grip, imagine shaking hands with the racket.

Start by placing your non-dominant hand at the base of the handle. Your palm should face upwards, with the racket resting diagonally across your hand. Then, wrap your fingers around the handle, ensuring a firm, but not overly tight, grip.

Next, position your dominant hand on the handle, just above the other hand. Cup your dominant hand, as if you were holding a bird delicately, with your thumb resting against the back of the handle. Your fingers should naturally wrap around the grip, forming a loose but secure clutch.

Remember, padel is about balance and finesse, so avoid gripping the racket too tightly. Maintain a relaxed grip to allow for quick adjustments and precise shots.

Adjusting the Grip for Different Shots

Now that you’ve mastered the continental grip, it’s time to adapt it based on the shots you want to execute. Padel offers a wide variety of strokes – forehand, backhand, volleys, and smashes, just to name a few. Each shot requires a slight modification to your grip to maximize power and accuracy.

For forehand shots, slightly rotate your grip counterclockwise (for right-handed players) or clockwise (for left-handed players). This adjustment allows for a more comfortable swing and greater control over the direction of your shot.

On the other hand (no pun intended), for backhand shots, rotate your grip slightly clockwise (for right-handed players) or counterclockwise (for left-handed players). This modification facilitates a smoother motion and optimal backhand execution.

Volleys, those lightning-fast shots close to the net, require a tightening of your grip. Adjust your hand position slightly lower on the handle to enhance control, enabling quick reaction times and accurate placement.

Lastly, when it’s time to send that decisive smash over the opposition’s heads, shift your grip slightly towards the end of the handle. This maneuver generates additional power, allowing for those exhilarating winners that leave your opponents in awe.

Practice Makes Perfect

Remember, gripping a padel racket is a skill that improves with practice. Take every opportunity to experiment and find what works best for you. As you gain experience and refine your technique, you may even discover your unique grip variations that suit your playing style.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your padel racket and start mastering your grip. Soon enough, you’ll be smashing winners and confidently dominating the padel court like a true pro!