Padel Grip Guide
The continental grip is the foundation of all padel technique. Get it right from day one and every other skill — volleys, overheads, wall play — becomes easier to learn. Plus: everything you need to know about overgrips, grip size, and grip replacement.
The short answer
Use the continental grip. Hold the racket as if shaking hands with it — index knuckle on the top bevel. This is the grip used by every professional padel player for virtually every shot. If you're coming from tennis, resist the urge to use your forehand grip.
Grip types compared
Continental grip
RecommendedThe continental grip is the standard grip for padel. Your hand is positioned as if you were shaking hands with the racket — the index knuckle aligns with the top bevel of the handle. It allows you to switch between forehand and backhand quickly and is essential for overhead shots.
How to find it
- 1.Hold the racket with the face perpendicular to the floor (edge facing up)
- 2.Place your hand as if you're going to shake hands with the handle
- 3.Your thumb and index finger form a V along the top bevel of the handle
- 4.The grip should feel firm but not tight — relaxed at rest, firm at contact
Best for
All shots, especially volleys, overheads (bandeja, smash), and serves
Used by
Almost all professional padel players
Eastern grip (semi-western)
The eastern grip rotates the hand slightly towards the forehand, similar to a tennis forehand grip. It provides more topspin and power on groundstrokes but makes overhead shots and volleys harder to execute cleanly.
How to find it
- 1.Start from continental, rotate your hand slightly clockwise (for right-handers)
- 2.The V formed by thumb and index finger shifts to the upper-right bevel
- 3.Feels natural for players coming from tennis
Best for
Players transitioning from tennis who rely heavily on groundstrokes
Used by
Some beginners transitioning from tennis
Two-handed backhand grip
Some beginners add a second hand on the backhand side for stability. While it can help initially, it limits reach and wrist flexibility in padel — especially for wall exits and low volleys.
How to find it
- 1.Continental grip with the dominant hand
- 2.Non-dominant hand placed above, similar to a two-handed tennis backhand
Best for
Absolute beginners who need extra stability on the backhand
Used by
Beginners only
Overgrip guide
Almost every padel player uses an overgrip over the manufacturer's base grip. Here's everything you need to know.
What is an overgrip?
An overgrip is a thin layer of tape wrapped over the base grip of your padel racket. It absorbs sweat, adds thickness, and provides a fresh feel. Most padel players use overgrips and replace them every few sessions rather than replacing the base grip.
How often should you replace your overgrip?
Replace your overgrip every 3–5 sessions, or when it starts to feel slippery, compressed, or loses its tackiness. A worn overgrip causes you to grip too hard to compensate — which leads to arm fatigue and technical errors.
How to apply an overgrip
Start from the base of the handle at the butt cap. Wrap upward at a 45-degree angle, overlapping by 3–5mm with each pass. Pull gently as you wrap to keep it tight and even. Secure with the adhesive strip at the top and trim any excess.
Tacky vs dry overgrip
Tacky overgrips (e.g. Wilson Pro Overgrip) feel sticky and give a secure hold — preferred in dry conditions or for players with dry hands. Dry/absorbent overgrips (e.g. Tourna Grip) absorb sweat more effectively — better for humid conditions or sweaty palms.
Should you use one or two overgrips?
Start with one overgrip. If the handle feels too thin and slips in your hand, add a second. If you play with gloves, one overgrip is usually sufficient. Most players use one overgrip over the manufacturer's base grip.
Grip size guide
| Size | Circumference | Suited to |
|---|---|---|
| L0 / 4 | 4 inches (10.2cm) | Juniors, players with smaller hands |
| L1 / 4⅛ | 4⅛ inches (10.5cm) | Women, smaller adult hands |
| L2 / 4¼ | 4¼ inches (10.8cm) | Most women, some men |
| L3 / 4⅜ | 4⅜ inches (11.1cm) | Most men |
| L4 / 4½ | 4½ inches (11.4cm) | Men with larger hands |
The finger test:When holding the racket in a continental grip, there should be about one finger's width of space between your fingertips and the base of your palm. If your fingers dig into your palm, go up a size. If there's too much space, go down. When in doubt, go smaller — you can always add an overgrip to increase thickness.
Related guides
Padel Racket Guide
Round vs diamond vs teardrop shapes explained.
ReadEquipment Guide
All padel gear — rackets, shoes, balls, accessories.
ReadPadel Shots Guide
Continental grip in action — bandeja, gancho, smash.
ReadTechniques Guide
Full guide to every padel technique.
ReadBeginner Guide
Everything a new padel player needs to know.
ReadFind a Coach
Get your grip checked by a verified padel coach.
ReadRecommended grips & overgrips
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Wilson Pro Overgrip (12-pack)
Thin, tacky overgrip used by pros across racquet sports. Replace every 3–5 sessions.
Hesacore Tour Grip
Honeycomb-structured base grip that reduces vibration and improves ergonomics. Popular in the WPT.