pickleball swing check/learn/continental grip
What is the continental grip and why use it in pickleball?
Updated October 2026 · 2-minute read
The continental grip is how you hold your pickleball paddle so one grip works for all shots. Hold it like a hammer, with the V of your thumb and index finger on top of the paddle edge. This lets you hit both forehands and backhands without changing your grip.
How to tell
- You keep changing your grip mid-point.
- Your backhand feels weak or awkward.
- You miss volleys because your grip isn't ready.
- Your shots lack consistent power.
Why it matters
Using the continental grip means you don't waste time adjusting your hand. You're always ready for any shot, whether it's a forehand, backhand, or volley. This makes your play faster and more consistent.
The fix
- Hold Paddle. Place your non-hitting hand out, palm up, as if to shake hands.
- Shake Hands. Grip the paddle handle like you're shaking hands with it.
- Hammer V. The V between your thumb and index finger should be on top edge.
One cue makes it click: Hold it like a hammer, V on top.
2-minute drill
Practice this grip at home, no ball needed.
- Hold your paddle, check the V is on top.
- Shadow swing forehands, then backhands, keeping the same grip.
- Repeat 20 times, feeling the paddle face angle.
Check yours in 10 seconds
Not sure if it's you? Film a 10-second shadow swing and the free Pickleball Swing Check will tell you — it gives you one thing to work on.