Beginnergrip

The continental grip and ready position: your home base

Every shot in pickleball starts from a home base (the continental grip plus an athletic ready stance), and most rec players have never set one up deliberately. Get this right and you'll react faster, switch between forehand and backhand without fumbling, and look like you actually know what you're doing.

Watch: Why 90% of Pickleball Players Hold Their Paddle Wrong
9 min
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Key takeaways

  • Continental grip: hold the paddle like a hammer, with the V between thumb and index finger pointing up the edge of the handle.
  • The paddle lives in front of your chest, not hanging at your hip. Paddle up is non-negotiable.
  • Feet shoulder-width apart, weight forward on the balls of your feet, a soft bend in both knees.
  • Relax your grip pressure; a tight death-grip slows your reaction and tires your hand fast.
  • Reset to this exact position after every single shot; it's a habit, not a starting stance.

Drill to try

Stand at the kitchen and have a partner feed 10 random balls to alternating sides. Your only job: return to ready position (paddle up, continental grip, soft knees) before each ball arrives.

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