TechniqueThe Beach Tennis Grip

One grip does everything in beach tennis. Here is which, and how to hold the paddle.

ContinentalOne gripNet play

In beach tennis nearly everyone uses a single continental grip (the "handshake" grip) for the forehand, backhand, serve, and volley. The fast, no-bounce, net-based game leaves no time to switch grips, so one versatile grip is the standard.

Holding the Paddle.

Find the continental grip by "shaking hands" with the paddle. the base knuckle of your index finger sits on the top-right bevel (for a right-hander). It gives a neutral face that handles low volleys, high smashes, and both wings without changing.

Common mistakes: gripping too tightly (kills touch on volleys), using a forehand (eastern/semi-western) grip that forces a slow switch for the backhand, and choking up too far. Keep it relaxed and ready. See beginner tips.

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Common Questions.

The continental ("handshake") grip, for forehand, backhand, serve, and volley. one grip for everything, because the fast pace leaves no time to switch.

Shake hands with the paddle so your index-finger base knuckle sits on the top-right bevel (right-hander). keep the grip relaxed for touch.

No. learn one continental grip and use it for everything. switching grips mid-rally is too slow for the no-bounce game.

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