Padel: how to serve well?

In padel, the serve is played underhand, diagonally, after letting the ball bounce once and hitting it below waist height. It is the only shot where you are fully in control of your movement, without pressure from your opponent: make the most of it by varying direction, spin and power, and take the upper hand from the start of the point. A good serve also prepares your move up to the net, a key attacking position in padel.

Key takeaways

• The serve is hit below the waist, diagonally, after a mandatory bounce on the ground.

• Varying the direction (central T, side glass, receiver's body) unsettles the opponent far more than power alone.

• Unlike tennis, the point is rarely won directly from the serve: precision prime over brute force.

• After serving, moving up to the net is systematic in order to take an attacking position.

• Two consecutive service faults (two missed serves) give the point to the opponent.

Table of contents

• Padel serve: the basic rules

• Our tips for serving well in padel

• FAQ

The serve, this crucial shot that starts play in padel, may seem simple and less technical than in tennis. However, do not be fooled: as soon as a padel player improves their level and masters the fundamentals of a good serve, they can quickly gain a considerable advantage in the match. 

In this article, we will reveal the secrets of an effective padel serve. From court positioning to hitting technique and subtle strategies, we will guide you step by step to help you develop a formidable serve. 

Padel serve: the basic rules

Before discovering our tips for improving your serve, you must first make sure you understand the basic rules of padel: 

• The serve must be played diagonally, from the right side to the left side or from the left side to the right side. 
• The server must hit the ball below waist height and let it bounce once before hitting it. 
• The server must position themselves behind the service line and may not cross it before hitting the ball. 
• The ball must pass over the net and land in the opponent's service box. If the ball hits the net then bounces on the ground and then on the side fence, a 2nd serve must be played. If conditions allow you to leave the court to retrieve a smash by 3, then if the ball hits the net and leaves the court through the side gate, the serve must be replayed (let ball). If the ball bounces twice on the court after touching the net or if it bounces on the ground then on a glass wall after touching the net, another serve is also awarded.
• The server must alternate sides after each point scored, starting from the right side. 
• If the serve hits the side glass before touching the ground in the service box, it is considered a fault. In the event of a server fault, such as incorrect foot positioning or a serve out of bounds, a second serve is awarded. If another fault is committed on the 2nd serve, the point is won by the opponent. 
• The server must comply with the time limit rules, usually a maximum of 25 seconds. 

Our tips for serving well in padel

Position yourself correctly

The ideal position for your padel serve involves several key steps. 

When preparing the shot, position your feet so that your toes point in the direction you want to send the ball, with the left foot slightly forward (for right-handed players). Bend your knees slightly and raise the racket with your elbow at shoulder height, using a hammer grip, also known as the continental grip.

Drop the padel ball  to your right (always for right-handed players), and slightly in front of you. Hit it at the highest point without going above waist height. Shift your weight forwards as you hit. The rules require at least one foot to be on the ground at the moment of impact.

To finish the shot, let the racket follow its natural path towards the opposite shoulder. Then, use this momentum to move quickly towards the net and position yourself for the volée. 

This sequence of movements contributes to an ideal serving position, offering power, precision and preparation for the next phase of play.

A good serve also starts with a good grip: if your padel racket is too heavy or poorly balanced for your body type, the precision of your serves will suffer, even with flawless technique.

Choosing your shot strategy

Varying your serve strategy in padel is essential to keep your opponent alert and maximise your chances of success. By alternating between short, long, fast or spin serves, you can unsettle your opponent, prevent them from settling into their game and create opportunities to take control of the point from the outset. 

Shot direction

For a successful padel serve, it is crucial to vary the direction of the shot in order to keep your opponent uncertain about their position. Generally, when serving from the right side, alternate between the central "T" and the side glass. From the left side, favour the side glass to limit your opponent's effective service returns. In addition, occasionally surprising the receiver by serving powerfully at their body can cause your opponents to make errors.

Spin

Ideally, try to give the ball backspin or topspin so that the bounce surprises your opponent.

Power

Although a powerful, fast serve is more likely to unsettle the receiver, do not hesitate to vary this parameter throughout the match.

Managing your effort to stay strategic

It is essential to manage your effort when serving. It is better to conserve your energy by using a more controlled serving technique rather than focusing solely on power. Unlike tennis, the point is rarely won directly from the serve.

By controlling the power of the shot, you can target specific areas of the court, create difficult angles for your opponent and minimise errors. This approach allows you to remain precise and keep control of play, favouring a tactical strategy rather than brute force.

Communicate with your playing partner

Do not forget, padel is a team sport, so communication is of vital importance during a padel match. By establishing a constant dialogue and supporting each other, you increase your chances of winning the match. 

Before serving, you can communicate about the direction of your serve, the intended play or the type of return to be played. During the point, you can inform your partner about the opponents' positions, for example. If this understanding takes time to develop, our article on mental preparation in padel offers exercises to strengthen confidence and communication in doubles.

Preparing your arm before serving

The serving motion places considerable strain on the shoulder and wrist, in a movement repeated several times per set. Before stepping onto the court, a few arm rotations and practice serves in the air can help avoid unnecessary tension: our guide to warming up for padel details a complete routine of cardio, mobilisation and technical drills, to adapt depending on whether you are playing a training session or a match.

FAQ

Who serves first in padel?

In friendly matches, the deciding-point method is generally used. Once all four players have touched the ball, the team that wins this point serves first. However, at the start of an official match, a draw is held to determine which team serves first and has the right to choose its side of the court. 

 

How do you return a serve in padel?

The serve must be returned after the first bounce: returning it with a volée is prohibited. The ball must be sent back to the opponent's side before a second bounce on the ground, but it may make a second bounce off one of the court walls. The player returning the first serve of the match (on the right) must continue to serve in the same diagonal for at least the entire first set. Players may then change diagonals at the start of each new set. 

How should you serve in padel?

In padel, the serve is played diagonally from the service box. The server must bounce the ball once in their own half of the court before hitting it. The shot must be made below or at waist level and diagonally towards the opponent's service box. The serve alternates between the two receivers after each point scored.

How do you move up to the net after a serve?

After serving in padel, it is strongly recommended to move towards the net to take an attacking position. You will then be ready to intercept balls that bounce near the net and attack them with a volée. This position allows you to put extra pressure on your opponent by controlling play and looking to finish the point quickly.

What should you do in the event of a double fault on serve?

As in tennis, a double fault (two consecutive missed serves on the same point) automatically gives the point to the opposing team. To avoid it, it is better to secure a less powerful but reliable first serve, while becoming more aggressive on subsequent points once you are confident.

Can the padel serve be an attacking weapon?

Yes, even if the point rarely ends directly from it. A serve varied in direction and spin forces the returner to adapt constantly, opening up angles for the next volée and making it easier for your team to take the net.