How To Develop A Killer Padel Serve

The serve in padel may not be as dominant as it is in tennis, but you should not underestimate its importance. A strong, strategic serve can give you a serious edge by putting your opponents immediately on the back foot. 

Whether you're just picking up a racket or looking to sharpen your competitive edge, here are some thoughts from the team at Padel39 about how to develop a serve that will be a real asset to your game.  

1. The basics of the padel serve

Unlike tennis, padel serves must be underhand. That means the ball must be struck at or below waist height after a bounce with typically a continental grip. It must land diagonally in your opponent’s service box. 

Whilst it sounds very simple, which it is in principle, there is more to the art of serving than is immediately apparent.

2. Master the ball drop

A consistent ball drop with your non-dominant hand is the foundation of a reliable serve. Since you’re dropping the ball to bounce on the ground, aim to:

• Keep your toss relaxed, consistent and controlled.
• Drop the ball slightly in front of you, aiming to make contact at the highest point after the bounce.
• Step into the serve as you hit for more power and accuracy.

You need to find a routine and rhythm that feels smooth and relaxed. The objective should be to be able to repeat the same fluid move over and over again.

3. Experiment with placement, pace, and spin

Once you have become comfortable with the basics and are avoiding double faults, start play with variety including:

• Placement. Serve wide to hit the glass after the bounce, especially against weaker players. Use a serve to the Tee to keep the opponents 'honest' and bring variety. And don't ignore the body serve which can jam your opponent and force weaker returns - or provide a safe place for a second serve.
• Pace. While faster, heavier serves might work well against some players, slower serves can often work well against more advanced players. The extra advantage is that a slower serve gives you more time to move towards the net.
• Spin. Most good serves are flat or have slice that delivers some backspin to keep the ball low.
• Alternatives. Consider using your backhand to deliver a serve. While it is slightly more awkward for the ball drop, it can bring variety and some players can be more consistent with their backhand.
  

Changing up placement, pace, and spin on your serve will keep your opponents guessing and gives you the upper hand at the start of the point.

4. Use your serve as a tactical weapon

A padel serve isn’t about trying to ace your opponent. It's about giving you an opportunity to move forward and set up the point. Think two steps ahead. Ask yourself:

Your have complete control of your serve, and delivered correctly, is the first opportunity to construct the point.

5. Drill, drill, drill

As with most padel skills, repetition is key. 

Practice serving from both sides of the court. Try serving 100 balls in a session, focusing on different types of serves and placements. Visualize the ball traveling through the air to your target. Try to film yourself to check form, footwork, and consistency.

You should also try to simulate the pressure of a match when practicing serves in order to build confidence or playing live points with only one serve. 

6. Watch the pros

Top padel players serve with purpose, precision and variety. Nothing they do is random or done on a whim.

You will always learn a lot by watching experienced players on the padel court. Take some time to focus on their serve - tactics, technique, placement, pace - and the second shot they hit. Watch what they do as soon as they have hit the ball. 

Final Thoughts

A killer padel serve is definitely not about brute force - it's about consistency, finesse, control, and strategy. 

With solid fundamentals, tactical thinking and regular practice, your serve will become a real weapon that turns the tide in any match.

So grab your racket, hit the court and start serving like a pro. We look forward to seeing you on court.

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