Padel Serving

The serve in padel is a critical component of the game. 

While it may not be as dominant as in tennis, a great serve will set the tone for the point and immediately put your opponents under pressure. 

We wanted to share thoughts from the Padel39 team that we hope will help you master your padel serve, whatever your current level. As always, please don’t hesitate to have a chat with any of the team if you are looking for help with any aspect of your game.

1. Understand the rules

First things first - make sure you are familiar with the rules governing serves in padel, as it is not uncommon to see some beginners getting it all wrong, especially if they are tennis players. The rules are simple:

• The server must stand with both feet behind the service line until the ball is struck with an hit underarm serve.
• The ball must be tossed, or bounced, behind the service line
• The ball must be hit at or below the waist level. Commonly, this is considered your 'belly button'. Note, if you crouch down, so does the lgeal hitting point.
• The serve must land in the service box (7mx 5m) diagonally opposite the server. Note that lines count, the ball may not hit the net (that is a let), and may hit the wall (not cage) after the bounce.
• Each player has two chances to serve the ball correctly. If the second serve is a fault, the point goes to the opponents.
• Like tennis, the first serve is always made from the right side, along with even points. The second point is served from the left, alongside odd points. If a 'golden point' is played at deuce (40-40), then it is receivers choice as to which side the point is played.

It is very simple, but don’t hesitate to ask a more experienced player if you are not sure about any aspect of the rules of padel.

2. Master the basics of the padel serve

Before diving into advanced techniques, ensure you have a solid grasp of the fundamentals:

• Starting position: Stand behind the service line, with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your body should be slightly angled, with your non-dominant foot pointing toward the diagonal service box.
• Ball drop: Hold the ball at waist height and toss, drop, or bounce the ball in controlled and consistent manner that enables you to hit the ball at the right height.
• Contact point: Strike the ball at or below waist level, ensuring a clean contact, and a controlled hit.
• Follow-through: Allow your racket to naturally follow through naturally after contact, aiming toward your target.

3. Focus on placement over power

In padel, placement / accuracy overcomes power. A well-placed serve can force your opponents to produce a weak return and/or a defensive position right from the start. Aim for:

• The corners: Targeting the corners of the service box near the glass can make it much harder for your opponent to return effectively.
• Body shots: Aiming at your opponent’s body can be safe and limit their ability to execute an aggressive return.
• T-shots. Keep your opponents 'honest' by using the middle (T) for variation and/or going to their weakness (ie. backhand).

4. Add backspin to your serve

Adding backspin and/or side-spin to your serve can make it more challenging for your opponents to handle. Backspin will keep the ball low and force opponents to hit up. Side-spin can confuses les experienced players, especially when the ball comes off the glass.

Practice these spins to develop consistency and disguise, making it harder for opponents to read your serve and thereby predict where the ball is going.

5. Develop a serve routine

Consistency and repeatability are the keys to a reliable serve, especially on pressure points. Establish a pre-serve routine to help you focus and maintain rhythm. This is a personal consideration, but a routine could include:

• Bouncing the ball a couple of times.
• Taking a deep breath to relax and clear your mind.
• Visualizing your target before serving.

A routine not only boosts confidence but also minimizes errors under pressure.

5. Vary your serves

Predictability can be a disadvantage. Keep your opponents guessing by varying:

• Spin: Alternate between flat and slice serves.
• Placement: Switch between wide, body, and T-line serves - and vary the depth of the serve too.
• Speed: Use a mix of slow, controlled serves and faster ones to disrupt your opponent’s timing.

6. Practice, practice, practice

As with every aspect of padel, you will see the fastest improvements in your serve if you practice serving. Dedicate time to:

• Drills: Focus on specific aspects like spin, placement, or power.
• Match scenarios: Practice serving under game-like conditions to simulate pressure. Maybe play games with only one serve.
• Feedback: Record a video of your serve or seek advice from a coach to identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion

Improving your padel serve requires a combination of technique, strategy, mental training, and consistent practice. 

By mastering the basics, focusing on placement, adding spin and varying your serves, you can gain a significant edge over your opponents. Remember, a strong serve is not just about starting the point but also setting yourself up for success in the rally. 

So grab your racket, hit the court, and start perfecting your serve today!