The padel serve is not a winning shot like in tennis. It is, above all, a tactical shot with a single objective: to move to the net in the best possible conditions. If your serve is poor, you give the initiative to your opponents, who will have no trouble sending you back to the baseline.
When well executed, the serve is the silent weapon that ensures you dominate the point. So, how do you transform this opening shot into a true strategic advantage?
Here are the essential technical tips for a successful serve, compliant with regulations and formidable for your opponents.
1. Mastering the Rules: The Three Imperatives of the Serve
Before discussing technique, you must ensure the legality of the shot. In padel, the rules for the serve are strict:
- The Mandatory Bounce: You must bounce the ball on the ground behind the service line before hitting it.
- Hitting Height: The impact with the ball must be below the waist (at or below waist level). This rule prevents a powerful smash and favors tactical play.
- The Cross Serve: You must always serve diagonally, towards the opponent’s opposite service box. The ball must bounce once in this box before being played.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Many beginner players instinctively hit the ball above the waist. The umpire (or even your opponent) can call a height fault (“fault” or “falta”).
Rule Note (FIP 2026 clarification): the server must remain in their service corridor (between the imaginary extension of the center line and the side wall), bounce the ball in the corresponding area, and the ball must not cross the service line (nor its imaginary extension) before being hit.
2. The Key Technique: The Slice Effect (Slice)
A flat serve is not very effective in padel, as it offers a high and predictable bounce to the opponent. The secret to a good serve lies in applying a slice effect (slice).
Why the slice effect?
- Low Bounce: The slice makes the ball skim the ground and bounce very low, forcing the opponent to bend down to hit (an uncomfortable position).
- Trajectory Control: It allows you to control the ball even when hitting softly, reducing the risk of a fault.
- The Bounce Against the Wall: A sliced serve that hits the side or back wall bounces and stays stuck to the wall, making the salida de pared (glass exit) extremely difficult for the returner.
How to apply it?
- Preparation: Bring your racket from top to bottom, as if you wanted to sweep the ball forward.
- Impact: Hit the ball with a slight brushing motion sideways and downwards.
- Follow-through: The follow-through should finish forward and downward to accompany the effect.
3. The Three Tactical Zones to Vary
A good serve is a varied serve. Never serve twice in a row to the same spot. Here are the three zones to exploit to apply pressure:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| The Center (to the T) | Force the opponent to return towards the middle of the court, creating confusion between the two players for the next volley. |
| To the Side Glass | The slice effect in this zone makes the ball bounce and stick to the side wall. The returner is forced to move away to return. |
| At the Feet (Short) | Aim for a short, low bounce, forcing the opponent to move up quickly or return weakly, which facilitates your first volley. |
4. Timing: Move to the net immediately
The serve is only the first part of a two-step movement. The second is the move to the net. If you don’t move up immediately after hitting, your opponent will have plenty of time to lob you.
- The Ideal Moment: The ideal is to arrive at the net (between 3 and 4 meters from the net) just as your opponent hits the ball.
- The Transition Volley: Prepare to receive a low return (a topspin or a chiquita). Your first volley should be a transition volley (often a low, sliced volley) that doesn’t aim for the point, but consolidates your attacking position.
In Summary: The Serve, a Subtle Art
The serve is the primary tactical weapon in padel. It’s not about power, but about game intelligence. Vary the effects, the zones, and make sure to move to the net without hesitation. It’s the consistency of your serve that will allow you to dominate the point and maintain pressure on your opponents.
Are you ready to try this sliced serve? Which zone will you prioritize in your next match?
Key takeaways
- A good serve primarily aims to move to the net under favorable conditions.
- Consistency comes from the slice: lower bounce, more controlled trajectory, less comfortable return.
- Remember to vary your zones: To the T, side glass, short at the feet.
- According to FIP rules, you must also respect the position in the service corridor and the “imaginary line” (2026 clarification).
