How to Serve in Padel

The padel serve is always underhand. The ball must be struck at or below waist height (the navel is the official reference point), and the server must have at least one foot on the ground. The serve goes diagonally, landing in the opposite service box — just like in tennis.

To serve, bounce the ball on the ground and hit it underhand in a smooth, controlled motion. Two serves are allowed per point (first serve and second serve). If the ball hits the net and lands in the correct box, it's a let and is replayed. If the ball bounces in the service box and then hits the side or back wall glass, it's a fault.

While the underhand serve can't generate the sheer pace of a tennis serve, placement and variation are crucial. The best servers aim for the opponent's body (jamming their return), the corners of the service box, or add sidespin to make the ball kick off the wall awkwardly.

Common serve variations include the flat serve (pace and depth), the slice serve (sidespin that curves into the wall), and the topspin serve (kicks up after bouncing). Varying speed and placement keeps your opponents guessing and prevents them from settling into an easy return rhythm.