Padel serve technique: positioning and high-to-low motion

What this lesson covers

The serve in padel functions primarily as a tool to gain the net position rather than a weapon to win the point outright. Players should aim for 60 to 70 percent power to ensure enough time to reach the net. The technique requires a continental grip with the racket head held high during preparation. The ball must be bounced behind the service line, not above the waist, using a gentle downward push rather than a drop or a throw. Contact occurs at waist height with a high-to-low motion that generates backspin, which makes the ball difficult to return once it hits the glass.

Positioning near the center of the court allows for better coverage of both the glass and the T. Serving from the middle makes the direction less predictable and facilitates a smoother transition toward the net. Most serves should target the glass to force difficult returns, with occasional variations down the T to keep opponents guessing. Maintaining a compact body position with bent knees throughout the motion is essential. Once the serve is struck, the player must immediately move forward to secure the net position, as the serve is merely the setup for the subsequent volley.