Return of serve: handling slice off the glass
Key takeaway from our Guru
How do I return a fast slice serve that hits the side glass?
Give yourself plenty of space from the glass and keep your racket low before contact. Do not try to hit a winner, just block the ball back to keep the rally alive.
What this lesson covers
Returning a serve that hits the side glass requires specific positioning and racket preparation. If the serve hits the front glass, let the ball rebound rather than rushing to intercept it. When the ball hits further back on the glass, take it before the glass if possible. Maintain a ready position with the racket down and the hand locked, allowing for a quick opening of the racket face. Treat the hand as a hinge to create space for the swing. Because the contact point for these low balls is below net height, keep the racket low to get underneath the ball and lift it over the net.
Common errors include standing too close to the service line, failing to provide enough distance from the glass, and late preparation. To build consistency, prioritize repetition through a ball machine or a partner serving to the same spot. Focus on blocking the ball back into play rather than attempting difficult winners or lobs. This approach is equally applicable to both forehand and backhand returns.
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Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
HOW TO Return TRICKY Serves | ThePadelSchool.com
Description
DO YOU FIND a particular serve really tricky to return? Maybe a fast slice off that side glass or maybe you've got a NEMESIS opponent with a killer of a serve ALWAYS puts you in a tough position? In this video, we'll take you through the TECHNIQUE that is needed and HOW you should approach these shots so that you always get your serve back where you want to. We'll also share with you HOW we train our players so that they can return the serves CONSISTENTLY every time! SLINGER PADEL Discount Code: *TPS10* @ https://slingerpadel.com/en/ ā We have a *7-DAY FREE TRIAL* on our online platform with a bunch of exclusive content! *SIGN UP NOW* and don't miss out on an opportunity to IMPROVE YOUR GAME! š» Website: https://www.thepadelschool.com š Check out our podcast episodes at: https://podcast.thepadelschool.com š Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepadelschool š Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepadelschool š TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepadelschool *Chapters* 00:00 Intro 00:29 Which Serve? 02:09 Common Errors 03:22 Build Confidence 04:34 Using the Padel Slinger 06:44 Nothing Too Difficult #padelgame #padel #padelpractice #padeltechnique #padeltraining #padelskills #padeltennis #padeltips *Disclaimer:* We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage which is incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of our publications. For all videos on my channel: This information is for general & educational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, CPA, or financial professional for advice based on your specific situation. *Copyright Disclaimer:* Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use Ā© The Padel School
Good for
Skill level
Beginner, Intermediate, High Intermediate
Court position
Right, Backcourt, Corner
Play style
Defensive
Secondary shot
Forehand
Keywords
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