Serve and transition: training the sequence

Serve6:07May 15, 2026

Key takeaway from our Guru

How should I train my serve to control the net?

Stop treating the serve as an isolated shot. You must train it as a sequence, such as serve plus volley or serve plus bandeja, to ensure you reach the net on balance and on time.

What this lesson covers

The serve functions as the start of a sequence rather than an isolated shot. Professional data indicates that the serving pair gains a tactical advantage for the first seven to twelve shots of a rally when they successfully reach the net. A powerful or spin-heavy serve that leaves the player out of position is counterproductive. Serves directed toward the side glass are effective because the rebound off the glass complicates the return and creates space in the middle, providing the server time to move forward.

Training should prioritize patterns like serve plus volley or serve plus bandeja to simulate match conditions. The goal is to arrive at the net on balance and on time for the split step. When returning, the objective is to disrupt the server's rhythm rather than hitting a winner. Using lobs or low balls to the feet forces the net pair to play upward, neutralizing their advantage. The most effective returners focus on making opponents uncomfortable by forcing them to reach or look into the sun.

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Original video

The Coach Station

Added on Sep 19, 2026

The Padel Serve Advantage: Train the Sequence

Description

The padel serve is not just one shot. It starts a sequence. In this video, I look at what professional padel research shows about the serve and return, and how coaches and players can use those ideas in training. The key point is that the serving pair can gain an early advantage after the serve, especially when they use the serve to get to the net, arrive on balance and on time, and control the next few shots with their partner. That means we should not only practise isolated serves. We should train the serve as part of a realistic sequence: serve + volley, serve + bandeja, serve + position, return + recovery, and return-to-disrupt. In this video, I cover three main takeaways: 1. The serve can give the serving pair an early advantage 2. Why many serves are played towards the side glass 3. How the returner can disrupt the serving pair’s pattern For coaches and players, this means building more serve and return patterns into training. For players, it means thinking beyond whether the serve simply goes in. A better question is: did the serve help you and your partner control the next ball? 0:00 Intro 0:18 Why the serve is about controlling the net 0:35 What the pro padel study shows 1:08 The serve is a sequence, not one shot 1:38 Why a flashy serve can cause problems 1:59 Why serves are often played towards the side glass 2:32 Getting to the net on balance and on time 3:02 How the returner can disrupt the serving pair 3:51 How coaches should train the serve 4:08 Serve + 1 and return + recovery patterns 4:55 Make the opponent uncomfortable 5:30 Why the serve is a setup, not a winner 6:00 Final coaching takeaway Subscribe for more practical padel coaching ideas for coaches and players. Follow the venue project here: Instagram: @neighbourhood_padel Research referenced in this video: Sánchez-Alcaraz et al. (2020). Analysis of Serve and Serve-Return Strategies in Elite Male and Female Padel. Applied Sciences, 10(19), 6693. DOI: 10.3390/app10196693 #Padel #PadelServe #PadelCoaching

Good for

Skill level

Intermediate, High Intermediate, Advanced, High Advanced, Professional

Court position

Net

Play style

Offensive

Secondary shot

Return

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