Serve technique: slice, accuracy and targets
Key takeaway from our Guru
How can I make my padel serve more effective?
Prioritize accuracy and a light slice over raw speed. Aim for the corner or the T to keep the ball low off the glass and force your opponent to lunge.
What this lesson covers
The serve requires a simple, consistent action rather than excessive spin or speed. Start the racket head high and brush down the back of the ball at waist height to generate a light slice. This contact keeps the ball low after it hits the glass, preventing it from popping up for the opponent. Accuracy takes priority over power, as a fast flat serve often bounces off the side glass or high off the back glass, making it easy to return.
Focus practice on two primary targets: the corner to force a difficult bounce off the side glass, and the T to stretch the opponent out of position. Aim for the front part of the glass to put the returner under immediate pressure. Use the first serve to test these aggressive targets, but maintain a reliable technique to ensure the second serve remains a steady, playable ball. Consistent practice with a basket of balls builds the confidence needed to shrink target areas and increase speed over time.
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Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
How to Improve Your Padel Serve? Padel Technique
Description
In this video we take a closer look at how to use spin and speed to make a more effective padel serve. For more technique on the padel serve - this is a great video to watch to break it down: https://youtu.be/zSTsLQQDhMw Players often complicate their service actions to try and hit more aggressive serves, but really the key is to keep the serve simple. The best serve is consistent and accurate. Some slice on the shot will keep the ball low and a medium fast speed will make it difficult to return. The higher the level, the more accurate the serves need to be, but also the better the opponents are likely to be at returning. Players should practice getting the right slice on the ball, with simple technique, before they try to hit the ball too hard. Accuracy is more important than speed. In tennis, players take baskets of balls to practice their serve, but in padel, players do not practice because they feel the technique is so simple. But actually, like tennis, it is the one shot a player has complete control over and is a great opportunity to start the point in an advantageous position. Key: PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE We cover all the shots, go through the learning steps and give drills for each in this course: https://thepadelschool.com/courses/one-to-one-course/ To play better matches you need to understand the tactical principles in padel, so in this course we breakdown all the tactics: https://thepadelschool.com/courses/tactics-course/ About the Coach "The serve is the most under-practiced shot in the game. If players can hit an accurate and consistent first serve, it usually leads to them holding their serve... " Sandy focused his attention from tennis to padel in 2010, learning the game with several trips and courses in Spain. His education in Sports Biomechanics, combined with playing and coaching at an international level (both in tennis and now padel) puts him in a great position to share his insights in the sport, hopefully helping others learn in the process.
Good for
Skill level
Beginner, Intermediate, High Intermediate, Advanced, High Advanced
Play style
Control
Secondary shot
Slice
Keywords
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