Serve technique: tactical depth and net positioning
Key takeaway from our Guru
How do I use the serve to get to the net effectively?
Your foot speed must match the speed of your serve so you can reach the second post before your opponent hits the ball. Focus on hitting with depth and backspin to give yourself enough time to move forward.
What this lesson covers
The primary objective of the serve is to reach the net position, specifically the second post, before the opponent makes contact with the ball. Tactical success relies on depth and ball speed. Players must match their foot speed to the speed of the ball to ensure they arrive at the net in time to control the rally. Applying backspin or sidespin makes the ball difficult to return after it rebounds off the side glass, forcing the opponent to hit the ball upward.
Technically, a continental grip allows for the necessary racket angle to get underneath the ball. A balanced starting position is required, with the racket head beginning above the contact point. The ball is dropped to the side of the body, allowing the player to strike it from an outside position rather than pulling it in toward the center. Maintaining a stable body while using the hips to initiate the forward movement helps the player transition toward the net. The follow-through is a natural result of the downward strike and the arc of the swing. This lesson is suited for players looking to transition from simply starting the point to controlling the rally from the net.
Keep learning in the app
Your Guru points you at the videos that fit your level and your last matches, and helps you find a coach to train with.
Get the Padelguru app
Original video
Added on Sep 19, 2026
Padel Serve Breakdown: Technique, Tactics & How to Take the Net
Description
Welcome back to The Coach Station. In this video, I break down the padel serve from both a tactical and technical perspective. The serve in padel is not just about starting the point or trying to win the point outright. A good serve should help you get forward, join your partner at the net, and control the rally from a stronger court position. We look at the key tactical ideas behind an effective padel serve, including depth, speed, spin, placement and why your foot speed has to match the speed of the ball. I also explain the technical fundamentals that help players serve with more control, including the continental grip, a balanced starting position, contact point, racket path, open racket face, ball drop and using the hips to move forward after the serve. This is ideal for padel coaches, players and anyone who wants to understand how to serve with more purpose. In this video: 00:00 Introduction 00:08 What the padel serve is really for 00:23 The “post two” rule of thumb 00:37 Why low skidding serves can work at beginner level 01:03 Why the serve helps you take the net 01:27 Why slower serves can be more effective 01:43 Why depth gives you more time 02:00 Backspin and sidespin on the padel serve 02:32 Tactical fundamentals of the serve 02:44 Matching foot speed to ball speed 03:02 Depth, speed and spin 03:18 Different serving styles 03:53 Technical fundamentals of the padel serve 04:04 Continental grip 04:12 Balanced starting position 04:39 Racket position and ball drop 05:11 Contact height and ball flight 05:42 Open racket face and backspin 06:06 Ball position out to the side 06:40 Keeping the body stable 07:13 Contact point and using the hips 07:48 Follow-through explained 08:11 Summary If you are serious about improving your padel coaching or your own game, subscribe to The Coach Station for more practical padel coaching videos. Follow the development of my padel club project here: Instagram: @neighbourhood_padel #PadelServe #PadelCoaching #PadelTips
Good for
Skill level
Beginner, Intermediate, High Intermediate, Advanced, High Advanced
Play style
Offensive
Support The Coach Station
Every lesson on this page is The Coach Station's work. If it helped your game, subscribe on YouTube and tell them.