Service game tactics for better hold percentage
Key takeaway from our Guru
How can I win more service games?
Focus on hitting a high percentage of first serves to force a defensive mindset from your opponent. Always have a simple plan for your serve and your first volley, and ensure your partner stays alert and ready to move instead of watching the rally.
What this lesson covers
Winning service games requires more than just technique. Players often lose focus immediately after breaking an opponent, so resetting the mental state before each service game is vital. Aiming for a high first serve percentage changes the returner's mindset. A first serve forces the opponent to play defensively, while a second serve encourages them to attack with lobs or shots to the feet.
Having a clear plan for the first two shots simplifies decision-making. Serving to the glass and aiming the first volley toward the middle provides a consistent structure. Both partners must remain aligned on this plan. The server's partner plays a significant role by staying alert and ready to react. Standing with the racket up and expecting the ball prevents the partner from becoming a spectator, which is a common cause of slow reactions.
Finally, maintaining intensity even when trailing is necessary. Padel allows for rapid momentum shifts, and the server controls the pace of the point. Never concede a game early, as one or two quality points can turn the situation around.
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Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
How to WIN More SERVICE GAMES!
Description
If you’re new to The Padel School, welcome. We’re Sandy and Tom Farquharson - two brothers and the founders of this platform. Our mission? To give every padel player the best coaching advice possible so you can unlock your full potential on the court. Here’s why we care so much about this… We grew up in tennis, competing from juniors all the way to the pro level. And honestly? It was frustrating. No matter how hard we worked, it was nearly impossible to get the high-quality coaching we needed to reach our full potential. When we discovered padel over a decade ago, we fell in love with the sport instantly. But guess what? The coaching situation was even worse. Getting solid advice in English? Forget it. That’s when we decided enough was enough. As we played on the pro padel circuit and started coaching players across the globe, we realised no player should have to struggle to find clear, actionable guidance – in any sport. Every player deserves access to the knowledge they need to grow, improve, and play the game at their highest level. So we built The Padel School. It’s where we share everything we’ve learned on and off the court. Whether you’re a total beginner or chasing a competitive edge, we’re here to make sure you get the coaching we wish we’d had. To all the padel warriors out there: the road to improvement isn’t easy, but that’s what makes it rewarding. Keep grinding, keep learning, and remember – every point is a new opportunity to get better. See you on the court, Tom and Sandy *Chapters* 00:00 Intro 00:47 First Serve Percentage 01:31 Have a Plan 02:07 Service Partner 02:55 Bonus Tip Do you understand YOUR game? (Free Padel Assessment): https://improve.thepadelschool.com/padel-assessment Our BOOK - The Padel Player's Guide: https://thepadelschool.com/the-padel-players-guide/ YouTube – https://youtube.com/thepadelschool Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thepadelschool Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepadelschool Want to join us on court? https://thepadelschool.com/events Read our blogs: https://thepadelschool.com/blog/
Good for
Skill level
Beginner, Intermediate, High Intermediate, Advanced
Play style
Offensive
Keywords
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