Tactics for serve, return, and first volley
Key takeaway from our Guru
How do I win more points with my serve, return, and first volley?
Focus on consistency to avoid giving away free points. Use slice on your serve to keep the ball below the opponent's knee and always execute a split step before hitting your first volley to maintain control.
What this lesson covers
The serve aims to prevent the opponent from hitting a lob by forcing them to play low. Using slice keeps the ball trajectory below the opponent's knee, which makes an effective lob difficult. Maintaining a high first-serve percentage is vital to prevent the opponent from feeling comfortable. Varying serve placement between the T, the glass, and the body exploits specific opponent weaknesses like backhand returns or difficulty with glass rebounds.
The return focuses on consistency to avoid unforced errors. On first serves, return low; on second serves, use a lob. If forced to return a strong serve, aim for the player who served to force them to volley while moving. Down-the-line returns provide a safer option when under pressure, allowing the partner to cover the center. Advanced players should aim to keep returns tight to the net to limit the opponent's options.
The first volley maintains pressure by keeping the ball in play. Players must perform a split step before contact to break momentum. Direct the first volley to the center when the serve goes to the glass, or to the corner when the serve goes to the center, to keep the opponent moving. Avoid changing direction without a clear tactical reason to prevent leaving the court open.
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Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
The 3 Shots That Win 70% of Points in Padel (Serve, Return, 1st Volley)
Description
If I had to pick just one video to recommend to someone who wants to win more matches in padel, it would be this one. In this video, I break down the tactics behind the first 3 shots of every point: the serve, the return, and the first volley. I can confidently say that this is what decides 70% of the points you play. This is not just about technique, but about understanding what you're trying to achieve in those first shots ā where the pressure is, where the advantage is, and what most amateur players do wrong (even at decent levels). If this helps your game, or makes you think differently, consider subscribing ā it really helps us keep creating deeper content! š SUBSCRIBE for more no-fluff padel tactics: (https://www.youtube.com/@padeldriver) š¾ TRAIN WITH ME: (https://padeldrivers.com/pages/padel-drive-academy) šø Follow us on Instagram: @padeldrive š¬ Drop your questions or tactics in the comments ā we answer every single one! Chapters: 0:00 - Intro & Why This Video Matters 0:24 - The 3 Most Important Concepts in Padel 1:12 - Serve Tactics: What Are We Really Trying To Do? 2:06 - Why Slice Is the Best Weapon When Serving 2:35 - Importance of First Serves 3:17 - Serve Placement & Reading Your Opponent 4:31- Return Tactics: PUT THE BALL BACK IN 5:10 - 4 Rules to Never Miss a Return 7:30 - Recovering After the Return 7:54 - 1st Volley: Keep Adding Pressure 8:10 - Split Step: The Most Underrated Movement Tip 8:30 - How to Link Serve Direction With 1st Volley 9:50 - Common Mistake That Gives the Net Away 10:35 - When to Switch to the Other Player 11:12 - The Complexity of Padel Tactics 12:31 - Final Thoughts
Good for
Skill level
Intermediate, High Intermediate
Court position
Net
Play style
Tactical
Secondary shot
Volley
Keywords
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