Have good service at padel. It might sound easy when we're just starting out, but it gets a lot more complicated at a higher level. What points to focus on so that it is more effective.

The serve is one of the most important shots in the padel because thanks to him we are immediately in an offensive position at the net. When we are beginners, this phase of the game is not very important, but when we gain experience and become better on the track, we quickly realize that this service must be as efficient as possible.

Here are a few things you can focus on so that step by step you can tactically improve your play.

  • Get the most first services

This is the basis. If you focus on having as many first services as possible, you will have the psychological advantage on the point.

  • Objective: make me play an easy volley.

Aim to force the opponent to return an easy-to-play ball to me on each serve. This study is carried out progressively with the points. You will realize that your opponents have strengths and weaknesses. It's up to you to find them, and your service will be much better.

  • Varier

Having multiple strings to your bow is very important. We no longer try to simply put the ball in the square but to be precise. In the center, on the body, towards the side window, slow, fast, short, deep, with or without effects, it's up to you to work all this so as not to get your opponents used to it.

  • Place the second well

The second ball must not be a throw-in, it must be a slower and better placed first serve.

  • Playing on depth

We talked about it above but the depth of the ball, that is to say a rebound close to the end line, will not give opponents much time to return to the best conditions.

  • Play fast

Quick service can bother players because they don't know how to put the pala on for an effective return. Also, serving quickly can surprise and “break” the pace of rather slow services.

  • The place of strike

Do you want to improve your service but don't know how? Think about where your bullet hit. Right-handed serving on the left, if you hit the ball slightly in front of you, the ball will go towards the T. By hitting at body level, the ball will go towards the player's body, and a slightly recessed impact will open the track towards the glass lateral. Simple and efficient. Conversely on the other side.

Service is a weapon that should not be overlooked. Per game we serve more than 30 times, it would be a shame not to take advantage of this advantage that the rule gives us, right?

Julien Bondia

Julien Bondia is a teacher of padel in Tenerife (Spain). Columnist and advisor, he helps you play better through his tutorials and tactical/technical articles padel.

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