Serve
What is a Serve in padel?
Underarm bounce serve below waist height, cross-court diagonal.
Definition
The padel serve is delivered underhand from below waist height, with the ball bouncing once inside the service box before being struck. The serve is cross-court and diagonal, similar to tennis. Power is secondary to consistency and placement; an underhand serve limits speed but ensures point starts without a break.
Origin: English: 'serve', the opening shot to start the point.
When to use it
Every point begins with a serve; in padel, it's a low-pressure opening because underhand serves are nearly impossible to ace.
Common questions
Can I serve overhand in padel?
No—padel rules mandate an underhand serve below waist height. Overhand serves are a fault.
What's the advantage of an underhand serve?
It removes power imbalance and makes padel more tactical and accessible. Everyone gets a fair opening to the point.
Related terms
Practice drills