equipmentbeginner
Service Box
What is a Service Box in padel?
The rectangular target zone for the padel serve.
Definition
The service box is a rectangular area on the opposite side of the net where a padel serve must land. It spans the width of the court (10 metres) and extends from the service line to the baseline. A serve must bounce in the service box first; if it lands outside or hits the net without clearing, it's a fault.
Origin: English: 'service box', the designated serving area.
When to use it
Every point begins with a serve into the service box; understanding the exact boundaries is essential for legal serve placement.
Common questions
Can I serve wide to the edge of the service box?
Yes—serving close to the sideline (but inside) is a common tactical serve placement.
What happens if my serve lands in the right service box instead of the left?
That's a fault—the serve must land in the diagonally opposite box, same as tennis.
Related terms
Practice drills