Smash.
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Smash.
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The stroke that initiates each point in padel, hit diagonally into the opponent's service box.
Definition
The servicio (serve) in padel is underhand only, unlike tennis, and must bounce in the service box diagonally opposite to the server. The ball is struck below hip height with an underhand motion, limiting power but emphasizing accuracy and placement. Padel serves are an opportunity to dictate play early in a rally, and skilled servers use variety—spin, speed, and court placement—to force weak returns. The underhand-only rule means servers cannot ace easily, shifting focus to setting up the point tactically. Developing multiple serve types (slice, topspin, flat) and locations is crucial for competitive padel.
No, padel requires underhand serves only. The serve must be struck below hip height with an underhand motion.