How to serve in padel — step-by-step for beginners
Serving in padel is one of the first skills every player learns—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Unlike tennis, padel serves are underhand, must bounce behind a line, and have strict rules on ball height and positioning.
Here’s everything you need to know to serve properly in padel—and confidently.
Basic padel serve rules
Let’s start with the official rules that apply to every serve:
- The serve must be underhand
- You must let the ball bounce once before hitting it
- The ball must be hit below waist height
- You must stand behind the service line, between the center line and side wall
- The ball must land diagonally in the opposite service box
- You get two attempts to serve correctly
- If the ball hits the net but lands in the correct box, it’s a let serve and is replayed
Step-by-step: how to serve in padel
1. Stand in the correct position
- Place both feet behind the service line
- You must be between the center line and the side glass/wall
- Your feet can’t touch or cross the line before you hit the ball
2. Bounce the ball once
- Hold the ball in your non-dominant hand
- Drop it and let it bounce on the ground
- Hit it after the bounce while it’s below waist level
3. Use an underhand swing
- Swing gently upward with a low-to-high motion
- Contact must be made below the waist
- Keep your motion smooth and controlled
4. Aim diagonally
- The serve must land in the opposite service box
- Just like in tennis, it’s always cross-court
- The ball can bounce and hit the glass—but not the fence on the fly
Common serve faults to avoid
| Mistake | Why it's a fault |
|---|---|
| Hitting above the waist | Serve must be struck below waist height |
| Not letting the ball bounce | You must hit the ball after a bounce |
| Foot on or over the line | Both feet must be behind the service line |
| Ball lands outside the service box | The ball must land diagonally in bounds |
| Hits the fence before bouncing | The serve is out if it hits the side fence on the fly |
Bonus tips for beginners
- Start slow: Focus on consistency before power
- Practice placement: Aim near the "T" to limit your opponent’s angles
- Watch the pros: Learn serve timing and body positioning
- Don’t rush: Take your time to reset between serves
Where to practice your padel serve
Looking for the perfect spot to practice? Here are some popular padel locations:
Or browse all padel courts and book one near you.
Conclusion
Learning to serve in padel takes patience—but it’s one of the most important parts of your game. Keep your feet behind the line, stay relaxed, and aim for consistency. Once you get the basics down, you'll be ready to control the pace of play and win more points from the very first shot.
Need a court to practice? Visit the homepage and start playing today!