Padel Shots→Basic Shots

Serve(Saque)

The underhand shot that starts every point in padel.

Beginner
Category: Basic Shots
Difficulty: beginner
Spanish: Saque

What is the Serve?

The serve in padel is always underhand, struck at or below waist height. The ball must bounce before being hit diagonally into the opponent's service box.

When to Hit the Serve

At the start of every point when it's your turn to serve.

How to Hit the Serve

  1. 1
    Stand behind the service line, between center and side wall
  2. 2
    Bounce the ball on the ground behind the service line
  3. 3
    Strike the ball at or below waist height
  4. 4
    Hit diagonally into the opponent's service box
  5. 5
    The ball must bounce in the box before being returned

Video Tutorials

How to SERVE like WPT Players! by The Padel School

How to Improve Your Padel Serve? Padel Technique by The Padel School

Common Mistakes

  • Hitting above waist height (fault)
  • Foot fault - stepping on or over the line before contact
  • Not getting enough depth on the serve

Pro Tips

  • Focus on placement over power
  • Aim deep to push opponents back
  • Vary your serve placement to keep opponents guessing

Related Shots

Return of Serve

The shot used to return the opponent's serve.

Forehand

The fundamental groundstroke on your dominant side.

Backhand

The groundstroke on your non-dominant side, often hit two-handed.

Ready to Practice the Serve?

Find a padel court near you and work on your serve technique.

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