Short answer: a padel serve is underarm, struck after one bounce and below waist height, into the opposite diagonal service box. It is not meant to be a tennis-style weapon. For beginners, the goal is to start the point with control and then move into a good position.
Last checked: 25 June 2026. This guide uses official rule sources and practical beginner coaching principles.
The serve rules
The server stands behind the service line, bounces the ball and hits it below waist height. The serve travels diagonally into the opponent's service box. As in tennis-style scoring, serving order and side matter. Faults can occur if the ball lands outside the correct box, hits the net and fails to land correctly, or the server breaks the technical requirements.
Official sources: LTA padel rules and FIP official documents.
Beginner technique
Keep the motion simple. Use a relaxed grip, controlled bounce and compact swing. Aim for depth rather than speed. A deep serve gives you time to recover and makes the return less comfortable. A serve that clips the side glass after bouncing can be useful later, but beginners should first learn consistency.
Targets
| Target | Why use it |
|---|---|
| Deep to backhand | Often creates a safer return |
| Body serve | Can jam the receiver |
| Wide angle | Opens court but has more risk |
| Side glass after bounce | Useful once controlled |
Common faults
- Hitting above waist height.
- Forgetting to bounce the ball first.
- Serving too hard and missing depth control.
- Standing in the wrong place.
- Admiring the serve instead of recovering.
What happens after serving?
The serve is only the start. After serving, recover into a position that supports your partner. Do not sprint blindly to the net if your serve is weak. Watch the return and move as a pair.
Beginner drills
- Serve ten balls deep cross-court without aiming for power.
- Serve and recover two steps forward into ready position.
- Alternate backhand and body targets.
- Practise second serves with extra margin.
- Add returner pressure only after consistency improves.
Bottom line
A good beginner padel serve is legal, repeatable and tactically sensible. You do not need aces. You need a serve that starts the rally on your terms without giving away cheap faults.
Useful next reads: padel scoring and return serve.
FAQ
Can you serve overarm in padel?
No. Padel uses an underarm serve.
Do you get a second serve?
Yes, standard rules allow a second serve after a fault.
Should I serve hard?
Not at first. Depth and consistency matter more.
