Why the Best Padel Serves Don’t Try to Win the Point

The Serve — It Can Mean Everything… or Absolutely Nothing

In padel, the serve isn’t about power. It’s about intention.

Unlike tennis, padel serves are underhand and struck below waist height—so no aces flying past your opponent. But don’t let that fool you. A smart serve can quietly win you the point before it even starts.

For high-level players, the serve is a set-up shot. It’s used to:

• Target a weaker return

• Pull opponents off the net

• Create space for your partner

• Get you comfortably to the net

Player holding a padel paddle.

For newer players? The serve can be a secret weapon—especially when you start playing with placement instead of pace.

The Golden Rule of the Padel Serve

Control > Speed

A serve hit too fast leaves you stuck in the back of the court. A controlled serve gives you time to move forward—where most padel points are actually won.

Try this:

• Serve at 70–80% pace

• Aim toward the side wall

• Move forward immediately after contact

Suddenly, you’re in control of the rally.

Common Serve Mistakes to Avoid

• Serving too hard (great speed, terrible position)

• Hitting above the waist (automatic fault)

• Standing still after serving (padel is a net sport—go get it)

Quick Rules Refresher

• Underhand serve only

• Both feet behind the service line

• Ball must bounce in the diagonal service box

• You get two serves (double fault = point lost)

• If it clips the net and lands in, replay the serve

Heights Takeaway

The serve won’t win you the point outright—but a smart one sets you up to do exactly that.

Next time you play, forget power. Pick a spot. Move forward. Take the net.

Next week: another tip—could be padel, pickleball, squash… or a little club housekeeping you didn’t know you needed.

See you on the courts