The serve & return are the first two shots of every Padel point — and they set the tone for the entire rally. While Padel serves aren’t as powerful as tennis serves, smart placement, consistency & control can give you a huge advantage. The return, on the other hand, determines whether you stay in the point or immediately fall under pressure.
This guide shows you how to improve both shots with simple, practical tips.
1. Understand the Basics of the Padel Serve
Padel serves must be:
- Underarm
- Hit below waist height
- Served diagonally
- Bounced once before hitting
Because the serve isn’t a weapon like in tennis, placement & consistency matter far more than power.
2. Improve Your Serve Placement
Serve with intention, not randomness.
Aim for:
- Deep serves into the corner
- Body serves that jam the opponent
- Wide serves that pull the opponent off court
Mixing locations makes your serve unpredictable & harder to attack.
3. Add Slice to Your Serve
Adding slice is one of the easiest ways to improve your serve.
Benefits of slice:
- Keeps the ball low after the bounce
- Pushes the returner sideways
- Slows the ball for strategic positioning
A sliced serve gives you more time to move forward & take the net.
4. Use the Serve to Move Forward
A common beginner mistake is watching the serve instead of advancing.
Correct approach:
- Serve
- Step forward immediately
- Establish net position
The serve’s most important function is helping you (and your partner) take the net.
5. Stay Consistent: Reduce Double Faults
Because Padel serves don’t create easy winners, double faults are completely avoidable & unnecessary.
Tips to reduce errors:
- Slow down your motion
- Keep the ball toss/bounce consistent
- Aim for safe zones in tight moments
Consistency > speed.
6. Improving the Return of Serve
The return is arguably more important than the serve in Padel.
Your goal is simple:
➡️ Neutralize the opponent’s serve & avoid giving them an easy volley.
You don’t need power — you need intention.
7. Prioritize Control Over Power
Beginners often hit the return too hard & give opponents an easy volley.
Instead, focus on:
- Soft hands
- Clean contact
- Placing the ball low
Low returns force volleys upward, giving you time to step forward.
8. Aim the Return at the Server’s Feet
One of the smartest returns in Padel is a controlled shot to the server’s feet.
Why it works:
- Hard to volley upward
- Forces a weak ball
- Lets you & your partner take the net
A simple, soft return can win the point indirectly.
9. Master the Chiquita Return
A chiquita is a slow, short return played to the net player’s feet.
When to use it:
- When you want to steal the net early
- When the serve is soft
- When you see space between opponents
It’s low-risk, high-reward if done with precision.
10. Use Lobs When Under Pressure
A lobbed return is extremely effective against strong net players.
Benefits:
- Pushes the server back
- Breaks their attacking rhythm
- Lets you recover & reset the rally
- Forces a difficult overhead
Just make sure your lob is high & deep.
11. Improve Your Reaction Time
Many returns are decided by quick reactions.
Train reaction speed by:
- Practicing volleys
- Using mini-tennis warmups
- Doing ball drop & bounce drills
- Playing wall drills
Faster reactions make your returns more stable & confident.
12. Communicate With Your Partner
Your positioning on returns matters.
Decide who takes:
- Middle balls
- Wide serves
- Unexpected deflections
Clear communication reduces confusion & errors.
🎯 Quick Summary
To improve your serve:
- Focus on placement, not power
- Use slice to keep the ball low
- Move forward immediately
- Stay consistent & reduce faults
To improve your return:
- Prioritize control
- Aim to the feet
- Use chiquitas & lobs wisely
- Read the server’s movement
- Communicate with your partner
Mastering these basics will instantly elevate your confidence & competitiveness.
