The serve is often an under-trained shot, yet it’s fundamental for both beginner and advanced players.
These 3 progressive exercises cover all the essential aspects of the serve:
- body and arm movement, racket path
- accuracy and target zones
- fast approach to the net after serving
Progression 1
Understanding the Downward Racket Path During the Serve
Players each take two balls in their hand and position themselves behind the service line.
Depending on the number of players, they spread out across both service boxes.
On the first ball, players perform the serve motion with a downward racket path, without letting the ball bounce on the ground.
The racket is prepared high from the start, then comes down and under the ball to apply slice.
On the second ball, they let the ball bounce before performing the same motion.
The goal is to strike the ball at the same height on both repetitions and to perform exactly the same movement.
It’s important to apply good slice on the ball to reduce its bounce on the opponent’s side and make the return more difficult for the receiver.
Here is the demonstration video of this first drill:
Video credits: 👉 CLASES DE PÁDEL · EL SAQUE 🎾 Parte 1 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Padelarte.com – YouTube
Progression 2
Working on Serve Accuracy
The coach places a cone in each outer corner of the service box—one near the side glass, one near the T.
Players spread out across both service boxes and get into serving position.
Important detail on positioning: players anticipate their net approach before serving, and must be careful not to position themselves too far off from where they’ll arrive at the net—so they can cover all angles and avoid leaving open space for the returner.
For example, if a right-side player is serving from the right, they should avoid standing too close to the T (so they don’t leave the wide angle open), and also not too close to the side glass (so they can still cover the middle).
Players aim for the cones:
– either the corner of the service box to get a bounce toward the side glass,
– or the T to force the receiver to move toward the center.
To adjust direction, the ball toss must vary depending on the target:
– If aiming to the right, toss the ball slightly more to the right and a little less forward to create the right angle;
– If aiming to the left, toss the ball more in front and less to the side to allow a smooth shoulder rotation.
Players practice this by hitting two serves each: one toward the T, one toward the side glass.
Then they rotate and let the next player serve.
Progression 3
Fast Net Approach After the Serve
Some players have the bad habit of waiting a second or two after serving to check whether the ball is in or out. These are precious seconds lost, and by the time the return comes, they’re already late to the net.
This drill focuses on immediately moving forward and arriving at the net in ready position, prepared to volley.
The coach places two cones at volley position on the players’ side of the court.
Players line up in serving position.
Each player serves, then immediately and quickly moves forward to the cones. Once there, they perform a small jump or split step to plant themselves in a stable volley stance.
After the split step, the player returns to the back of the line to let the next one serve.
Players must keep in mind: the faster their serve, the faster the return comes back—so the quicker they must get to the net.
They alternate serve directions: one to the T, one toward the side glass.
Players will practice this drill on both left and right serves.