Using the Underhand Serve to Outsmart Your Opponents in Padel

As a seasoned padel player, you’ve probably spent hours perfecting your overhead serve, looking for ways to gain an advantage over your opponents. However, have you ever considered trying the underhand serve in padel?

While the underhand serve may seem less powerful and, perhaps, less intimidating than other serving techniques, it can be an incredibly useful tool in your arsenal. Here’s why:

Surprise Factor
Opponents rarely expect an underhand serve in padel, especially if you’re known for your powerful overheads. By using an underhand serve, you catch your opponents off guard and disrupt their rhythm, forcing them to adjust their strategy on the fly.

Better Control
Using an underhand serve allows you to have greater control over the ball. You can direct the ball to go exactly where you want it, making it more difficult for your opponents to return.

Variety
By mixing up your serving techniques, you add variety to your game, keeping opponents guessing and unable to anticipate your next move.

Less Strain on Your Body
Overhead serves can put a lot of strain on your shoulder and arm, leading to injuries over time. An underhand serve is gentler on your body, allowing you to play for longer and with less risk of injury.

Now that we’ve established why the underhand serve in padel can be useful, let’s take a look at how to execute it effectively:

Step 1: Position Yourself
Start by positioning yourself in the same way as you would for an overhead serve, with your feet shoulder-width apart and facing the net.

Step 2: Hold the Paddle
Hold the paddle with your non-dominant hand at the bottom of the handle, and your dominant hand about halfway up. Make sure your grip is relaxed to allow for better control.

Step 3: Hit the Ball
Start your swing by pulling the paddle low and behind your body. Then, bring the paddle up and through the ball, making contact at waist height or slightly below. Aim to hit the ball with the edge of the paddle, as this will give you the most control.

Step 4: Follow Through
Follow through your swing naturally, bringing the paddle up and over your opposite shoulder to ensure the ball clears the net.

If you’re new to the underhand serve in padel, don’t expect to master it overnight. Like any new technique, it takes practice, and you may need to experiment with different grips, swing speeds, and ball placements to find what works best for you.

In conclusion, the underhand serve in padel is an effective and valuable addition to your game. By using it strategically, you can surprise your opponents, gain greater control over your serve, add variety to your game, and reduce the risk of injury. So next time you step onto the court, consider giving the underhand serve a try and watch as your opponents struggle to keep up with your unpredictable style.