How to Practise Padel Serve Receive on Your Own or with a Partner

Are you looking for a way to improve your padel skills? One aspect of the game that can make all the difference is your serve receive. Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, being able to receive a serve effectively can give you a head start in the point. In this article, I’ll give you some tips for practising padel serve receive on your own or with a partner.

Padel Rules for Receiving Serve

Before we get into the practise drills, let’s quickly run through the padel rules for receiving serve. When your opponent serves, the ball must bounce in your service box before you hit it. If the ball bounces outside the box, it’s a fault and your opponent gets a second serve. If you fail to return either of their serves, they win the point.

Practising on Your Own

If you don’t have a partner to practise with, there are still ways to improve your serve receive. One drill you can try is to hit the ball against a wall and practise returning it as it bounces back towards you. This will help you get a feel for the timing and technique of hitting the ball after it bounces.

Another option is to use a ball machine, which can be set up to serve the ball to you at different speeds and angles. This allows you to practise receiving serves from different positions on the court and at different heights.

Practising with a Partner

If you have a partner to practise with, there are many drills you can try to improve your serve receive. One simple drill is to take turns serving to each other and trying to return the serve back into the service box. Start with slow serves and gradually work up to faster ones.

Another drill is to stand at the back of the court and have your partner serve to you from the opposite service box. Your goal is to return the serve back into their service box, while they try to hit it past you. This drill helps you practise returning serves from a distance, which can be useful in doubles matches.

Tips for Better Serve Receive

No matter how you practise, there are some tips you can keep in mind to improve your serve receive. One is to keep your eye on the ball at all times, even after it’s bounced. This will help you anticipate where the ball will go and prepare your shot accordingly.

Another tip is to move your feet to get into position for the shot. If you’re standing still when the ball is served, it can be difficult to return it effectively. Instead, take a few steps towards the ball so you’re in the right position to hit it back.

By practising your padel serve receive on your own or with a partner, you can improve your skills and gain an advantage on the court. Remember to keep the padel rules for receiving serve in mind, and try different drills to find what works best for you. With time and practice, you’ll be able to return even the toughest of serves.