Improving Your Accuracy with the Underhand Serve in Padel – Methods and Drills

The underhand serve in padel is often overlooked, but it can be a powerful weapon in your arsenal. Not only is it an effective way to start a point, but it can also catch your opponents off guard and give you an advantage right from the start. In this article, we will explore methods and drills to help you improve your accuracy with the underhand serve in padel.

Why Should You Focus on the Underhand Serve?

The underhand serve is a vital part of your padel game for several reasons. Firstly, it allows you to take control of the point right from the start by putting the ball exactly where you want it. Secondly, an accurate underhand serve forces your opponent to make a difficult return, giving you the upper hand. Thirdly, mastering the underhand serve adds variety to your game, making it harder for your opponents to predict your next move.

Method 1: Correct Grip and Technique

Before diving into drills, it’s important to have the correct grip and technique for the underhand serve. Hold your paddle with a semi-western grip, with your hand positioned slightly below the paddle’s midpoint. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and rotate your body to generate power as you swing your arm forward. Keep your eyes on the ball, and just as it reaches its highest point, make contact with the paddle face.

Method 2: Target Practice

One of the most effective ways to improve your accuracy is through target practice. Set up some cones or markers on the opposite side of the court, representing different areas of the service box. Start with larger targets and gradually reduce their size as you gain more accuracy. Aim to consistently hit the targets, focusing on different areas of the box, including the corners and the centerline.

Method 3: Speed and Spin Variation

Once you have mastered the basic underhand serve, it’s time to add some variation to keep your opponents guessing. Experiment with different speeds and spins to throw off your opponent’s timing and control the point. Practice hitting the serve with topspin, backspin, or sidespin to create different trajectories and make it harder for your opponent to return the ball effectively.

Method 4: Match Simulations

Lastly, to truly improve your accuracy with the underhand serve, you need to simulate real match situations. Play practice matches with your partner or teammates, focusing on incorporating the underhand serve into your game plan. This will help you develop the ability to execute the serve accurately in a pressure-filled environment.

Conclusion

If you want to elevate your padel game, don’t underestimate the power of the underhand serve. With the right grip, technique, and regular practice, you can improve your accuracy and make it a deadly weapon in your game. Incorporate methods like target practice, speed and spin variation, and match simulations into your training routine to get the most out of your underhand serve. So, grab your paddle, hit the court, and start acing those underhand serves!