Mastering the Serve and Return in Padel Tennis Doubles

As a padel tennis doubles player, mastering the serve and return is essential if you want to excel in this exciting sport. The serve and return are the two most critical shots in padel tennis, and if you can execute them correctly, you’ll be able to control the game and score more points.

So, let’s take a closer look at how to master the serve and return in padel tennis doubles.

The Serve

The serve is the most crucial shot in padel tennis doubles. A good serve will put your opponents under pressure and give you the advantage from the start.

When serving, the first thing to do is to make sure that you are positioned correctly. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your body facing the net. Hold the ball in your non-dominant hand, and the racket in your dominant hand, with your arm extended.

The next step is to get the ball toss right. This is crucial as an incorrect toss can make it difficult to execute the serve. Toss the ball with a smooth, controlled motion, and make sure it is at the right height. The ideal toss should be just above your head.

Once you’ve tossed the ball, initiate your serve. Start by bringing your racket back, and then swing it forward. Follow through with your arm, and aim to make contact with the ball at the highest point, just above your head.

The Return

The return is just as important as the serve, and getting it right can put your opponents on the back foot and give you the upper hand.

When returning, the first thing to do is to position yourself correctly. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your body facing the net.

As your opponent serves, watch the ball carefully and prepare to return it. The key to a successful return is to meet the ball just as it bounces, and hit it with a controlled swing.

When returning, you’ll want to aim for different areas of the court, depending on the serve. For example, if your opponent serves to your forehand, you might want to return the ball to their backhand, or to an open space on their side of the court.

The Importance of Practice

As with any skill in padel tennis, the key to mastering the serve and return is practice. Set aside time to work on your serve and return on a regular basis, and you’ll soon see the results.

Try practicing with a partner or a coach, as this will give you an opportunity to work on different shots and receive feedback on your technique.

Conclusion

Mastering the serve and return in padel tennis doubles is essential if you want to excel in this exciting sport. Remember to focus on your position, your toss, and your swing when serving, and aim to meet the ball just as it bounces when returning.

With practice, you’ll soon become a pro at the serve and return, and be able to control the game and score more points for your team. So get out there and start practicing today!