The Art of the Underhand Serve in Padel

Padel is one of the most exciting racquet sports in the world, and an underhand serve is an essential skill that every player must master. The underhand serve in Padel is often overlooked by beginners, but it is a crucial aspect of the game that can help you gain an advantage over your opponent. In this article, we will explore the art of the underhand serve in padel and teach you how to become a master of this technique.

Why Use the Underhand Serve in Padel?

The underhand serve in padel is one of the most effective ways to start a point. It is a low-risk serve that can help you control the ball’s trajectory and speed. The underhand serve is a great option if you want to serve with accuracy while reducing the risk of hitting the ball too hard and losing control.

Another advantage of underhand serving is that it gives you more time to get into a good position on the court. When you serve overhand, your weight shifts towards the front of your body, making it harder to move quickly. By serving underhand, you can keep your weight balanced and respond quickly to your opponent’s return.

Mastering the Underhand Serve in Padel

Now that you know why the underhand serve is essential let’s look at the technique involved. Here are a few tips to help you improve your underhand serve in padel.

1. Stand at the back of the court

To get a good underhand serve, you need to start from the back of the court. Take a few steps back, and you have more space to hit the ball with control. When you’re at the back of the court, it’s easier to see the whole court and take your time to make a well-placed serve.

2. Hold the paddle with both hands

When you serve underhand, ensure you hold the paddle with both hands. Your dominant hand (the hand you hold the paddle with) should be at the bottom while your other hand holds the top of the paddle. Holding the paddle with both hands will give you more control over the shot.

3. Keep your wrist firm and make contact with the ball

For a successful underhand serve, it’s important to keep your wrist firm, and your arm should remain close to your body as you make your swing. Make sure you make good contact with the ball, and it should not be too high or too low.

Gameplay Tips

While mastering the underhand serve is essential, there are some other tips you need to keep in mind while playing. These are:

1. Vary your serve

To keep your opponent off guard, try to vary your underhand serve during the game. You can change the speed and height of the ball to surprise your opponent.

2. Watch your opponent’s position

When you underhand serve, you should observe your opponent’s position. It helps you to anticipate their move and take the upper hand in the game.

3. Aim for the corners

When you serve underhand, aim for the corners. It will constrain your opponent to move and make a difficult return shot, giving you an advantage.

Final thoughts

The underhand serve in padel is an essential technique that every beginner player must master. With this low-risk serve, you can gain significant control over the pace and trajectory of the game. It’s essential to keep practicing and observing your opponent’s moves to improve your underhand serve. With time and effort, you can become a master of this technique and conquer the Padel court.