Is this serve legal?
Verdict
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Padel serve rules summary
- Server must be behind the service line
- Both feet behind the baseline at point of contact
- Ball must be hit at waist level or below (underhand)
- Ball must bounce in the service box first
- Ball must land in the diagonal service box
- If ball hits the wire fence on serve = fault
- Two attempts (first and second serve)
Top picks compared
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|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Padel Coaching Book | Complete guide to padel technique, tactics, serve rules and strategy. | Check price → |
| Option | Padel Balls (Tube of 3) | Practice serves and rallies with consistent-pressure balls. | Check price → |
| Option | Padel Overgrip Set | Replacement overgrips for better control during serve and volleys. | Check price → |
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Frequently asked questions
Can you serve overhead in padel?
No — padel serves must be hit at waist height or below. This is one of the key differences from tennis and makes padel more accessible for beginners, as mastering a tennis overhead serve is not required.
What happens if the serve hits the wire fence?
A fault. The ball must land in the service box and may then hit the glass walls but must not touch the wire fence netting on serve. If it hits the back glass after bouncing in the box, it's legal.