In padel you serve underarm after a bounce, so even beginners can manage it. Still, a few details in the rules cause arguments on court, and some of them changed in 2026. Everything below follows the 2026 FIP rules.
How do you serve in padel?
The server bounces the ball behind the service line and hits it underarm, diagonally into the opponents’ service box. At the moment of contact, the ball must be at or below waist height, and at least one of the server’s feet must be on the ground. You get two serves on each point.
Where does the server stand?
- The server stands on their own half of the court behind the service line, between the extension of the centre line and the side wall.
- The first serve of each game is taken from the right-hand side of the court. After every point, the server moves to the other side.
- Under the 2026 rules, it is enough to have one foot behind the service line at the moment of contact. Previously both feet had to be there.
- The ball is bounced within the server’s own area. After the bounce, it must not cross the service line or the extension of the centre line before it is hit.
Where does the serve have to land?
The serve must bounce in the service box diagonally opposite. A ball that lands on the line is good. After the bounce, the serve may hit the glass wall, but if it touches the wire mesh before its second bounce, it’s a fault.
When is a serve a fault?
- The ball is hit above waist height or without a bounce.
- The server isn’t standing in the right place, or neither foot is on the ground.
- After the bounce, the ball crosses the service line or the extension of the centre line before it is hit.
- The ball doesn’t bounce in the correct service box, for example it hits a wall before bouncing or lands outside the box.
- The ball bounces in the box but touches the wire mesh before its second bounce. This also applies if the ball hits the glass first and then the mesh.
- The serve hits the server’s partner.
Two faults in a row make a double fault, and the serving pair loses the point.
When is a serve replayed?
A serve is replayed as a let if the ball touches the net or a net post, then bounces in the correct service box and doesn’t touch the wire mesh before its second bounce. Only that serve is replayed: if it was a first serve, the server still has two attempts.
If the ball touches the net, bounces in the box and then hits the wire mesh, it’s a fault, not a let. A serve is also replayed if the receiver wasn’t ready and didn’t try to return the ball.
What does the receiver need to know?
- The receiver must let the serve bounce. You can’t return a serve on the volley.
- If the serve hits the receiver or their partner before it bounces, the server wins the point.
- At the start of each set, the pair decides which player receives on the right and which on the left. This stays the same for the whole set.
- On a deciding point (golden point or star point), the receiving pair chooses which player receives. In mixed doubles, the player of the same sex as the server receives.
Who serves, and in what order?
At the start of a set, the pair serving first decides which of them starts. The serve passes from one pair to the other after every game, and within each pair the players take turns. If the players are A1 and A2 against B1 and B2, the order is A1, B1, A2, B2, then back to the start.
In a tie-break, the first server serves one point, and after that the pairs take turns to serve two points each (see the scoring page).
How long can you take before serving?
You have 20 seconds between points. Under the 2026 rules, a player who goes over the time limit gets a warning first. The next time, a server loses their first serve, or a receiver loses the point.
What changed about the serve in 2026?
- One foot behind the service line at the moment of contact is enough.
- After the bounce, the ball must not cross the service line or the extension of the centre line before it is hit.
- Going over the time allowed between points brings a warning and then a penalty.
All the 2026 changes are listed together in our rules overview.
How can you serve better?
- Aim at the receiver’s backhand or at their body.
- Hit low with a little slice, so the ball also stays low off the glass.
- A reliable first serve matters more than a fast one. A double fault hands your opponents a free point.
- After serving, move up to the net, because your partner is already there.
There’s more on serving technique in our technique guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can you serve without bouncing the ball?
No. The ball must bounce behind the service line before you hit it.
Can the serve hit the glass wall?
Yes, if it has bounced in the correct service box first. A serve must not touch the wire mesh before its second bounce.
What happens if the serve hits the net and lands in the correct box?
The serve is replayed, as long as the ball doesn’t touch the wire mesh after the bounce.
Can the receiver stand anywhere?
The receiver has to let the serve bounce, so they usually stand behind their service box. Their partner can stand anywhere on their side.