Top 5 Common Serve Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Serving well can give you the edge in every point. But many players make these mistakes — especially in South African clubs where courts can be tight and competitive.

Mistake 1: Serving above the waist
Padel rules require the ball to be struck below waist level after the bounce. Many beginners serve too high, leading to faults.
Fix: Practice with a mirror or record your serve to check contact height.

Mistake 2: Foot faults
Stepping on or over the service line nullifies your serve.
Fix: Use cones placed 10 cm behind the line during practice to build muscle memory.

Mistake 3: Tossing inconsistently
A bad toss disrupts timing and power.
Fix: Use a routine toss; aim for the ball to bounce once then strike at waist level.

Mistake 4: Serving too hard
Power can reduce control and increase errors.
Fix: Prioritize accuracy; serve to your opponent’s weaker side or body.

Mistake 5: Lack of variation
Serving the same way every time lets opponents anticipate.
Fix: Mix slice, flat, and body serves to keep opponents guessing.

Practice these fixes on your local courts and share your progress with #BeyondTheServe.