What Is an Illegal Serve in Padel?

Padel might be a fun and fast-paced sport, but that doesn’t mean you can serve however you want. If you’ve ever played a casual match and had someone call your serve illegal, you might have been left wondering: Wait, what did I do wrong? Well, let’s clear that up once and for all.

There are specific rules about serving in padel, and if you break them—whether intentionally or not—your serve is considered illegal. Understanding these rules not only helps you avoid giving away free points but also improves your game and keeps you in line with the official regulations.

Key Rules for a Legal Serve

To serve legally in padel, you must follow these key rules:

1. The Ball Must Be Bounced Below Waist Height

One of the biggest differences between padel and tennis is the serve. In padel, you must bounce the ball on the ground before striking it, and the point of contact must be below waist level. If you hit it too high, the serve is illegal.

2. Feet Placement – No Stepping on or Over the Line

Your feet must remain behind the service line when you strike the ball. If you step on or over the line during the serve, it’s considered a fault.

3. The Serve Must Land in the Opponent’s Service Box

Just like in tennis, your serve must land diagonally in the opponent’s service box. If it lands outside of the designated area, it’s a fault.

4. The Ball Cannot Hit the Side Fence First

After bouncing in the service box, the ball must not hit the side fence before the opponent has a chance to return it. If it does, your serve is considered illegal.

5. Double Faults Apply

You get two attempts at a legal serve. If you commit two consecutive faults—whether it’s hitting the net, serving out, or breaking any of the above rules—you lose the point.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Illegal Serves

Many players, especially beginners, unintentionally commit serving faults. Here are some of the most common mistakes:

• Hitting the ball too high: Remember, contact must be below waist level.
• Stepping over the line: It’s easy to forget, but keep both feet behind the service line.
• Not hitting diagonally: Make sure you’re aiming for the correct service box.
• Hitting the side fence first: Avoid excess spin or misdirection that could send the ball into the side fence before your opponent gets a shot.

How to Avoid Serving Mistakes

• Practice serving drills to get comfortable with ball placement and foot positioning.
• Record yourself serving to identify any habitual mistakes.
• Play with experienced players who can help correct your form.
• Stay calm and composed—rushing leads to unnecessary faults.

By mastering the serve and avoiding illegal techniques, you’ll gain an edge in your matches while keeping your game clean and fair. Happy serving!