Should You Use the Backhand Serve in Padel?
You see it at high level.
You see lots of recreational players trying it.
But should you use the backhand serve?
The answer: It depends on your slice and your consistency.
Here’s a clear breakdown.
1. What It Is
The backhand serve is exactly what it sounds like:
Instead of serving with your forehand, you:
Stand side-on
Drop the ball in front
Hit the serve with your backhand
It’s most commonly used by right-handers serving from the left side of the court, where the slice can stay low and close to the side glass.
The main purpose:
Add slice
Change rhythm
Keep the ball lower and tighter to the glass
It is not about power. It’s about variation and spin.
2. When to Use It
The backhand serve can be useful when:
Your opponent struggles with low backhand returns
You want to change rhythm mid-match
You can generate strong slice
You’re serving from the left side (right-hander)
It works best when:
You can keep it low
It stays tight to the side glass
It forces a defensive return
It’s usually less effective:
Down the T (unless used as surprise variation)
If hit flat
If inconsistent
3. Who Should Use It?
Beginners
Generally: No.
Focus on:
A consistent forehand serve
Good placement
Quick movement to net
The backhand serve adds complexity you don’t need yet.
Intermediate Players
Use it occasionally, if:
You have a reliable slice backhand
You can control direction and depth
You use it as variation, not your main serve
It’s a tactical option, not a replacement.
Advanced Players
Yes, if it adds value.
Advanced players may use it to:
Break rhythm
Exploit specific return weaknesses
Create different return angles
But even at high level, it’s used strategically, not constantly.
4. Step-by-Step Execution
If you’re going to use it, do it properly.
Step 1: Side-On Stance
Turn your shoulders sideways.
Front foot slightly pointing toward target.
Stay balanced.
Step 2: Controlled Ball Drop
Drop or bounce the ball in front of your body.
Keep it consistent in height.
Don’t toss too high.
This is one of the hardest parts.
Step 3: Racket Preparation
Two options:
Option A (Full Preparation – Pro Style):
Start with racket extended.
Drop the ball.
Take racket fully back.
Swing through with rotation.
This generates more power but is harder to time.
Option B (Simpler Version):
Start with racket already halfway back.
Drop ball.
Small backswing.
Swing forward smoothly.
This is more practical for most players.
Step 4: Contact in Front
Contact slightly in front of your body.
Brush under and across the ball for slice.
Stay low through your legs.
Do NOT contact too close to your body.
Step 5: Slice Toward the Glass
Best target (right-hander, left side):
Serve wide toward the side glass.
Keep it low.
Let it stay close to the wall.
That’s where the slice creates difficulty.
Step 6: Move Immediately to Net
Like any serve:
Do not admire it.
Move forward instantly.
Take your net position.
5. Common Mistakes
Using it without a strong slice
Hitting flat backhand serves
Poor ball drop consistency
Looking over your shoulder awkwardly
Choosing it because a pro uses it
Slower movement to net
Big mistake:
Using it because it looks cool, not because it gives you advantage.
If your forehand serve is more consistent and more accurate, it’s better.
6. Simple Key Reminders
Only use it if your slice is good.
It works best wide toward the glass.
Don’t overuse it.
Rhythm change is the main benefit.
Accuracy beats variation.
Move to net immediately.
If you’re unsure:
Master your forehand serve first.
The backhand serve is a tool, not a shortcut.
Use it only if it genuinely improves your service game.
