Win the Point Before It Starts: Serve, Return & First Volley Blueprint
The First Three Shots Blueprint
(Serve → Return → First Volley)
If you win these three shots, you control the point.
This sequence decides the majority of padel rallies. Play it well, and you keep the net, apply pressure, and force mistakes. Play it badly, and you're defending immediately.
What It Is
The First Three Shots Blueprint is a tactical system for:
Serve → Prevent the lob
Return → Put the ball back in (smartly)
First Volley → Add pressure without losing control
It is built around three core concepts:
Consistency
Keep the net as long as possible
Move your opponents
This is not about hitting winners.
It’s about building the point correctly.
When to Use It
Use this blueprint:
Every service game
Against players who love to lob
When you want to play structured, high-percentage padel
In tight score moments
When facing stronger opponents
This is your foundation strategy — not a special tactic.
Who Should Use It
Beginner
Essential.
Reduces silly mistakes and improves structure.
Intermediate
Critical.
Helps you win more service games and break more often.
Advanced
Mandatory.
At higher levels, small mistakes in these three shots get punished immediately.
Step-by-Step Execution
1️⃣ The Serve – Prevent the Lob
Your goal:
Not a winner.
Not just “in.”
Force a low return.
How:
Use slice to keep the ball low.
Aim for 70–80% first serves in.
Vary direction:
To the glass
To the T
To the body (especially on big points)
What to check:
If your opponent hits below the knee → you’re doing it right.
Tactical note:
Observe weaknesses:
Struggles with the glass?
Weak backhand?
Uncomfortable side?
Keep serving there.
2️⃣ The Return – Put the Ball Back In
Breaking serve is impossible if you miss returns.
Golden Rule:
The return must go in. Every time.
4 Simple Rules:
Rule 1:
First serve → return low.
Second serve → look to lob (preferably the weaker player).
Rule 2:
Return to the server whenever possible.
Why? They are moving forward and hitting on the run.
Rule 3:
If the serve is very good → go down the line.
It’s technically easier and buys time.
Rule 4 (Advanced):
Keep the return tight to the net to prevent an easy first volley.
After hitting:
Recover immediately.
Do not watch your shot.
3️⃣ The First Volley – Add Pressure
Non-negotiable:
The first volley must go in.
Before you volley:
Run
Stop (split step)
Then hit
Never volley while still moving forward.
Direction logic:
If you served to the glass →
First volley goes to the center.
If you served to the T →
First volley goes to the corner.
Why?
You are making them move while hitting.
Movement = errors.
When to Change Direction
Do NOT switch direction randomly.
Changing direction:
Opens space
Forces your partner to move
Gives away the net
Only switch direction if:
You get an easy ball
You can attack with purpose
Otherwise, keep adding pressure to the same player.
Common Mistakes
❌ Serving too fast instead of low
❌ Missing too many first serves
❌ Going for return winners
❌ Not recovering after the return
❌ Volleys while still running
❌ Switching direction without reason
❌ Trying to finish too early
Simple Key Reminders
Serve low, not hard
70–80% first serves in
Return must go in
Return to the server
Stop before volleying
Move opponents
Don’t give the net away
Padel is not won with spectacular shots.
It is won by controlling the first three.
Master these, and the rest of the rally becomes much easier.
