Slow serve
A deliberately gentle serve that breaks the receiver's rhythm and gives you more time to reach the net.
When to play it
Against receivers who return better off pace. When you need time to get forward after serving.
How to play it
Swing slowly with a relaxed grip and lift the ball a little higher over the net. Aim deep in the box so the slower ball still pushes them back. Follow it in and set your feet before the return.
Common mistakes
Serving slowly and short, which invites an attack. Slowing the serve and then staying at the back.
Rules for this shot
Questions
Is the slow serve legal in padel?
Legal under Rule 6: the rules set the contact height and the landing area, not the pace. It still has to bounce in the diagonal box (Rule 7.1c).