Every point begins with the serve and return, yet many players practice both far less than their volleys and overheads.
The PSA system organizes this phase into eight shots: two serve variations and six return variations for different directions, rebounds and tactical intentions.
Both shots begin the battle for net control.
The two serves
Players need a reliable serve from both service sides, with options toward the glass, body and center. Legal, controlled contact and the first movement forward matter more than uncontrolled speed.
The server should finish balanced and advance with the partner. A strong serve followed by a slow transition gives away its advantage.
The six return situations
Return technique changes with direction and whether the player takes the ball before or after the wall. The complete family prepares the returner for both sides and the most common rebound patterns.
Decide early whether to drive low, play through the middle or lob to challenge net control. The correct response depends on serve quality and contact balance.
Return low or return high?
A low return asks the server to volley below net height. A well-executed lob can force the serving pair backward. Neither option is automatic.
Use ball height, pace and body position to decide. A forced lob may present an easy overhead, while a controlled low return can keep the pair alive.
Targets that create the next ball
The serve can attack the side glass, body or center. The return can use the middle to reduce angles, the feet to challenge the first volley or the lob to change court ownership.
Coaching cue: “Serve with a next position. Return with a next problem.”
Serve-plus-one and return-plus-one
Play ten points beginning with a called serve target and required first volley. Then play ten with a called return intention and required recovery position.
Track legal serves, target accuracy, return depth and which pair controls the net after the fourth shot. The objective is a repeatable opening pattern.
Part 22 of Julian Wortelboer’s Technical Pillar series, developed from shots 37–44 in the PSA 52 Shots of Padel System.
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