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Who serves the first game for your pair?
First game: the steadier server with the calmer first volley. Settle first, attack later.
You have won the toss and chosen to serve. Which partner should serve the first game?
First game: the steadier server with the calmer first volley. Settle first, attack later.
Why
The first service game of a match is where nerves live, and the pair that holds it comfortably plays the next few games with a lead and a settled rhythm. So the partner who serves first should be the one whose serve lands reliably and whose first volley is calm under pressure, not necessarily the stronger player. The order can be changed at the start of each set, so if the first choice turns out to be wrong, the second set is the moment to switch. It is a small decision, and pairs who make it deliberately hold the first game more often than pairs who do not.
What this means at your level
Beginner
Whoever double-faults less serves first. It is not more complicated than that.
Intermediate
Consider the side too: your first server serves from the right. If one of you has a much better wide serve from the right, that decides it.
Advanced
In a tie-break the serving order matters more: the pair that serves the first point should have the stronger first-point serve. Plan the tie-break order before six all.
Common questions
You have won the toss and chosen to serve. Which partner should serve the first game?
The steadier serve and calmer first volley. First game: the steadier server with the calmer first volley. Settle first, attack later. The first service game of a match is where nerves live, and the pair that holds it comfortably plays the next few games with a lead and a settled rhythm. So the partner who serves first should be the one whose serve lands reliably and whose first volley is calm under pressure, not necessarily the stronger player. The order can be changed at the start of each set, so if the first choice turns out to be wrong, the second set is the moment to switch. It is a small decision, and pairs who make it deliberately hold the first game more often than pairs who do not.
Why not the stronger player, always?
Strength in rallies is not the same as a reliable serve-and-volley. Pick the serve, not the ranking.
What should a beginner do here?
Whoever double-faults less serves first. It is not more complicated than that.
How does this change for an advanced player?
In a tie-break the serving order matters more: the pair that serves the first point should have the stronger first-point serve. Plan the tie-break order before six all.
Puzzles like this one
Both of them are at the net. What is the highest-percentage ball?
Only the lob moves a net pair backwards. Everything else invites them forward.
beginnerYou have served. Where do you go?
In padel you serve in order to get to the net. Serve, then go.
intermediateWhat do you do with the return of serve?
The return lob is how the receiving pair steals the net. Aim over the player who is still moving.