If you’re new to pickleball, one of the first things you’ll need to learn is how to properly serve the ball. Serving is the first and most essential skill in pickleball that every player must master in order to play the game effectively. Pickleball, a game that has become increasingly popular in the past few years, is a paddle sport that is a combination of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. However, serving in pickleball has its unique set of rules and techniques that you’ll need to master in order to play the game successfully. In this blog post,

Pickleball Serves: Exploring Different Styles and Techniques

Serving is a critical aspect of pickleball as it’s the first shot of every rally. There are different styles and techniques of serving in pickleball that you’ll need to learn to effectively play the game. Some of the most popular serving techniques include the drive serve, the lob serve, the drop serve, and the spin serve. Each technique has its unique set of rules and benefits that can be implemented during different situations in the game. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different styles and techniques of serving in pickleball to help you improve your game and become a more effective player.

Pickleball Serves: Exploring Different Styles and Techniques

As a beginner to pickleball, one of the first skills you’ll need to master is serving. Serving is the first shot of every rally, which makes it a crucial aspect of the game. Your ability to serve properly can impact the outcome of the game, and your overall success as a player. In this blog post, we’ll explore different styles and techniques of serving in pickleball to help you take your game to the next level.

Understanding the Rules of Serving in Pickleball

Before we get into the different styles and techniques of serving, it’s essential to understand the fundamental rules of serving in pickleball. One of the most important rules is that the serve must be made underhand, where the paddle contacts the ball below the waist level. If the server hits the ball above the waist, the serve is considered a fault. However, some exceptions exist to this rule, which we’ll discuss next.

Exceptions to the Underhand Serve Rule

There are specific situations where players are allowed to violate the underhand serve rule. For instance, if a player hits or bumps the ball with their hand or arm, they can then hit the ball with an overhead motion on their first attempt, a motion commonly known as an overhead serve. Players are also allowed to perform an overhead serve if the ball bounces off the net and lands on the receiving team’s court. In both cases, the server must contact the ball behind the baseline and not return to the non-volley zone until they hit the ball.

The Double Bounce Rule

Another rule to keep in mind when serving pickleball is the double bounce rule. In pickleball, it’s mandatory for the ball to bounce once on each side of the court before players can start volleying the ball. If the player who receives the serve hits the ball before it bounces on their side of the court, it results in a fault. However, this rule only applies to the player receiving the serve. Once both sides have hit the ball, volleys are allowed without any bounce requirement.

Popular Pickleball Serving Techniques

Now that you’ve gained a better understanding of the rules of serving, let’s explore some popular serving techniques used in pickleball.

The Drive Serve

This serve is one of the most aggressive pickleball serving techniques that some of the top players use to put pressure on the opposition. A drive serve involves hitting the ball as hard as possible towards the opponent’s backline. This serves aim is to make it difficult for them to return the ball. However, this serve is often risky as it can easily sail out of bounds, giving the receiving player an easy point. To execute a successful drive serve, the server should hit the ball hard, keep it low, and aim for the corner areas of the opponent’s court.

Executing the Drive Serve:

Stand behind the baseline and to one side.
Take a small step forward with your non-dominant foot and drop the ball near your waist.
As the ball descends, use your dominant hand to hit it as hard as possible while keeping it low and aiming for the opponent’s backline.

The Lob Serve

The lob serve is a slower and more defensive serving technique. It involves hitting the ball towards the opponent’s backline with extreme height, which means the ball will take a longer time to come down. The aim of this serve is to give the player more time to move to the non-volley zone after delivering it. This technique can be particularly effective against players who prefer to play at the back of the court. If executed properly, the lob serve can surprise your opponent and create an opportunity for an easy point.

Executing the Lob Serve:

Stand behind the baseline and to one side.
Drop the ball near your waist and swing your paddle upwards, contacting it in a way that makes the ball go up and over towards the back of the court.
Follow through on the swing and aim for a high arcing shot that lands deepest in the opponent’s backcourt.

The Drop Serve

The drop serve, also known as a soft serve, is a slow and low serve that lands near the front of the service area. Its aim is to make it difficult for your opponent to return the ball accurately. If the receiving player returns the ball too high, this gives the serving player the opportunity to hit it back with an overhead smash. This serve is particularly effective when playing against players who are quick to move to the non-volley zone.

Executing the Drop Serve:

Stand behind the baseline and to one side.
Drop the ball near your waist and swing your paddle towards the middle of your opponent’s court or closer to the net.
Try to make contact with the ball using minimal force that will barely send the ball over the net before it drops near the front of the service area.

The Spin Serve

This serve is an advanced technique used by skilled players who want to outsmart their opponent. The spin serve involves imparting rotational spin on the ball as it’s served, making it difficult for the receiving player to return accurately. The spin on the ball can cause it to move erratically, making it harder for the opponent to anticipate where it will land.

Executing the Spin Serve:

Stand behind the baseline and to one side.
Throw the ball slightly higher, allowing for a longer backswing.
As you bring your paddle forward, add a quick snap of the wrist to create topspin or backspin on the ball.
Your serve variation will depend on your wrist movements, so make sure to practice and adjust accordingly.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Serve

With four different serving techniques to choose from, it may be challenging to determine which one to use at any given moment. Things that can affect your choice of serve include the skill of your opponent, the game’s score, and the current game’s momentum. For example, if you’re leading the game comfortably, a more aggressive serve may be the best approach to keep your opponent under pressure. However, if your opponent is making many returns, using a less aggressive serve may help you gain control of the rally.

Conclusion

Serving is an essential skill in pickleball, and mastering different styles and techniques of serving can help you take your game to the next level. Remember that practice is crucial to perfect these techniques, so we recommend finding a partner or coach to help you hone your skills. With enough practice, you can become a top-performing pickleball player capable of delivering some of the best serves in the game.

So, what’s your favorite serving technique? Share with us in the comment section below.

“Book now to take advantage of our Pickleball Serves Masterclass to improve your game and to be your best.”

How to Practice Your Pickleball Serves

Practicing pickleball serves can help you become more consistent and ready to deliver a perfect serve in a match. Here are some tips to help you practice:

Start by practicing with a partner, hitting serves back and forth to each other.
Focus on your form. Make sure you’re using the correct grip, keeping your elbow close to your body, and swinging underhand.
Practice different types of serves. Work on adding spin, varying your speed, and hitting different locations on the court.
Work on consistency. Aim to hit your serve at least eight out of ten times in the desired location.

What Happens When You Miss Your Serve?

Missing your serve can be frustrating, but it’s an essential aspect of the game. When a player misses their serve, the opposing team wins the serve, which means the server and the server’s partner lose their opportunity to score a point. Additionally, if the server misses their serve twice in a row, it results in a fault, and the opposing team scores a point.

However, sometimes missing a serve can work in your favor. If you miss your serve, and the ball hits the net and lands in the correct service area, you get a second chance to try again. This is known as a “let serve.”

The Importance of a Good Serve in Pickleball

Serving is an essential part of pickleball as it’s the first shot of every rally. Strong serving allows the server to control the pace of play, put pressure on the receiving player, and set up winning points. A solid serve also helps the server move to the non-volley zone quickly and maintain the offensive. In some cases, a well-placed serve can give the server an easy opportunity for an overhead smash or volley winner.

Choosing the Right Paddle for Your Serve

The type of paddle you choose to use in pickleball can impact how effectively you can serve the ball. Different paddles have different features like weight, grip size, and length, making some more suitable than others for certain serving styles.

It’s important to choose a paddle that feels comfortable and suits your playing style. If you prefer a more aggressive style of serving, you might consider a heavier paddle, while more defensive players might want a lightweight paddle for increased maneuverability. Additionally, if you have a specific grip preference or wrist issues, consider a paddle with a unique grip design like the Gamma Mirage or Selkirk Pro S1C.

Final Words

In conclusion, serving is a critical part of pickleball that every player must master to play the game effectively. Experimenting with different serve styles, practicing regularly, and maintaining proper form are essential to taking your serving game to the next level. With the tips and techniques we’ve covered in this article, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a dynamic and versatile server that can handle any opponent on the court.

“Book now to take advantage of our Pickleball Serves Masterclass to improve your game and to be your best.”

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions related to serving in pickleball:

1. How high can I hit the ball on my serve?

According to pickleball rules, the ball must be served underhand and hit below the waist level. Any ball hit above the waist is considered a fault.

2. Can I use an overhead serve in pickleball?

Yes, there are specific situations where an overhead serve is permitted, such as when the ball bounces off the net and lands on the receiving team’s court or when it is hit or bumped by a player’s arm or hand. However, players must contact the ball behind the baseline and not return to the non-volley zone until they hit the ball.

3. How should I grip my paddle when serving in pickleball?

When serving, make sure to grip the paddle comfortably and securely. The most common grip style used for serving is the Eastern forehand grip.

4. How many serves do I get in pickleball?

Each player gets a chance to serve two times. The first serve is made by the player on the right side of the court, and the second serve is made by the player on the left side of the court.

5. What happens if I miss my serve in pickleball?

When a player misses their serve, the opposing team wins the serve, which means the server and the server’s partner lose their opportunity to score a point. If the server misses their serve twice in a row, it results in a fault, and the opposing team scores a point.

6. Can I use different types of serves in pickleball?

Yes, there are different styles and techniques of serving in pickleball. Some of the most popular include the drive serve, the lob serve, the drop serve, and the spin serve.

7. Which type of serve is best for beginners?

Beginners may find the drop serve to be the most comfortable and effective. This serve is slower, requires less power and puts less pressure on the server.

8. What is a let serve in pickleball?

A let serve happens when the ball hits the net on a serve but lands in the correct service area, allowing the server another try. A let serve doesn’t count as a fault, and play continues on without any penalty.

9. How can I improve my pickleball serves?

You can improve your pickleball serves by practicing regularly with a partner, focusing on proper form, experimenting with the different styles of serves, and developing consistency.

10. What paddle weight is best for serving in pickleball?

The ideal paddle weight for serving depends on personal preference. Heavier paddles provide more power, while lighter paddles offer more control and maneuverability.

11. Should I use a different paddle for serving compared to other shots?

It’s not necessary to use a different paddle for serving in pickleball. However, some players may prefer a heavier or lighter paddle for serving depending on their playing style.

12. Should I practice my serves before a match?

Yes, warming up with serves before a match is a good idea as it helps to develop consistency, speed, and accuracy. Practicing serves also relaxes the arm and gets you into the correct serving mindset before the game.

13. How important is serving in pickleball?

Serving is a critical aspect of pickleball as