Welcome to another exciting edition of PickleballNoob, where we’re all about helping you up your game.
In today’s post, we’re going to be talking about the ins and outs of pickleball serving.
Primarily, we just want to cover the basics on how to serve in pickleball and clear the air of some of the other posts out there.
For example, I see a lot of info saying an overhand serve is a-ok. When based on the USA Pickleball governing body, it is not.
How to Serve in Pickleball
When it comes to serving in pickleball, there are a few basic rules you’ll need to keep in mind.
First and foremost, the server must stand behind the baseline and serve the ball diagonally crosscourt.
The serve must land within the confines of the opposite diagonal court, and only one serve attempt is allowed per server.
Update 2023: no longer allowed to spin serve in pickleball. Learn more.
What Are the Serving Rules in Pickleball?
When it comes to serving in pickleball, there are several rules that players need to follow to avoid losing points.
These rules are in place to ensure a fair and competitive game for all players involved.
Here are the serving rules in pickleball:
- The server’s arm must be moving in an upward arc when the ball is struck. This means that you cannot hit the ball on a downward trajectory or level swing.
- Paddle contact with the ball must not be made above the waist level. If the paddle makes contact with the ball above your waist, it will be considered an illegal serve, and your opponent will receive a point.
- The head of the paddle must not be above the highest part of the wrist at contact. This means that players cannot hit the ball with the paddle held above their wrist, as it will be deemed an illegal serve.
- A ‘drop serve’ is also permitted, in which case none of the elements above apply. A drop serve involves dropping the ball to the ground and hitting it with your paddle before it bounces.
- At the time the ball is struck, the server’s feet may not touch the court or outside the imaginary extension of the sideline or centerline, and at least one foot must be behind the baseline on the playing surface or the ground behind the baseline. In other words, players cannot step on the court lines while serving, and their feet must be behind the baseline.
- The serve is made diagonally crosscourt and must land within the confines of the opposite diagonal court. This means that players cannot serve the ball straight at their opponent or outside the opposite diagonal court.
- Only one serve attempt is allowed per server. If the server misses their first serve or hits an illegal serve, they will lose their serve, and the opposing team will receive a point.
Remember, the serve is an essential part of pickleball, and it is crucial to practice and master it to become a competitive player.
Can You Serve Overhand in Pickleball?
Yes, you absolutely can serve overhand in pickleball… But, it’s not allowed by the USAPickleball.org rules.
Here are a few guidelines you’ll need to follow.
The server’s arm must be moving in an upward arc when the ball is struck, and paddle contact with the ball must not be made above the waist level.
Additionally, the head of the paddle must not be above the highest part of the wrist at contact. It’s worth noting that while the overhand serve is legal, it’s not always the best option, especially for beginners.
Can You Bounce the Ball on a Pickleball Serve?
No, you cannot bounce the ball on a pickleball serve. Unlike in tennis, the ball must be struck in the air when serving.
Who Serves First in Pickleball?
In pickleball, the serving team gets to serve first. After that, the serve will alternate between teams until the end of the game.
How Many Serves in Pickleball?
In pickleball, each player gets one serve per turn. If the serve is faulted, the other team will get a point and the serve will switch to the other team.
So there you have it, a quick rundown of everything you need to know about pickleball serving. We hope you found this post helpful and informative, and we wish you the best of luck on the court!
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