Pickleball is a fun sport. It is easy to learn but has rules you must follow. One important skill is the serve. This article will explain how to serve in pickleball. You will learn the correct way to serve. We will also talk about the rules and types of serves.
What Is a Pickleball Serve?
The serve starts the game. It is the first hit. You hit the ball to your opponent’s side. The serve must be done in a special way. If you serve wrong, you lose your turn.
Basic Rules for Serving in Pickleball
To serve right, you need to know some rules. Here are the key rules:
- Underhand Motion: The paddle must hit the ball in an upward motion. It is like swinging the paddle up. You cannot hit the ball down.
- Below the Waist: You must hit the ball below your waist level. The waist is about at your belly button.
- Paddle Below Wrist: When you hit the ball, the paddle head must be below your wrist.
- Diagonal Serve: You must serve the ball to the opposite side of the court. The ball should land in the service box across from you.
- Behind the Baseline: Your feet must stay behind the baseline when you serve.
- Serve Past the Kitchen: The ball must land past the kitchen line (non-volley zone). It cannot land in the kitchen area.
- One Serve Attempt: You get only one chance to serve. If you miss, your turn ends.
Where to Stand When You Serve
You must stand behind the baseline. The baseline is the back line on the court. Both feet must stay behind this line when serving. Do not step on or over the line until after the ball is hit. This rule helps keep the serve fair.
How to Hold the Paddle
Hold the paddle firmly but not too tight. Your hand should be relaxed. Use a grip like holding a hammer. This grip is called the “continental grip.” It helps you control the ball well.
Steps to Serve Correctly
Follow these simple steps to serve:
- Stand behind the baseline with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold the ball in your non-paddle hand.
- Bring the paddle below your wrist and waist level.
- Drop or toss the ball a little in front of you (for the drop serve).
- Swing the paddle in an upward arc to hit the ball underhand.
- Hit the ball diagonally to the opposite service box.
- Keep your feet behind the baseline until after the hit.
Types of Serves in Pickleball
There are two main types of serves you can use:
| Serve Type | Description | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Underhand Serve | Hold the ball and hit it underhand without letting it bounce. | Ball contact below waist, paddle below wrist, diagonal serve. |
| Drop Serve (New Rule) | Drop the ball and hit it after it bounces once. | Still underhand and below waist, no spin allowed. |
What Happens After the Serve?
After you serve, the other player tries to hit the ball back. The serve must be good for the game to start. If the serve lands in the wrong place, it is a fault. You lose your turn if you fault.
Common Mistakes When Serving
Beginners make some common mistakes when serving. Watch out for these:
- Hitting the ball above the waist.
- Serving into the kitchen (non-volley zone).
- Feet stepping on or over the baseline.
- Not hitting the ball in an upward motion.
- Trying to serve with a hard smash.
Credit: primetimepickleball.com
Tips to Improve Your Serve
Try these tips to get better at serving:
- Practice the underhand swing slowly at first.
- Keep your paddle low and move it up to hit.
- Aim for the far back corner of the service box.
- Use the drop serve to surprise your opponent.
- Stay relaxed and do not rush your serve.
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Why Is Serving Important in Pickleball?
The serve is the start of every point. A good serve can give you an advantage. It can make it hard for your opponent to return the ball. Serving well helps you control the game.
Summary: How to Serve in Pickleball
Let’s review the main points:
- Stand behind the baseline.
- Hit the ball underhand below your waist.
- Paddle head must be below your wrist.
- Serve diagonally into the opposite service box.
- Ball must land past the kitchen line.
- You get only one serve attempt.
Practice often and keep these rules in mind. Your serve will get better over time.
Where to Learn More
You can watch beginner videos online for more help. Many coaches show step-by-step how to serve. Watching videos can help you see the right way to serve. You can also practice with friends or join a class.
Now you know how to serve in pickleball. Have fun playing and practicing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Correct Way To Serve In Pickleball?
To serve correctly in pickleball, hit underhand below your waist with the paddle below your wrist. Serve diagonally into the opposite service court from behind the baseline. Avoid stepping into the kitchen and ensure the ball lands beyond the non-volley zone.
Only one serve attempt is allowed.
What Are The New Rules For Serving In Pickleball?
New pickleball serving rules require an underhand serve below the waist with the paddle below the wrist. Serve diagonally from behind the baseline into the opposite service court. The ball must clear the kitchen line. You get one serve attempt.
The drop serve, allowing a bounce before hitting, is now legal.
Can You Bounce The Ball Before You Serve In Pickleball?
You can bounce the ball once before serving in pickleball using the drop serve rule. The serve must still be underhand, below the waist, and paddle below the wrist. The bounce helps control the serve but is not mandatory.
What Is The Golden Rule Pickleball?
The golden rule in pickleball requires serving underhand, below the waist, with the paddle below the wrist. Serve diagonally from behind the baseline into the opponent’s service court, avoiding the non-volley zone. Only one serve attempt is allowed per point.