Pickleball is a fun sport that many people enjoy. If you want to play well, you need to know how to serve. Serving in pickleball starts the play. It is important to do it right. This guide will help you learn how to serve in pickleball step by step.
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What is Serving in Pickleball?
Serving means to hit the ball to the other side to start the point. It is the first move in each rally. Without a serve, the game cannot begin. The serve must follow special rules to be legal. If you do not serve correctly, you lose the point or have to try again.
Where Do You Serve From?
You must stand behind the baseline. The baseline is the back line of the court. You cannot step on or over this line when you hit the ball. You can move left or right as long as you stay behind the line. Your feet must stay behind the baseline until you finish hitting the ball.
How Do You Hold the Paddle?
Hold the paddle firmly but not too tight. Keep the paddle head below your wrist. This helps you serve underhand, which is required in pickleball. An underhand serve means your paddle moves from low to high.
How to Hit the Ball When Serving
The ball must be hit below the waist. This means the paddle hits the ball when it is below your navel. You cannot hit the ball overhand or above your waist. The paddle head must stay below your wrist when you hit the ball.
You can serve in two ways:
- Hit the ball in the air: Toss the ball up and hit it before it bounces.
- Drop serve: Drop the ball and hit it after it bounces once on the ground.
Either way is allowed. But you cannot put spin on the ball toss in a drop serve. Spin means making the ball turn while it moves.
Where Must the Ball Go?
The ball must go diagonally across the net. This means if you serve from the right side, the ball must land in the opposite right service box. The service box is the area on the other side of the net between the baseline and the non-volley zone line.
Important:
- The serve cannot land in the non-volley zone, also called the kitchen.
- The kitchen is the seven-foot area near the net.
- The ball must bounce inside the service box to be good.
How Many Attempts Do You Get to Serve?
You get only one try to serve the ball correctly. If you miss, you lose your turn to serve. In doubles, the serve passes to the other team. In singles, your opponent gets the serve.
Steps to Serve Correctly
Follow these simple steps to serve well:
- Stand behind the baseline.
- Hold the paddle with the head below your wrist.
- Keep at least one foot behind the baseline.
- Hit the ball underhand below your waist.
- Serve diagonally into the opposite service box.
- Make sure the ball lands inside the court and outside the kitchen.
Common Mistakes When Serving
Many beginners make these mistakes:
- Serving overhand or hitting the ball above the waist.
- Stepping on or over the baseline before hitting.
- Serving into the kitchen or outside the service box.
- Trying more than one serve attempt in a row.
- Not letting the ball bounce on the receiver’s side before playing.
Avoid these errors to keep your serve legal and strong.
Why is the Serve Important?
The serve gives you the chance to start points. You can control the game if you serve well. A good serve can make it hard for the other player to return. You only get points when you serve. So, a good serve means more chances to score.
What Happens After the Serve?
After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before players can volley. Volley means hitting the ball in the air without letting it bounce. Both teams must let the ball bounce once after the serve. Then, they can hit the ball before it bounces again.
Different Types of Serves
You can try different serves to surprise your opponent. Here are some types:
- Slice Serve: The ball spins sideways. It moves quickly and curves.
- Drive Serve: A fast and straight serve aimed to force a weak return.
- Drop Serve: The ball bounces before you hit it. It is slower and more controlled.
Try these types to see which one works best for you.
Pickleball Serving Rules Summary
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Underhand Serve | Hit the ball with an underhand stroke below the waist. |
| Paddle Position | Paddle head must stay below the wrist when hitting. |
| Foot Position | At least one foot behind the baseline during serve. |
| Serve Direction | Serve diagonally to the opponent’s service box. |
| Ball Bounce | Ball must land inside the correct service box, outside kitchen. |
| Number of Attempts | Only one serve attempt allowed per point. |
Tips for Practicing Your Serve
Practice is key to improving your serve. Here are some tips:
- Practice standing behind the baseline and hitting the ball low.
- Try to serve the ball into the correct service box every time.
- Work on your paddle grip to keep it steady.
- Practice different types of serves to find what feels best.
- Watch other players to learn how they serve.
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Summary
Serving in pickleball is simple once you know the rules. Always serve underhand and below your waist. Stand behind the baseline and serve diagonally. The ball must land inside the service box, not in the kitchen. You get one chance to serve each time. Good serving helps you score points and win games.
Keep practicing your serve. With time, it will become easier and more natural. Remember, the serve starts every point. Serve well, and you play well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The 5 Rules Of Pickleball?
The 5 rules of pickleball are: Serve underhand from behind baseline, serve diagonally, ball must bounce once on each side after serve, no volleying in the kitchen, and only the serving side can score points.
How Do You Legally Serve In Pickleball?
To legally serve in pickleball, hit the ball underhand below the waist with one foot behind the baseline. Serve diagonally into the opponent’s service box, avoiding the non-volley zone. Only one serve attempt is allowed. A drop serve is permitted, but no spin on the toss.
Do You Serve Overhand Or Underhand In Pickleball?
Pickleball serves must be underhand, hitting the ball below the waist with the paddle below the wrist. Overhand serves are not allowed. Serve diagonally into the opponent’s service box from behind the baseline. Only one serve attempt is permitted per point.
What Are The Five Requirements For A Pickleball Serve?
The five pickleball serve requirements are: serve underhand, paddle below wrist, hit ball below waist, serve diagonally, and keep one foot behind baseline. Only one serve attempt is allowed, and the ball must clear the non-volley zone (kitchen). Drop serves are permitted without spin.