Pickleball is a fun sport that many people enjoy. Serving is the way to start each point. But how does serving work in pickleball? This article will explain it simply. You will learn the basic rules and tips for serving well.
What is a Serve in Pickleball?
In pickleball, the serve is the first hit that starts the play. One player hits the ball to the other side. The ball must go over the net and land in a special area. This area is called the service court. The serve is important because it sets the game in motion.
Key Rules for Serving in Pickleball
There are some rules for a legal serve. These rules help keep the game fair. Here are the main points you must remember:
- Underhand Motion: You must hit the ball below your waist. The paddle moves in an upward arc when you hit.
- Paddle Position: The paddle head must be below your wrist when you hit the ball.
- Foot Placement: Both feet must stay behind the baseline until you hit the ball.
- Diagonal Court: The ball must land diagonally across the net in the opponent’s service court.
- No Spin Allowed: You cannot spin the ball when you serve.
- One Serve Attempt: You get only one chance to serve. No second tries.
- Drop Serve: You can drop the ball and hit it after it bounces once, but all other rules still apply.
Credit: impactpaddle.com
Step-by-Step Guide to Serving
Now, let’s look at how to serve in pickleball step by step. Follow these simple instructions:
- Stand behind the baseline with both feet on the ground.
- Hold the paddle so the head is below your wrist.
- Hit the ball below your waist in an upward motion.
- Aim to send the ball across the net into the diagonal service court.
- Make sure the ball does not land in the kitchen or non-volley zone.
- Only one serve attempt is allowed, so try to make it good.
Where to Stand When Serving
You must stand behind the baseline. Both feet should be inside the court but behind the line. You cannot step on or over the baseline until after you hit the ball. This rule keeps the serve fair. The serve must go over the net and land in the right place.
What is the Service Court?
The service court is the area where the ball must land during a serve. It is the space diagonally opposite your position. If you serve from the right side, the ball must go to the left service court on the other side. If you serve from the left, the ball must go to the right service court.
The service court is different from the “kitchen” or non-volley zone. The ball cannot land in the kitchen during a serve. It has to land past the kitchen line but inside the service court.
Common Faults in Serving
Sometimes players make mistakes during their serve. These mistakes are called faults. Here are some common faults to avoid:
- Hitting the ball above the waist or overhand.
- Stepping on or over the baseline before hitting the ball.
- Serving the ball into the wrong service court.
- Letting the ball bounce more than once before hitting it (unless using a drop serve correctly).
- Spinning the ball when serving.
- Trying a second serve after a fault (only one attempt allowed).
Types of Serves in Pickleball
There are a few ways to serve in pickleball. Each has its own style. Here are two common types:
1. Traditional Underhand Serve
This is the most common serve. You hit the ball with a smooth upward motion below your waist. The paddle stays below your wrist. The ball goes into the diagonal service court. It is easy to learn and works well for beginners.
2. Drop Serve
The drop serve is a newer style. You drop the ball and let it bounce once on the ground. Then, you hit the ball underhand and send it into the service court. This serve can be slower but still legal. All the other serve rules apply.
How to Call Out the Score Before Serving
Before each serve, players must say the score out loud. This helps both teams know the current point. The serving team says their score first, then the opponent’s score, and then which side will serve next. This tradition keeps the game clear and fair.
Credit: pickleballkitchen.com
Tips for Better Serving
Serving well can help you win points. Here are some easy tips to improve your serve:
- Practice hitting the ball below your waist every time.
- Keep your paddle head below your wrist when hitting.
- Stand steady behind the baseline with both feet.
- Aim for the far corner of the diagonal service court.
- Try to keep your serve low and smooth.
- Use the drop serve if you want to try a slower serve.
Summary Table: Serve Rules at a Glance
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Motion | Underhand, paddle moves upward |
| Contact Point | Ball hit below waist, paddle head below wrist |
| Foot Position | Both feet behind baseline |
| Serve Direction | Ball must land diagonally opposite |
| No Spin | Spinning the ball is not allowed |
| Serve Attempts | Only one serve allowed |
| Drop Serve | Allowed if ball bounces once before hit |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Rules Of Serving In Pickleball?
Pickleball serves must be underhand, paddle below wrist, ball below waist, moving upward. Serve diagonally into opponent’s service court. Both feet stay behind baseline. Only one serve attempt allowed. No spin allowed. Drop serve is permitted following these rules.
How Does Serving And Scoring Work In Pickleball?
In pickleball, serve underhand below the waist with paddle head below wrist. Serve diagonally into opponent’s service court. Keep both feet behind baseline. Only one serve attempt allowed. Score only when serving, earning points by winning rallies.
Can You Step Into The Kitchen While Serving?
No, you cannot step into the kitchen while serving in pickleball. Stay behind the baseline during your serve.
How Does Serving Rotation Work In Pickleball?
Serving rotation in pickleball starts with the first server on the right side. After scoring, the server switches sides. When the server loses a point, the serve passes to the opponent. In doubles, both teammates serve before the serve rotates to the other team.
Conclusion
Serving in pickleball follows simple rules. You hit the ball underhand below the waist. The ball must land in the right service court. Your feet stay behind the baseline. You get only one chance to serve. These rules keep the game fair and fun.
With practice, serving becomes easier. Try the drop serve if you want variety. Remember to call out the score before you serve. Keep playing and enjoy pickleball!