Pickleball is a fun sport for all ages. It is easy to learn but has some important rules. The serve is the first hit in the game. It starts the point. Knowing the serving rules helps you play well and avoid faults. Here, we explain the 5 main serving rules in pickleball.
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1. Serve Must Be Underhand
When you serve in pickleball, you must hit the ball underhand. This means your paddle should hit the ball below your waist level. The paddle must move in an upward arc, not overhand or sideways. You cannot smash or chop the ball when serving.
- Hit the ball below your waist (navel).
- Paddle moves from low to high in a smooth motion.
- No overhand or downward swings allowed.
This rule keeps the serve fair and easy to return. It also helps beginners play better. If you serve overhand, it is a fault and the other team gets the point or serve.
2. Feet Placement During the Serve
Your feet position is very important when serving. Both feet must stay behind the baseline. The baseline is the back line of the court. You cannot step on or over this line before hitting the ball.
- Both feet behind the baseline.
- No stepping on or over the baseline.
- Feet must stay inside the court sidelines.
If your foot touches the baseline or goes over before contact, it is a foot fault. The other team will get the point or serve. Always check your feet position before serving.
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3. Serve Must Clear the Net and Land in the Correct Service Area
After you serve, the ball must go over the net without touching it. Then, it must land inside the opponent’s service court. The service court is the diagonal box across the net.
- Ball must go over the net without touching.
- Ball must land inside the correct service box.
- Do not serve into the kitchen (non-volley zone) or out of bounds.
If the serve hits the net and lands in the service box, it is a let serve. You get to serve again without penalty. But if it lands outside the box or in the kitchen, it is a fault.
4. The Ball Must Be Hit in One Fluid Motion
You cannot stop or hold the ball when serving. The ball must be hit in one smooth motion after you toss or drop it. Also, you cannot spin the ball with your hand or paddle before hitting it.
- No stopping or holding the ball.
- Hit the ball in one smooth movement.
- No spinning or twisting the ball before serving.
This rule prevents unfair serves. Spinning or hiding the ball makes it harder for the opponent to see the serve. It is not allowed and will cause a fault.
5. Call Out the Score Before Serving
Before you serve, you must say the score out loud. This helps players know the game situation. You say your score first, then the opponent’s score. In doubles, say your team’s score first, then the other team’s score.
- Say the score clearly before serving.
- Your team’s score first, then opponents’.
- Helps avoid confusion and mistakes.
Calling the score is important. It keeps the game fair and clear. If you forget, the other players can remind you.
Summary Table: The 5 Serving Rules in Pickleball
| Rule | What You Must Do | What You Cannot Do |
|---|---|---|
| Underhand Serve | Hit ball below waist with upward paddle motion | No overhand or chopping motion |
| Feet Placement | Both feet behind baseline, inside sidelines | No stepping on or over baseline |
| Serve Target | Ball goes over net and lands in correct service box | No serving into kitchen, net, or out of bounds |
| One Smooth Motion | Hit ball in one fluid motion after toss | No stopping, spinning, or hiding ball |
| Call Score | Say score out loud before serving | Do not serve without calling score |
Why Are These Rules Important?
These serving rules make pickleball fair and fun. They help players know what to expect. The rules stop players from cheating or gaining an unfair advantage. Following the rules also makes the game safe for everyone.
When you serve correctly, you give your opponent a fair chance. It helps keep the spirit of the game friendly and respectful. Learning these rules is easy and makes playing more enjoyable.
Tips for a Good Pickleball Serve
- Practice hitting the ball below your waist.
- Keep both feet behind the baseline.
- Focus on landing the ball in the right service box.
- Use a smooth, calm motion to serve.
- Always say the score before you serve.
With practice, serving becomes easier and more natural. You will feel confident and ready to play.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Serving
- Hitting the ball too high or with an overhand swing.
- Stepping on or crossing the baseline before contact.
- Serving into the net or wrong side of the court.
- Spinning or hiding the ball during the serve.
- Forgetting to call out the score.
Avoiding these mistakes helps you keep the serve legal. It also helps you avoid losing points unfairly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Illegal Serves In Pickleball?
Illegal serves in pickleball include hitting above the waist, using an overhand motion, foot faults, serving into the net or kitchen, and adding pre-serve spin. Serving out of bounds or using overhead smashes and chopping serves also counts as illegal.
What Are The New Rules For Serving In Pickleball?
New pickleball serve rules require an underhand, upward motion below the waist. Keep feet behind the baseline. Avoid spinning the ball before release. Serve must land in the correct service box without touching the net or kitchen. Overhand and foot faults are illegal.
What Are The 5 Serving Rules In Pickleball Double?
The 5 serving rules in pickleball doubles are: serve underhand below the waist, stand behind baseline, serve diagonally into opponent’s service box, no foot faults, and call out the correct score before serving.
What Are The 5 P’s Of Pickleball?
The 5 P’s of pickleball are: Proper grip, Paddle control, Positioning, Precision, and Patience. These enhance skill and gameplay.
Conclusion
Pickleball is a great sport. It is easy to start but has rules you must follow. The 5 serving rules are key to play properly.
Remember these simple rules:
- Serve underhand below your waist.
- Keep both feet behind the baseline.
- Serve over the net into the correct box.
- Hit the ball in one smooth motion without spin.
- Call the score before serving.
Follow these rules and enjoy the game. Serve well and have fun playing pickleball!