Pickleball is a fun sport played by many people worldwide.
One common question is: who serves first in pickleball?
This article will explain the rules clearly.
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What is Pickleball Serving?
Serving means starting the play by hitting the ball.
The server stands behind the baseline and hits the ball to the opponent.
The serve must be underhand and below the waist.
It is important to know who serves first to start the game correctly.
How to Decide Who Serves First
Before the game starts, players decide who serves first.
Most players use a simple method: a coin toss.
One player calls heads or tails. Then, the coin is flipped.
The winner chooses to serve or receive first.
Sometimes, players choose the side of the court instead.
This method is easy and fair for everyone.
Serving Rules in Pickleball Singles
Singles means one player against one player.
The player who serves first stands on the right side of the court.
If the server’s score is even, they serve from the right side.
If the server’s score is odd, they serve from the left side.
The server keeps serving until they make a mistake or fault.
When the server faults, the other player gets to serve.
Summary Of Singles Serving
| Server’s Score | Serve Side | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Even (0, 2, 4…) | Right Side | Server serves |
| Odd (1, 3, 5…) | Left Side | Server serves |
| Fault or Miss | Other player serves | Serve changes to opponent |
Serving Rules in Pickleball Doubles
Doubles means two players on each team.
Both players on the serving team have chances to serve.
The game starts with the player on the right side serving first.
After the team wins a point, the server switches sides.
So, if the server started on the right, next serve is from the left.
Each player serves until they make a fault or lose a point.
When the first server faults, the serve passes to their partner.
The partner serves from the right side.
If the partner also faults, the serve passes to the other team.
The player on the right side of the other team serves next.
Summary Of Doubles Serving
| Step | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Start of Game | Right side player serves | Serve begins |
| After winning a point | Server switches sides | Server serves from the left |
| After losing a point | Serve passes to partner | Partner serves from right |
| Both players fault | Serve passes to other team | Right side player of other team serves |
Why Is Serving Order Important?
Serving order helps keep the game fair and fun.
It makes sure everyone gets a chance to serve.
Following these rules avoids confusion during the game.
It also helps players know when to move on the court.
Credit: primetimepickleball.com
Tips for New Players on Serving
- Remember: serve underhand and below the waist.
- Always start serving from the right side.
- Keep track of the score to know where to serve.
- Switch sides after scoring a point in doubles.
- Practice serving to improve control and accuracy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Serving
- Serving overhand or above the waist.
- Serving from outside the baseline.
- Not switching sides after scoring points.
- Starting the serve from the wrong side.
- Forgetting the serving order in doubles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Order Of Serving In Pickleball?
In pickleball doubles, the server starts on the right side and serves until a fault occurs. After scoring, the server switches sides with their partner. When both players fault, the serve passes to the opposing team’s right-side player. In singles, serve from right if score is even, left if odd.
How Do You Decide Who Serves First?
Players decide who serves first by a coin toss or mutual agreement before the game starts. The winner chooses to serve or receive.
Whose Turn Is It To Serve In Pickleball?
In pickleball doubles, the player on the right side serves first. After scoring, they switch sides to serve again. In singles, serve from the right when your score is even, and from the left when odd. Serving continues until a fault occurs.
What Is The Golden Rule Pickleball?
The golden rule in pickleball states the serve must be made underhand, below the waist, and diagonally to the opponent’s service court. Players serve from the right side when their score is even, and from the left when odd. This ensures fair play and proper rotation.
Conclusion
Knowing who serves first is easy when you follow the rules.
In singles, serve from the right if your score is even.
Serve from the left if your score is odd.
In doubles, the right side player starts the serve.
Both players on a team serve before the other team serves.
Use a coin toss to decide who serves first in a new game.
These rules help make pickleball fun and fair.