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Pickleball is a loveable and easy-to-learn paddle sport. But just like other games, it comes with its rules. There is some confusion in the pickleball community on how to properly serve, but in this easy-to-read guide, we will go over the basics.

For a pickleball serve to be legal, there are three rules to follow. First, the server must not touch the baseline. Second, the ball must be hit underhanded and below the server’s waist. Finally, the ball must hit the quadrant diagonal of the serving player and never served the non-volley zone.

To get more details on pickleball serving, the controversy behind a proper pickleball serve, and other rules to know for beginners, continue reading below!

What Are The 3 Things I Need To Know For A Pickleball Serve?

As mentioned before, there are 3 rules for a legal pickleball serve.  They are:

1. Both feet to be behind and not touch the baseline in anyway.

2. The server must hit the ball with an underhand stroke that is below the waist.

3. The ball must hit the quadrant diagonal from the server and never served the non-volley zone.

Reading this over, it may not sound too hard to complete a legal serve. However, let’s go in depth for each rule so that you can better understand the game.

Rule #1: Do Not Touch The Baseline

Every pickleball serve starts with the placement of the player. While there is no perfect way to set up a serve, and everyone likes to do this a little differently, there is only one rule that applies here: The server cannot touch the baseline.

To clear things up, the baseline is a line that separates your quadrant from the non-volley zone, otherwise known as the kitchen. If the server touches the baseline, this is known as a “foot fault”.

Another term to know in pickleball is a fault. A fault is when the pickleball or player violates a rule. This causes the game to stop, otherwise known as a “dead ball”.

After a dead ball, the round ends, and the opposing player can serve. Additionally, if the receiving team commits a fault, then the serving team earns a point.

Keep in mind, the serving player can serve the ball anywhere in their quadrant, as long as it is behind the baseline. Additionally, the player cannot touch the baseline in anyway. Many pickleball players can use this to their advantage.

The final pickleball rule to keep in mind for this section is that the paddle can never touch the ground. This is also considered a fault.

Rule #2: The Ball Must Be Served Underhanded And Below The Waist

When making a serve, the ball must be hit with an underhand stroke. Most pickleball players find this to be a more natural way of serving than with an overhand stroke, however, if the ball is hit overhanded, this is a fault.

The reason the ball must be served underhanded is because the ball must be hit below the waist. Additionally, the top of the server’s paddle must be in line with their wrist. This helps keep the energy of the game cool, calm, and collected.

The game of pickleball follows the famous “double-bounce rule”. The double bounce rule means that the pickleball must hit the ground once before passing the net for it to be considered legal.

However, this is different when making a serve. The double-bounce rule does not apply when a player is serving, but it is still legal if the server uses it. The double-bounce rule is then required when the ball reaches the receiver.

Rule #3: The Ball Must Hit Diagonally From The Server

In pickleball, you must always keep your eye on the ball and be sure of the direction you are going.

In a doubles game, or a pickleball game with four players, the server will hit to the person in the designated diagonal quadrant. The players will only alternate sides when a point is won.

In a singles game, or a pickleball game with two players, the server will always hit diagonally. The server and receiver will continue to alternate sides of the court, even if a point is won.

Remember, even if the ball hits the diagonal and opposite quadrant of the server, it cannot be served in the non-volley zone. You cannot hit the pickleball in the air without it bouncing on the court in the non-volley zone first after a serve is made.

However, there are times pickleball players can be in the non-volley zone. If the server follows the double bounce rule in their quadrant, they can hit the pickleball after it bounces in the non-volley zone. Then, the player can legally step into this area.

Pickleball Serving Strategies

Pickleball is a game of minimal and intentional movements. The energy of the game is friendly, calm, and goodhearted. To keep aggression out of gameplay, there are a few tips for beginners to keep in mind.

Keep Movements Light

First, it is not recommended to twist your body or hit the ball aggressively, as this ruins the true intention of the game.

One way to follow this is to keep your all of strokes underhanded, not just serves. The official underhand rule originated from badminton, which is the “parent game” of pickleball.

For those who are unsure of their serving abilities, and want to remain peaceful in the game, you can practice with a partner beforehand. Even a 15-minute warm-up that is just focused on serving will be useful.

 Serve Deep

The next strategy for a good pickleball serve is to serve deep. Serving deep means to push the receiving player behind the baseline.

This strategy catches the opposing player off-guard, and when playing a game of doubles, forces the receiver’s partner to hit the ball to get it back across the net.

Many players prefer to serve deep in the chance that the opposing partnership does not communicate properly, of the ball becomes a dead ball. Even better in a singles game, serving deep puts the receiver on defense and forces them to make quick and exhausting movements across the court.

Play Unpredictably

While the nature of pickleball is calm and friendly, you can still make unpredictable moves. However, there is still plenty of room for creativity. This can throw the opposing team off their game.

The first way you can do this is by mixing up the pace of your serves. Try serving slow in some rallies and faster during others. When returning the ball, you can mix up the pace as well.

You can also complete a pickleball spin serve. A pickleball spin serve is when a player serves the ball while it is rotating. This creates a faster ball that is controlled, yet surprising.

Another way you can play unpredictable is to keep the pickleball low. Low balls are harder to hit than high balls. While you get a legal serve, the receiver has a harder time keeping the ball alive.

So What Do I Need To Know?

To make a legal serve, you must hit the ball underhanded, below the waist, be behind the base line, and serve to the opposing quadrant.

To keep the receiving team on their toes, keep movements light and intentional, serve deep, keep the ball low, and mix up your strategy.

Pickleball is a friendly and light-hearted sport. By keeping tips like these in mind, you can play a smart game all while using legal serving skills.