Okay, so you’ve taken up the sport of pickleball, and you’re having a blast. You find it relaxing, fun, and a great way to get fit.
However, not everything is perfect – you might be letting the ball drop when serving. If this sounds like your issue, read for some easy tips on improving your pickleball serve!
What are the 5 Serving Rules in Pickleball?
There are 5 best serving rules in pickleball:
- 1. Serve from behind the backhand line (the half-line on the right side of the court).
- 2. Serve toward the front wall, passing close to the net (within 6 feet of the front wall).
- 3. Serve from an inside position (near your opponent’s end line).
- 4. Serve from outside (near your opponent’s front wall).
- 5. Never cross over your opponent’s court boundary (marking with chalk or tape).
Basic Pickleball Serving Rules – How to Serve in Pickleball
Basic pickleball rules state that the server must toss a ball toward the receiver, who then bats it back to the server.
However, a player serves by tossing a ball overhand to their partner, who then tries to hit it back over the net. The server can hit the ball in any direction but must serve within the bounds of their court – that is, they cannot hit the ball behind their partner or out of bounds.
Once the server has served, their partner has two chances to hit the ball back. If they miss, their opponent gets another chance. If both players hit the ball back over the net at the same time, it’s called a point, and the team goes on to serve again.
Your partner must catch the incoming ball before it touches the ground to score a point – called an ace. If your partner doesn’t catch it, it’s called a foul, and your opponent gets another chance.
Remember: Serving and playing defense are key to winning a pickleball match!
How to Improve Your Pickleball Serve
Improving your pickleball serve is important for improving your game and can make you a more successful player overall.
Here are some tips on how to improve your serve:
Pro Serving Tip 1: Create a Pre-serve Routine That Works
One of the best ways to improve your pickleball serve is to create a pre-serve routine that you can use before each game. This will help you to mentally prepare for the game, and it will also help you to stay focused during the game.
A pre-serve routine can include calming music, visualization exercises, or self-talk. Whatever works best for you. Just make sure that you are preparing mentally and physically for the game and using all of your resources to their fullest potential.
Pro Serving Tip 2: Practice Serving Short Balls
Practice serving short balls often. Shorter balls are easier to hit than balls that are too long and require more power to hit successfully. Keep the following tips in mind when serving short balls: keep your arm extended, keep the ball close to your body, and aim for better playing.
Pro Serving Tip 3: Pickleball Serving Technique
Focus on keeping your balance as you serve. A well-timed pickleball serves a long way in winning points! Keep your body upright and extended as you deliver the ball to minimize movement and provide resistance on the opponent’s court.
Pro Serving Tip 4: Power to Serve Ball
Use your body to add power to your serve. Imagine you’re throwing a fastball and using your torso and arm to generate power. This will give you more speed and accuracy when serving.
Pro Serving Tip 5: Do Not Overrotate During Serving
Use a consistent motion when serving. Don’t change the speed or height of the ball mid-serve. Doing so will make it difficult for you to predict where the ball will go next.
Pro Serving Tip 6: Serve with Power by Using Your Legs and Core
Be mindful of your footwork when serving. Make sure you balance well and keep your feet moving throughout the serve motion. This will keep you unpredictable from your opponent, and they won’t be able to predict where the ball will land next.
How Do You Serve Consistently in Pickleball?
One of the most important skills for playing pickleball is serving consistently. Here are five tips to help you serve well:
- 1. Keep your eye on the ball.
- 2. Be aware of your surroundings.
- 3. Ensure your arm is fully extended before you release the ball.
- 4. Always move towards the middle of the court to serve.
- 5. Ensure you are in a good position to receive the ball when it is served.
Summary
So above all, the tips for improving your pickleball serve whether you are a beginner or intermediate in the game. Therefore play pickleball by serving and improving the game to play like a Pro.
