Master the Serve: Rules, Faults, and 3 Serves to Try

It Starts With the Serve

In tennis, the serve is a massive weapon. In pickleball, traditionally, it's just a way to start the point. But that's changing. While you (mostly) can't score a generic "ace" against good players, a strong serve can set up an easy third shot.

The 3 Golden Rules of a Legal Serve

I see so many "illegal" serves at rec play. Let's clear it up. A legal volley serve must meet these three criteria simultaneously:

1. 1Motion: The arm must be moving in an upward arc. No side-arm chops.
2. 2Contact: Paddle contact with the ball must be below the waist (navel level).
3. 3Paddle Head: The highest part of the paddle head must be below the highest part of the wrist at contact.

3 Serves to Add to Your Arsenal

1. The "Deep & Heavy" (Your bread and butter)

Aim for the back 1-2 feet of the court. Hit it deep with topspin. This keeps the returner back and makes their return travel further, giving you more time to react.

2. The Lob Serve

Hit a high, lofty ball that lands deep. It forces the returner to wait... and wait... and wait. It disrupts their rhythm and can be surprisingly difficult to smash cleanly.

3. The "Center Line" Serve

Instead of aiming wide, aim right down the T (center line). This causes confusion between partners and reduces the angle they have for a return.

Coach Mike's Tip

Don't just practice serves to "get them in." Practice serving to specific targets. Place a towel in the deep corners of the service box and try to hit it.

A weak serve is an invitation for the opponent to crush you. Don't be polite—serve tough!