Are you new to pickleball and feeling a little overwhelmed by the serve? You're not alone. The serve sets the tone for the entire rally, but navigating the rules and strategies can be tricky. This guide's frequently asked questions will help you cut through the confusion. From mastering the underhand motion to exploring sneaky tactics, you'll be serving with confidence and dominating your first move on the court in no time.
Who Serves First and When Do They Switch? Pickleball Serving Order Explained
Q: The net is up, paddles are prepped. How do you determine which side serves first in pickleball?
A: That's decided with a friendly coin toss, a quick paddle spin, or even a classic game of rock-paper-scissors – winner's choice. At the club I frequent, the side of the court closest to Seattle (birthplace of pickleball) gets to start. Some groups even name the paddle faces before a spin or create their own house rules for choosing, as long as everyone agrees before the first ball is served.
Q: So, who gets served to?
A: The chosen server sends the ball diagonally across the court, from their right side to the opponents right side. That path is always from the server’s right-hand service box into the receiver’s right-hand service box across the net to start the game, which keeps the opening point clear and consistent.
Q: Does the server stay glued to that spot?
A: Not at all. After each point, the server alternates sides – right, then left, and so on. This keeps things fresh. A handy way to remember it is that an even score means you should be serving from the right side of the court, while an odd score puts you on the left.
Q: Doubles play changes things up, right?
A: You got it. In doubles, only the serving team switches sides. The non-serving team stays put on their respective sides of the court. Within each team, players are often labeled “Server 1” and “Server 2,” and that order stays the same for the entire game, even as they rotate between right and left service boxes when they win points
Q: How does serving change in singles play?
A: In singles, the server keeps serving until they make a mistake (a fault). Then, the opposing player gets to serve until they fault, and it keeps switching back and forth. Just like in doubles, the server uses the even‑right, odd‑left pattern to know where to stand before each serve.
Q: Doubles serving sounds more complex. Who serves first in pickleball doubles?
A: For the first serve in doubles, it's a bit different. The chosen server (Server 2) starts things off. Once they fault, the opposing team's player on their right side (Server 1) gets to serve. This “start with Server 2” convention helps prevent the first team from gaining an extra serving turn over the course of the game.
Q: What happens after that first double's serve?
A: After that first serve, things settle into a rhythm. Serving honors switch after each fault, going from a team's first server (Server 1) to their partner (Server 2), then to the other team's right-side player (Server 1) and their partner (Server 2), and then back and forth between teams. That steady pattern makes it easier for everyone on the court to track who should be serving, receiving, and shifting positions between rallies.
Fault or No Fault?
The serve is the ignition spark that ignites a pickleball rally! But with all those lines and zones on the court, it can get confusing fast. Here are the answers to your most pressing questions about serving rules:
Q: I saw a double bounce on a serve. Is that a fault?
Oops, yes, a double bounce would be a fault. If the served ball bounces twice on the receiver’s side before they can hit it, the point goes to the serving team, but if it double-bounces anywhere before it even crosses the net or lands in the wrong box, the serve itself is a fault.
Q: I served the ball! However, it landed across from my court, not diagonally. Is that a fault?
We hate to break it to you, but yes, it's a fault. The first bounce into the opponent's side must land on the diagonal side of the court, opposite the server. Serving straight ahead into the non‑diagonal box is one of the most common beginner errors, so aim your target a bit more toward the opposite corner when you line up.
Q: Help! My foot keeps stepping over the line when I serve. Is that a penalty?
Busted! Stepping on or over the baseline (including that sneaky little line extending out) during your serve is a foot fault. To stay safe, set up with your toes a few inches behind the baseline so you can swing fully without worrying about clipping the line as you contact the ball.
Q: My opponent's serve feels like it's coming from outer space. Can it be that high?
The serve itself has to be underhand, but the release point (where you hit the ball) can be surprisingly high. As long as the contact with the ball happens below your waist, you're good to go. The paddle needs to travel in an upward arc at contact, and the ball must be struck below navel height, which keeps pickleball serves from turning into full overhead missiles.
Q: What about the drop serve I keep hearing about?
With a drop serve, you simply let the ball fall from your hand and hit it after it bounces. Because the ball is dropped (not tossed), there’s no restriction on how high it can bounce, and you don’t have to worry as much about where your paddle is at contact, which makes this style especially friendly for newer players or anyone refining their consistency.
Q: One serve and you’re out?
Yup, it’s one and done. You only get one try at your serve, but it helps keep the game moving. So focus on a smooth and controlled serve that’ll avoid those dreaded faults. Unlike in some other racquet sports, there’s no “second chance” do‑over, so a reliable, repeatable motion matters more than going all‑out on power.
Serving Up Strategy
The serve is your chance to take control of the rally from the get-go. But power isn't everything in pickleball. Let's dive into some strategic serve questions to unleash your inner pickleball mastermind:
Q: Do you have to serve underhand in pickleball
No, you don't have to serve underhand in pickleball, but the serve must follow specific rules that resemble an underhand motion. The paddle must strike the ball below the server's waist (navel level), and the paddle face must move in an upward arc at the moment of contact. These rules are designed to ensure a fair and consistent serve while allowing players some flexibility in their serving style. Think of it less as a strict “underhand only” rule and more as a motion guideline that prevents overly aggressive overhead serves while still letting you develop your own rhythm.
Q: Should I always blast the serve as hard as I can?
Power can be great, but control is key. Even with moderate power, a well-placed serve can throw your opponent off balance and set you up for the next shot. Consistently targeting deep corners with medium pace will usually win you more points than a handful of wild, high‑risk rockets.
Q: So, what are some sneaky serve tactics I can use?
Variety is the spice of life (and pickleball)! Try mixing up your serve speed; a slow, deceptive serve can catch your opponent off guard, while a faster serve can push them back toward the baseline. You can also change your depth, alternating between serves that land near the baseline and shorter ones that pull your opponent forward and disrupt their preferred court position.
Q: I hear some talk about "slice" and "topspin" serves. What's the deal?
These are different serve techniques that add a little extra spice. A slice serve spins the ball sideways, making it tricky for your opponent to control. A topspin serve makes the ball dip after it crosses the net, surprising your opponent. Experiment and see which ones work for you. Over time, you’ll learn which spins bother different players the most, and you can lean on those options in big points.
Q: My opponent keeps returning my serves right down the middle. Help!
Time to be unpredictable, try aiming your serve toward the sideline service zones. This forces your opponent to move laterally, making it harder for them to return the serve powerfully. Angling your serve into their backhand or away from their dominant side can also limit how aggressively they can attack the return.
Q: Should my serve strategy change depending on whether I'm playing singles or doubles?
Absolutely. In singles, you might focus on keeping your serve deep and in the service zone to push your opponent back. In doubles, you can use more strategic serves to target the opposing team's weaker player. In singles, depth and consistency usually come first, while in doubles, precise placement into the sideline boxes can open up space and set up your team’s next shot.
Q: Last question: Any secret weapons I can use with my serve?
The short serve. It might seem strange, but a well-placed short serve can catch your opponent off guard and force them to scramble. Plus, it throws off their timing for a powerful return. So, don't be afraid to mix things up and keep your opponent guessing. Used sparingly alongside deeper, driving serves, a surprise short serve becomes a true momentum shifter rather than just a safe, defensive option.
Congratulations! You've unlocked the secrets to the pickleball serve. Remember, practice makes perfect, so grab your paddle and head out to the court to refine your technique. Don't be afraid to experiment with different serve styles and strategies to find what works best for you and keeps your opponent guessing.
