At Your Service

There’s been some discussion at our open play about HOW to serve. Here are some basics you can go by to learn the proper service motion.

As stated by the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) which is the governing body for the sport here are the basics for the serve:

  • The serve MUST be underhand.
  • Paddle contact with the ball must be below the server’s waist.
  • The serve is initiated with at least one foot behind the baseline; neither foot may contact the baseline or court until after the ball is struck.
  • The serve is made diagonally crosscourt and must land within the confines of the opposite diagonal court.
  • Only one serve attempt is allowed, except in the event of a let (the ball touches the net on the serve and lands on the proper service court; let serves are replayed).

Simple, right? Well it’s hard to know if you are service correctly on your own. So, if during the course of playing if someone (like Joe or Jay) suggests making a few modifications, don’t be offended. In casual play at HFCC, it really doesn’t matter. But if you plan to play in a slightly more competitive environment, you could be called for illegal serving. Might as well do it correctly from the beginning and not get into bad habits. If you are unsure, ask.  We’re here to help and love to spread the know-how around.

Some of us are visual learners. Here’s a helpful video which explains the proper service motion in pickleball. Enjoy!