Understanding the rules of Pickleball is essential for any player of the game – and knowing who serves first is one of the most important of these, as understanding, this rule is crucial in allowing you to score points and win games.
So, who serves first in Pickleball, and how do you decide? We took a closer look at all you need to know.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a game in which players – two for singles and four for doubles – use paddles to hit a ball over a net placed in the centre of a court. It is played both indoors and outdoors, with the rules varying slightly for each setting.
The game combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis and is becoming increasingly popular in the United States.
Who Serves First In Pickleball?
So, just who gets the first serve in a game of pickleball? The answer to this question lies in the rules of the game, which state that the player who serves first should be decided by a coin toss.
This is an easy way to decide who serves first, as it eliminates any arguments between players over who should take the opening serve.
The player who wins the coin toss can then choose whether they wish to serve or receive first. The other player will then serve second and the game will begin.
The player who is set to serve first will always serve from the right-hand side of the court, and this is the case for both singles and doubles games – as a note, when playing doubles, have your stronger server serve first; this increases the chances of an early point.
The serve is one of the most important aspects of Pickleball, and there are several rules that govern it.
For example, each serve must land within the diagonally opposite court from where it was served; if it lands outside this area or touches a line, the point is awarded to the opposing player.
The server must also keep their feet behind the back line when they serve, and the ball must be hit with an underarm stroke.
Types Of Serve In Pickleball
There are a number of types of serve available in pickleball, and having a good understanding of these will help you to make the most of your game, and increase your chances of success.
Some of the main types of serve you may use in a pickleball game include:
The Forehand Serve
The forehand serve is a popular choice for many pickleball players, as it allows the server to hit the ball with more power and accuracy.
To use this serve, the player should stand in front of their service box, facing towards their opponent’s court, and hold the paddle in their dominant hand. They then swing the paddle across their body before releasing it and hitting the ball over the net.
The Backhand Serve
The backhand serve is a slightly more advanced type of serve and requires more skill to execute correctly.
To use this serve, the player should stand in front of their service box, facing away from their opponent’s court, and hold the paddle in their non-dominant hand.
They then swing the paddle back across their body before releasing it and hitting the ball over the net.
The Underhand Serve
The underhand serve is a good choice for beginners, as it is much easier to control than either of the above serves.
To use this serve, the player should stand in front of their service box, facing away from their opponent’s court, and hold the paddle in both hands. They then swing the paddle up and down before releasing it and hitting the ball over the net.
How To Choose The Best Serve
When it comes to pickleball, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for determining which serve you should use.
The best serve for your game depends on a variety of factors, such as your playing style, the conditions of the court, and the type of opponents you are up against.
In general, it is important to remember that each type of serve has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is up to you to decide which one will best suit your needs.
Other Serves To Try
In addition to the three main types of serve outlined above, some more advanced techniques experienced pickleball (see also: 8 Best Pickleball Techniques)players can use. These include:
The Jump Serve
This is a more advanced technique used by experienced players. It involves the server jumping up and hitting the ball with a powerful downward strike, giving them greater control over it.
This type of serve can be especially useful when facing opponents who are playing at the net.
The Lob Serve
This option is great for those who want to keep their opponents off balance. To use this serve, you should hit the ball with a high arc, which will make it difficult for your opponents to return.
This type of serve can be useful when you want to create space and give yourself time to set up a better shot.
Other Tips To Succeed In Pickleball
In addition to the serves outlined above, there are other tips you can use to help improve your Pickleball game. These include:
Warm Up Properly
It may seem obvious, but taking time to warm up properly before a match is crucial; this will help you to reduce injury and make sure that your body is ready for exercise – the importance of this really cannot be underestimated!
Focus On Your Positioning
Positioning is key in pickleball, and it should be your top priority during a match. Make sure that you are always aware of where your opponent is, and adjust your position accordingly so that you can anticipate their next move.
Practice Regularly
The more you practice, the better you will become at pickleball. Try to spend at least an hour a day honing your skills, and you will soon start to see the results.
Practice Footwork
Footwork is an essential part of pickleball, and it can give you the edge when playing against more experienced opponents. Make sure to practice your footwork regularly, so that you can move quickly on the court and get into position for the shot.
Understand The Basic Rules
Finally, make sure that you understand the basic rules of pickleball before you start playing. Knowing the rules will help you to stay within the boundaries of fair play and make sure that you have a good time on the court.
Final Thoughts
So, who serves first in pickleball? The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of serve you are using and the level of your opponents.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which serve will be most effective for your game. Be sure to warm up properly, practice regularly, and understand the basic rules before playing Pickleball – this will
Hi, I’m Michael Walter, and I am a Pickleball enthusiast. I work as a High School Physical Education Teacher, so I have an expansive knowledge of sports and its impact on physical health.
When I first took a position at my current school, one of the many things I wanted to implement in the curriculum was Pickleball.
Pickleball is a fantastic sport to keep yourself active, healthy, keep your blood pumping, and to start a good sense of competitiveness and team work.
