Serving First in Pickleball: At first glance, it may not seem to matter much who serves first in pickleball. The team that serves first has the opportunity to score immediately, aiming for that elusive “golden pickle.” However, they start the game at 0-0-2. Meanwhile, the second team must win a point before they can score but begins on 0-0-1 and benefits from having both serves.
Audience Insights
The results of a recent poll revealed a fascinating trend among players. Surprisingly, only 13% of responders expressed no preference regarding their serving order.
In contrast, just under half of the participants indicated they preferred to serve first, eager to strike first against their opponents.
Analyzing the Data
Is there a hidden advantage to serving first in pickleball? The answer is clear in singles matches; the edge is undeniable. However, in doubles play, many players overlook the significance of the serve, often believing the 0-0-2 start neutralizes any potential advantage.
In tournament play, the decision about who serves first is typically determined by a random draw or the classic “number one or number two?” game. Recreational play often relies on house rules to determine who serves first. But is there a true advantage in this decision?
To answer this question, pickleball players Miky Wright from Elizabethtown Community and Technical College and engineer William Figary turned to data. They designed a mathematical program that simulated 10,000 matches, revealing that, in games to 11 points, serving first does not provide a measurable advantage. However, the dynamics shift in games played to 15 points, where serving first becomes statistically significant.
Key Takeaways for Players
Wright and Figary provided some critical insights for players to consider:
- If one side of the court is advantageous, players should always begin on the “bad” side—this aspect outweighs the choice between serving or returning.
- If a player possesses a strong serve, they should start on the right side and serve first.
News in Brief: Serving First in Pickleball
A recent analysis by mathematicians Miky Wright and William Figary reveals that serving first in pickleball does not confer a significant advantage in games to 11 points, but it becomes statistically meaningful in games to 15 points.
In a poll conducted among the audience, nearly half preferred to serve first. Key takeaways suggest starting on the “bad” side of the court if it offers an advantage and having strong servers begin on the right side.
ALSO READ: Mathematical Analysis of Pickleball Serve: Does Serving First Matter?
