Serving in Pickleball: Serving is a crucial part of pickleball that can shape the course of a game. Players can choose between two types of serves: the volley serve and the drop serve. Each has specific rules, and mastering them can give players an edge on the court.
The Volley Serve
The volley serve is the traditional way to serve in pickleball. To execute this serve, the ball must be hit before it touches the ground.
The player’s arm must move in an upward arc, and the pickleball paddle must contact the ball below the waist level. The paddle head should be positioned below the highest point of the wrist when hitting the ball.
The Drop Serve
The drop serve, introduced to help beginners, is a simpler option. To perform a drop serve, the player drops the ball from any height and then hits it after it bounces.
While the drop serve has fewer rules to follow, it can be harder to generate power because the ball doesn’t bounce very high before being hit.
Serving Rules and Positioning
Before serving, the server must call out the score, including their team’s score, the opponent’s score, and whether they are serving as the first or second server.
The server must stand behind the baseline, with at least one foot behind it, and cannot touch the baseline or court until after the ball is struck.
The serve must be made diagonally across the court and land within the opposite diagonal court. However, it must avoid landing inside the non-volley zone, also known as the “kitchen.” In doubles, the player on the right side serves first, and after each point, players switch sides.
The Sequence of Serving
After the initial serve, if the serving team wins the rally, they score a point. If the serving team loses the rally, the serve goes to the other team.
The receiving team must allow the ball to bounce once before returning it, and the serving team must do the same. After the initial bounces, both teams can either volley the ball or let it bounce once before returning it.
News in Brief: Serving in Pickleball
Serving is crucial in pickleball, with two types of serves: the volley serve and the drop serve. The volley serve requires hitting the ball before it touches the ground, while the drop serve involves dropping the ball and hitting it after it bounces. Both serves have unique rules, and mastering them can enhance gameplay and strategy.
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