Drop Serve vs Volley Serve: Pickleball players looking to improve their serve can choose between two main options: the drop serve and the volley serve. In a recent video training, players were guided through both techniques, helping them decide which serve suits their skill level and playing style. The video explained that beginners should start with the drop serve in pickleball, while advanced players can benefit from the more powerful and spin-friendly volley serve.
Beginners Should Start Simple
New players are encouraged to focus on the drop serve first. It’s a simple, controlled way to start a rally. “If you’re a beginner I think that in the very beginning of your pickle ball journey the drop serve is an amazing tool for you,” the video stated. This serve helps new players build strong fundamentals and avoid timing problems.
Players were shown how to hold the paddle back, keep their arms apart, and drop the ball from as high as allowed. This gives the ball more bounce, making it easier to hit. The contact point should be in front of the front foot, and the swing should end at the shoulder. “Once it rose up to its peak that’s where I swung through,” the instructor explained.
To build good habits, players should avoid hitting the ball behind their body or stopping their swing too early. “If you’re doing those two things you’re not going to give yourself the tools to success,” the video warned.
Why Advanced Players Use the Volley Serve
More experienced players who want more power and spin should switch to the volley serve. This serve is done while the ball is still in the air, not off a bounce or straight from the hand. “If I’m a high level pickle ball player and I want to get the most out of my serve I need to be hitting what’s called a volley serve,” said the instructor.
The volley serve lets players rotate their bodies better and add strength and spin. “So when I’m hitting the ball out of the air I’m going to be able to get my left hand totally out of the way,” the instructor explained. When both arms are in the same position at contact, rotation is blocked, and power is limited.
By dropping the ball and pulling the non-hitting arm away, players can swing harder. “I can rotate hit a much more powerful serve much more relaxed serve and just ends up being an overall cleaner shot with way more potential,” the instructor said.
The volley serve also allows for better spin. Since the paddle is swinging up while the ball is falling, the two forces work together. “This additional friction right here is going to get me my power and spin,” the instructor explained.
Timing Is Key to the Volley Serve
The most common pickleball mistake with the volley serve is tossing the ball too early or too late. “The one thing that’s super key and probably the biggest error I see among players trying this out for the first time is I should release the ball when my paddle is all the way back,” the instructor said.
The video showed how to start the paddle either in front or behind, but the toss should happen when the paddle is at the back of the swing. “The one thing I’m not going to do is release back swing and then swing I’m always going to be late when I do,” the instructor warned.
Choosing the Right Serve Matters
The video made it clear that learning the right serve is important for every level. Beginners should master the drop serve to build proper form, while advanced players can gain more control and speed with the volley serve.
Each technique helps players improve different skills, from accuracy and timing to power and spin. Following the advice in the video can help anyone become a better server in pickleball.
News in Brief: Drop Serve vs Volley Serve
A new pickleball training video teaches players to choose the best serve based on skill level. Beginners should use the drop serve to build solid technique, while advanced players can use the volley serve for more spin and power. Proper form and timing are key to long-term success.
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