Zane Navratil’s Daring Serves: Zane Navratil, a top pickleball player, helped change how players serve—and even forced rule changes. During a court session with Kyle Koszuta from ThatPickleballSchool, Zane explained how he developed new serve styles, what rule updates followed, and how he continues to shape the game’s future.
From Tennis Roots to Spin Serves
Zane Navratil began with a simple serve using a tennis-style grip. But as paddle technology improved around 2018, he saw a chance to add more spin. He switched to a semi-western grip and started brushing up the ball for topspin.
He then tried spinning the ball off his paddle before hitting it. This move, called the “chainsaw serve,” gave his toss extra spin. “It earned the nickname ‘the chainsaw’ because of the motion, which looked like pull-starting a chainsaw.” The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) banned this version before Zane could use it in a tournament.
Not stopping there, Zane began spinning the ball with his fingers instead. This made his toss just as tricky. However, in 2022, more rules changed. USA Pickleball stopped players from using both hands to spin the toss. The PPA banned any type of spin toss at all.
Zane adapted again. He used one hand to snap the ball, copying a style once used by Morgan Evans. But by the end of that year, all spin serves were completely banned.
Changing Strategy: Focus on Depth and Height
Zane shared a key idea: serve placement isn’t that important. “If an elite opponent wants to hit a forehand return, they’ll find a way to do it—regardless of where the serve lands.” So, he aims to hit deep and high instead. This pushes players back and makes the third shot easier.
Closed Stance Over Open Stance
Zane talked about the difference between open and closed stance serving. Open stance is more common in tennis, but he said it limits power. “Open stance restricts hip rotation and leg involvement.” He uses a closed stance, so he can step into the serve with more strength.
He also starts a few feet behind the baseline. This lets him swing fully without stepping onto the court. “He told me he also feels he gets better height on the serve this way.”
Take More Risks When Serving
Zane thinks many players are too safe on their serves. He said, “Most players… are proud of never missing serves—but that might actually be a problem.”
He believes players should miss sometimes. If not, they aren’t taking enough risk to bother opponents. “That was eye-opening for me—and something I’ll definitely be applying to my own game.”
What Comes Next: Mix It Up
With spin serves gone, Zane says variety is the future. “It’s not about one groundbreaking technique anymore—it’s about mixing up pace and trajectory.” The goal is to keep opponents guessing.
“Serve deep and loopy on one point, then go flat and fast on the next.” – (zane)
Why the Drop Serve Might Be Best
Zane strongly supports the drop serve. He believes it’s the only serve style that can be judged fairly. “He believes the drop serve is the only enforceable serving rule.”
Some people say drop serves look odd on camera. But Zane disagrees. “A drop serve can look athletic—it’s all about how you do it.” He even showed Kyle an example that looked solid and strong.
Zane’s Legacy in the Serve Game
Zane Navratil is still shaping pickleball’s future. Despite rule changes, he keeps trying new techniques. His creative approach has already changed how players think about serving—and his influence isn’t over.
News in Brief: Zane Navratil’s Daring Serves
Zane Navratil changed pickleball serving by creating spin serves that forced new rules. Now banned, these serves led him to focus on depth, height, and risk. He supports the drop serve and sees variety as the game’s next step. His bold ideas keep shaping how players approach the serve.
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