Pickleball Legal Serve Technique: Pickleball coach Jordan Briones and player Brooks explained how to hit one of the fastest legal serves in the game. Their breakdown focused on three key mechanics: using the legs, rotating the hips, and finishing with a strong follow-through. These steps, combined with a relaxed grip and smart placement, can turn the serve into a powerful weapon.
Using the Legs for Power
Brooks said the serve starts with the lower body. “So, the first thing I’m really looking at is incorporating my legs, making sure I’m like really getting low, kind of igniting that switch cuz I know it all starts with your legs.”
He also explained why he steps into the serve: “For me with stepping in, it’s part of a routine. I know that if I have a routine, I’m going to be set. But I feel like with me stepping in, I’m allowing my body to go into the court. Getting myself just a little more power. Which could cause short returns, mis returns.”
Rotating the Hips Toward the Target
Brooks emphasized body rotation. “After I use my legs, I’m really focusing on opening my hips, going towards my target. So I’m not trying to go into my target with my front hip, but I’m kind of trying to clear it out and bring this back hip forward, which is kind of in allowing me to go towards my target.”
He explained further: “So, with me clearing my hips, so when I’m saying that, I’m really meaning just clearing my front hip and bringing my back hip forward, kind of lining up towards my target.”
By the time he hits the ball, Brooks said, “your hips are almost fully open to your target.”
Following Through for More Speed
A complete swing is also essential. “And then the third thing is my follow through. I’m making sure that I don’t stop my follow through and I’m just going straight over my shoulder, just allowing my body to follow it,” Brooks said.
Coming from a tennis background, he added, “Most coaches will always tell you to follow through.” Using the natural lag in his arm, Brooks explained, “If I follow through, right, it’s just allowing me to just naturally serve.”
Staying Relaxed on the Grip
A light grip makes a big difference. When asked about grip pressure, Brooks said, “Like a four.” He added, “Not only that, but your arm and your shoulder, everything’s really relaxed and very relaxed.”
Jordan Briones pointed out that many players “muscle it” and hold the paddle too tight, which reduces swing speed and comfort. Brooks’ loose grip helps generate natural power.
Mixing Serve Placement
Strategy also matters. Brooks said, “My strategy when serving is I really like to go to people’s backhands because, you know, most people’s it’s their weak spot. I switch it up once they start getting a feel for that.”
He also uses body serves to jam opponents. “Yeah. Trying to jam someone. Yeah. Body serves because uh you have a lot of pace. There’s not a lot of time to slide out the way and I think that could be really effective too,” he explained.
Why These Tips Matter
The advice from Brooks and Jordan Briones shows that the fastest legal pickleball serve does not rely on size or strength. It comes from solid mechanics, a loose and relaxed swing, and smart targeting. With practice, these steps can help any player add speed, spin, and consistency to their serve.
News in Brief: Pickleball Legal Serve Technique
Jordan Briones and Brooks shared how to hit the fastest legal pickleball serve. The serve depends on three steps: using the legs, rotating the hips, and following through. Brooks keeps a relaxed grip and changes placement to keep opponents guessing. These tips create more power, spin, and consistency.
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