How to serve in Pickleball

In pickleball, the serve is an important part of the game. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to serve in pickleball:

1. Positioning:
   • Stand behind the baseline of your side of the court, with both feet behind the baseline and at least one foot on the ground.
   • You should be in a position where you have a clear view of the opponent's court and enough space to swing your paddle.
2. Service Box and Diagonal Rule:
   • Pickleball is served diagonally, meaning the server must serve to the opponent's diagonal service court.
   • The serve must clear the non-volley zone (the kitchen) and land within the opponent's diagonal service court.
   • The serve must also pass over the net and land in the designated service area without touching any part of the net.
3. Underhand Serve:
   • The serve in pickleball must be made underhand. This means you must swing your paddle in an upward motion from below your waist.
   • The underhand serve helps to ensure fairness and avoid excessive power in the serve.
4. Ball Contact:
   • Hold the ball in your non-paddle hand.
   • To initiate the serve, drop the ball from your non-paddle hand and make contact with it as it starts to fall.
   • Strike the ball with your paddle below your waist, making sure not to catch or sling the ball.
5. Serving Motion:
   • Use a smooth and controlled motion while serving.
   • Aim to hit the ball cleanly with the paddle's face, without excessive spin or slice.
   • As you make contact with the ball, transfer your weight from your back foot to your front foot, generating power and accuracy.
6. Faults:
   • If your serve fails to clear the net, lands outside the service area, or touches any part of the kitchen, it is considered a fault.
   • You are allowed two attempts to serve the ball successfully. If you commit two faults, it results in a side out, and the opposing team gets the opportunity to serve.

Remember, specific leagues, tournaments, or casual play may have additional rules or variations regarding the serve, so it's essential to be aware of any specific guidelines in the setting you're playing.