Pickleball serve rules
How to serve legally in pickleball: the volley serve and the drop serve, where to stand, where the ball must land, and the faults that catch new players.
Where to stand and where to aim
- Stand behind the baseline, between the centre line and the sideline extended.
- At least one foot must be on the ground behind the baseline when you hit the ball.
- Serve diagonally into the opposite service box.
- The ball must clear the kitchen. A serve landing on the kitchen line is out. Landing on the sideline, centre line or baseline is in.
The volley serve
The traditional serve. You hit the ball out of the air without letting it bounce.
- Your arm must be moving in an upward arc when you hit the ball.
- You must make contact below your waist.
- The paddle head must not be above the highest part of your wrist at contact.
The drop serve
You drop the ball from your hand and hit it after it bounces. The upward-arc, below-waist and wrist rules do not apply, which makes it easier for many beginners.
You must drop the ball, not throw it or bounce it down, and it can bounce anywhere on the court.
Spin on the serve
You may not add spin with your hand when you release the ball for either serve. Spin from the paddle is fine.
Common questions
- Is the drop serve legal in pickleball?
- Yes. You drop the ball and hit it after it bounces. It does not have to follow the upward-arc and below-the-waist rules of the volley serve.
- Do you get two serves in pickleball?
- Not two attempts. You get one try per serve. In doubles, each partner serves in turn before the serve passes to the other team.
- Can a serve hit the net?
- Yes. If it touches the net and lands in the right service box, it is in play.
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