Ultimate Guide to Pickleball Serving (Number of Serves Included!)

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America. This paddle sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong into a fun game for all ages and abilities. But if you’re new to pickleball, understanding the serving rules can be confusing. How many serves do you get in pickleball? Read on for a comprehensive guide to pickleball serving.

Quick Answer: One Serve Attempt Per Player

In pickleball, you only get one serve attempt per player. There are no second serves. After the first serve, any faults result in a side out or loss of serve. The exception is a “let” serve – when the ball hits the net but still lands in the service court. Let serves are replayed with no penalty.

In doubles, each side gets two serves – one per player. The starting team only gets one serve before side out. In singles, you only get one serve attempt per service turn. Understanding pickleball serving is key, as it starts every point.

Pickleball Serving Rules and Regulations

Familiarizing yourself with the official rules for serving in pickleball will help you start points confidently and avoid faults. Here are the key regulations:

Serving Motion

The serve must be made with an underhand stroke. The arm must be moving upward on contact.
Contact with the ball must happen below waist level – generally below the belly button or navel area.
The paddle head must be below the wrist when it strikes the ball.

Serving Area

Serves must be made behind the baseline. When serving, both feet must be behind the baseline.
Serves are made diagonally to the opposite service court.

Service Sequence

Only one serve attempt is allowed per player. After a fault, the serve switches to the other team.
In doubles, the first server gets only one serve before side out. After that, each team gets two serves.
In singles, players get only one serve per service turn.

Scoring

Only the serving team can score points.
The server must call out the score before serving.
The server’s score is always called first when announcing the score.
In doubles, three numbers are used to call the score (server score – receiver score – server number).

Faults

Faults result in loss of serve or point for the serving team. Some common faults include:

Hitting the serve out of bounds
Violating service motion rules
Stepping on or over the baseline while serving
Hitting a serve into the non-volley zone
Hitting a double bounce serve

Let’s look at these pickleball serving rules and techniques in more detail.

Detailed Pickleball Serving Rules

Understanding the intricacies of the rules for serving will help you legally and successfully start points in pickleball.

Only One Serve Attempt

You only get one chance to hit a legal serve. If the serve attempt is unsuccessful, it’s a fault and side out.

The exception is a let serve. If the served ball hits the net but still lands in the proper service court, the serve is replayed with no penalty. There is no limit on let serves.

In doubles, the starting team only gets one serve before faulting and giving up the ball. After that, each team gets two serves – one per player.

In singles pickleball, players only get one serve attempt per service turn before switching sides. There are no second serves.

Underhand Serving Motion

All serves must be initiated with an underhand stroke. The arm must be moving upward on contact with the ball.

The server’s paddle must be below waist level when it strikes the ball – generally below the navel or belly button area.

The intent is to eliminate the advantage of a hard-hit, overhand power serve. Underhand serving puts the focus on strategy and rallies rather than overpowering the opponent.

Serving Area

Serves must originate from behind the baseline. When starting the service motion, the server’s feet can’t touch or straddle the baseline. Both feet must be behind the baseline.

Serves must be aimed diagonally to the opposite service court. The service court spans from the non-volley zone to the baseline diagonally opposite from the server.

Any serve landing outside of the service court is a fault. The serve can’t land in the non-volley zone (kitchen) or outside the court boundaries.

Double Bounce Rule

Pickleball has a unique “double bounce” rule to make serving less dominant.

After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce before returning it. Then the serving team must let it bounce before returning, resulting in two bounces.

This neutralizes the serving advantage, leading to longer rallies and more back-and-forth play.

Only Servers Can Score

In pickleball, only the serving team can score points and win the game. The receiving team just tries to force the server into faults and take over the serve.

So the serving team controls their own destiny. They don’t have to depend on the other team making mistakes.

Calling the Score

The server must clearly call out the score before initiating the serve. This alerts all players on the court of the current game situation.

In doubles pickleball, three numbers are used to call the score:

Server’s team score
Receiving team’s score
Server number (1 or 2)

For example, “4-2-1” means the serving team has 4 points, the receiving team has 2 points, and it’s Server 1’s turn.

In singles, two numbers are called – the server’s score then receiver’s score. For example, “3-2.”

Serving Rotation

In doubles, the team serving first only gets one serve before side out. After that, each team gets two serves per side out – one for each partner.

The server alternates between right/even and left/odd sides when their team wins a rally. This indicates the first and second server.

In singles, the server alternates sides when their score is even vs. odd. Even scores serve from the right, odd scores from the left.

Pickleball Serving Faults

Faults are rule violations that result in loss of serve or points. Here are some common serving faults:

Out of Bounds Serve

If the served ball lands outside the court boundaries or in the non-volley zone, it’s a fault.

The serve must land in the diagonal opposite service court. Any serve landing in the net, non-volley zone, alley, or sideline is out.

Double Bounce Serve

All serves must be hit before bouncing. Dropping or bouncing the ball then hitting it is a fault.

This illegal serve is nicknamed a “double bounce” serve. Some players do it accidentally out of habit from other sports.

Foot Faults

Stepping on or over the baseline during the serve is a fault. Both feet must be behind the baseline when contacting the ball.

Players often foot fault when trying to get extra power or reach on the serve. But the feet need to stay behind the line.

Service Motion Violations

Not using the proper underhand service motion is a fault. Remember, the arm must be moving upward and contact below waist level.

Overhand serves, sidearm serves, and “roundhouse” backhand serves are illegal. Strict underhand serving only.

Non-Volley Zone Serves

The serve cannot land in the non-volley zone (kitchen). This includes the line – if the ball hits the NVZ line, it’s a fault.

Net Serve

If the served ball hits the net but doesn’t clear into the opponent’s service court, it’s a fault. Let serves are the exception.

Double Hits

Double-hitting the ball on the serve is a fault. The ball can only be hit once.

Accidental double hits often happen when trying to impart extra spin or speed.

Pickleball Serving Positions and Strategies

Where you stand, aim, and move on your pickleball serve all impact your placement and success rate. Here are some serving tips and tactics:

Serve Return Position

Have your partner stand in the serve return “sweet spot” – about halfway between the kitchen line and baseline, centered laterally. This allows them to quickly cover the entire area.

Don’t crowd the net. Stay back far enough to react to any serve. Being too close can lead to double faults from pop-ups.

Aim Away from Opponent’s Strengths

Try to move the receiver out of position and force them to use weaker strokes. If they have a strong forehand, serve to their backhand. If they’re better up close, serve deep.

Mix up placements – down the middle, near sidelines, deep and short. Keep the opponent guessing.

Vary Speed and Spin

Mix fast and slow serves, topspin and backspin. This adds variation so the receiver can’t get comfortable.

Faster serves with spin force weak returns. Slower spinny serves tempt opponents to attack but can break down.

Move After Serving

After serving, split-step and get ready to cover your side of the court. Many players make the mistake of being static after serving.

Prepare to move laterally or up to volley a third shot drop. Stay on your toes and light on your feet.

Hold Serve Consistently

Avoid double faults and focus on getting your serve in play. Be smart and consistent to maintain serve turns.

Only go for aggressive serves if you can keep them in bounds most of the time. Otherwise play it safe.

Pickleball Serve Types

There are several types of pickleball serves, each with pros and cons. Some common examples:

Drive Serve

The drive serve aims to hit the ball low and fast, keeping it just above the net. This can force weak returns. But it’s harder to control.

Lob Serve

The lob serve arcs higher over the net, then drops down into the backcourt. Lobs can move opponents back but are slower.

Dink Serve

The dink serve is gently tapped over the net, often with heavy backspin. It tempts opponents to move in and attack.

Power Serve

This is an aggressive, fast serve using full power. More speed means less control, so power serves risk going out.

Sidespin Serve

Sidespin serves curve left or right in the air. The spin pulls the ball away from the opponent’s paddle. But these serves take lots of practice.

Conclusion

Mastering the pickleball serve is vital, as it starts every rally. While you only get one serve attempt in pickleball, you can use speed, spin, placement, and consistency to maximize your chances of success. Mixing up your serves, aiming away from your opponent’s strengths, and avoiding double faults will help you hold serve and outmaneuver opponents.

FAQs about Serves in Pickleball

How many times can you bounce the ball before serving in pickleball?

You can only bounce the ball once before serving in pickleball. Bouncing it twice results in a fault. Some players do this accidentally because they are used to other racquet sports rules.

What is an illegal serve in pickleball?

Illegal serves, or service faults, include: hitting the ball overhand, double-bouncing the serve, foot faults over the baseline, and hitting the ball into the non-volley zone. The arm must move upward, and contact should be below the waist.

What is a nasty Nelson in pickleball?

A nasty Nelson (aka Redondo Nelson) is a type of tricky pickleball serve. It has heavy sidespin that curves the ball away from the opponent’s paddle face. This can induce weak or errant returns. But nasty Nelsons take a lot of practice to master.

Is Server 2 always Server 2 in pickleball?

No, the server numbers switch when the serving team wins a point. Originally Server 2 becomes Server 1 after their team wins a point on Server 1’s serve. This rotation continues until a fault is committed.

Can you step in kitchen before ball bounces?

No, it’s a fault if any part of your body touches the non-volley zone before the ball bounces. You can only enter the kitchen once the ball has bounced. Volleying the ball while stepping into the kitchen is illegal.

Can I bounce the ball when serving in pickleball?

You are allowed one bounce to set up the serve. However, bouncing the ball then hitting it is an illegal double bounce and will result in a fault. Make sure to strike the ball after just one bounce.

Can you spin the ball before hitting a serve in pickleball?

Yes, you can impart spin on the ball before serving, such as sidespin or topspin. However, you cannot “carry” or visibly throw the ball before hitting it. There should be no visible interruption between bounces.

Where do I stand when my partner is serving in pickleball?

As the serve returner, stand about 1-2 feet from the non-volley zone line near the middle of your side of the court. This balanced position allows you to react quickly to returns. Avoid crowding the kitchen line.

How many times can you hit the ball in a row in pickleball?

You can hit the ball as many times as you want once it bounces on each side. After the serve and return of serve, there is no limit to hits. You just can’t volley the ball until it has bounced once on each side of the net.

What are the 4 basic serves you can use in pickleball?

The four basic pickleball serve types are the drive serve, lob serve, drop serve, and sidespin serve. Lobs go high, drives go fast and low, drops use backspin, and sidespins curve side to side in the air with under-side English on the ball.

Can you call a ball out after you hit it in pickleball?

No, you cannot call a ball out after hitting it in pickleball. All line calls must be made promptly upon the ball bouncing. Once you make contact with the ball, it is too late to call it out. That would be making a late call rather than an immediate call.

Can you switch sides in pickleball?

In doubles pickleball, the serving team will switch sides after winning a point only. The receiving team does not switch sides. Singles players will switch sides after each point. Switching sides indicates change of server or even vs odd scoring.

Can a serve bounce in the kitchen?

No, it’s a fault if a serve bounces in the non-volley zone (kitchen). The ball must travel over the net and land in the service court without bouncing first. Bouncing a serve into the kitchen violates the one serve rule.

What is a dink in pickleball?

A dink is a soft shot that arcs over the net then drops rapidly due to backspin or gravity. Dinks tempt opponents to move forward and attack. But the ball dies upon landing, sometimes causing a fault into the net.

Can you bounce the ball twice in pickleball?

No, you cannot bounce the ball twice before hitting a serve or return of serve in pickleball. Double bouncing results in an automatic fault. While waiting to serve, one bounce is allowed but striking the ball after two bounces is illegal.

What is the golden rule pickleball?

The golden rule of pickleball states that after the serve and return of serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before volleying is allowed. This is sometimes called the two bounce or double bounce rule. It promotes longer rallies and games.

What does 5 mean in pickleball?

In doubles pickleball, the number 5 in the score indicates it’s the second server’s turn and the serving team currently has 5 points. For example, if the score is “5-4-2” then the serving team has 5 points, the receiving team has 4 points, and it’s the second server’s turn.

What is the rule 4 a 5 in pickleball?

Rule 4.A.5 in the official pickleball rule book covers non-volley zone faults. It states that any volley made while the player or their paddle touches the non-volley zone is a fault. Momentum carrying you or your paddle into the kitchen also counts as a NVZ fault.

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