Ever wondered if you get a second chance on that pickleball serve? Maybe you saw a tennis player get two tries and thought pickleball might be the same.
- Pickleball serving rules are unique and can trip up new players.
- Let’s clear up the confusion and master the pickleball serve!
Ready to ace your pickleball serves? Let’s dive in!
Do you get two serves in pickleball?
Doubles: Yes, but with a twist. Each team gets two serves per side. This means both players on a team get to serve before the ball goes to the other team (if they win the points, of course).
Singles: No, you only get one serve attempt in singles. If you fault on your serve, the ball goes to your opponent.
How many serves are allowed in pickleball?
- Doubles: Technically four, but it’s two per team.
- Singles: One. Make it count!
Key Points:
- Faults, like hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net (excluding a ‘let’), result in losing your serve.
- In doubles, the first member of a team to serve will start on the right side of the court.
Is there a second serve in pickleball?
Yes! Unlike tennis, you get two chances to get your serve in. If your first serve is a fault, you have an opportunity to try again.
What happens after the first serve in pickleball?
There are a few scenarios:
- Fault on First Serve: You get a second chance to serve.
- Fault on Second Serve: The serve goes to your opponent (if in doubles) or you lose the point (if in singles).
- Successful First Serve: The rally now begins, but remember the “double bounce rule”: the receiving team must let the serve bounce, and then the serving team must let the return bounce before anyone volleys the ball (hits it in the air).
Why do players only get one serve in pickleball?
Pickleball’s scoring and serve mechanics promote fast-paced, dynamic play:
- Keeping the Game Flowing: Giving each side only one serve attempt per rally speeds up gameplay, ensuring points are scored more quickly.
- Reducing the Advantage of a Strong Serve: If players had unlimited serves like in tennis, strong servers would dominate. This system makes the game more balanced.
- Emphasis on Return Game: It places greater importance on a good return of serve. This encourages strategic shot placement and volleying skills.
SECOND SERVE: Do You Get 2 Serves In Pickleball
No, pickleball doesn’t work like tennis. Here’s the deal:
- One Serve Per Turn: You only get one serve attempt per turn. If your serve is a fault, your turn ends, and the serve rotates to the next player.
- Doubles Difference: In doubles, each partner on a team gets to try a serve before it goes to the opponents.
Are there any exceptions to the one-serve rule?
Nope! The one-serve rule is strictly enforced to keep the game flowing and to prevent a dominant server from having a major advantage.
What happens if the first serve is a fault?
Several things can happen:
- Out of Bounds or Net Fault: You lose your serve, and it goes to the other side (either your partner in doubles or to the opponent in singles).
- Foot Fault: Same as above, you lose your serve.
- Let Serve: If the serve hits the net and lands in the correct court, it’s called a “let” and you get to try again, no penalty.
Why is serving accuracy crucial in pickleball?
- Sets the Tone: A good serve can put your opponents on the defensive immediately, forcing them to make a less aggressive return.
- Strategic Advantage: You can target certain parts of the court to exploit weaknesses or move your opponents out of position.
- Mental Edge: A confident and consistent serve can put pressure on the opposing team, potentially leading to return errors.
Consequences of serving out of turn
In pickleball, serving out of turn is a fault. A fault is basically a minor serving error that results in a point for the opposing team. So, if you serve out of turn, the other team automatically wins a point.
How alternating serves impacts the game
Alternating serves is a fundamental rule of pickleball that keeps the game fair and strategic. It gives both teams an equal opportunity to score points by serving and by returning the serve. The ability to serve well is a big advantage in pickleball, so alternating serves prevents one team from having too much control over the game.
Specific rules for serving in singles pickleball
The serving rules in singles pickleball are mostly the same as in doubles pickleball, with a few minor exceptions. Here’s a quick rundown:
- The entire serve must be diagonally delivered from behind the baseline (the line at the back of the court) and between the non-volley zone line (the short line near the net) and the sideline.
- The server must foot fault (have their foot touch the baseline or court inside the non-volley zone) at the time of contact with the ball.
- The serve must bounce once in the opponent’s diagonally opposite service court (the diagonally opposite square on the other side of the net).
- The first serve must be hit underhand (with the paddle below the hand). A second serve, if necessary due to a fault on the first serve, can be hit underhand or overhand.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about serving in singles pickleball:
- There is no “double fault” rule in pickleball, so a server can continue to serve until they commit two consecutive faults.
- A let (a replay of the point) can be called if the server’s first serve hits the net and lands in the correct service court.
SECOND SERVE: Do You Get 2 Serves In Pickleball
Singles: In singles, you do get two serves to get the ball in play. If both serves are faults, the point goes to your opponent.
Doubles: Things get interesting here! Each partner on a doubles team gets to serve until they fault. Once a partner faults, the serve goes to the opposing team. But, at the very start of the game, only one partner serves until there’s a fault.
Questions to Consider
Is your first serve mainly for consistency? If you always land the first serve but it’s easy to return, maybe it’s time to inject some risk for more challenging returns.
Feeling pressured by the second serve? Practice makes perfect. Turn that second serve into an opportunity with targeted practice sessions focused on the second shot.
Resources for Serving Rules
- USA Pickleball Official Rulebook: The ultimate source (https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/official-rules/rules-summary/).
- YouTube Instructional Videos: Many pickleball channels have detailed breakdowns of serve mechanics and rules. Search for “pickleball second serve” or “pickleball serving tips”.
Optimizing Your Serve
Mix it Up: Don’t be predictable! Vary the depth (short vs. deep), direction (wide vs down the middle), and spin (if you’re at that level).
The Drop Serve: It can be a devastating weapon when executed well. The lower bounce makes it harder to return aggressively.
Footwork Matters: A solid base will translate into better contact and power in your serve.
Aim for Improvement, Not Perfection: Don’t overthink things, especially if you’re a newer player. Start with a simple, consistent serve and build from there.
Improving Serving Consistency
- Focus on the toss. A consistent ball toss sets the foundation for a solid serve. Try tossing slightly in front of you so the ball’s falling as you make contact.
- Aim for the sweet spot. Find the “sweet spot” on your paddle for optimal power and control. This is usually in the center but varies slightly with different paddles.
- Simplify your swing. An overly intricate swing increases the chance of error. Focus on a smooth, compact swing and follow-through.
- Practice, practice, practice. Muscle memory is key! Set aside time to solely practice serves – variety, placement, and power.
The Role of the Second Serve in Doubles
- Safety first. The second serve is often seen as a defensive move. The priority is getting the ball in, rather than trying for an ace.
- Set up strategy. A safe second serve gives your team time to reposition and prepare your strategy for the next shots. A deep, soft serve is often a good choice here.
- Mix it up. Try different serve types on your second serve – don’t be afraid to experiment. Predictability gives your opponents an advantage.
- Support your partner. Communicate with your partner about your intended strategy on the second serve. They need to be ready with the right positioning.
Now you know the deal with pickleball serves – one chance to get it right!
- No second serves mean you need to focus on accuracy and consistency.
- Practice makes perfect, so get out there and start perfecting your serve.
Want to up your pickleball game? Here are some resources for serve improvement:
References
- USA Pickleball Official Rules: Serving
- Amazin’ Aces: Pickleball Serving Rules, Techniques, & Strategies: https://www.amazinaces.com/blogs/news/pickleball-serving-rules-techniques-strategies
- Paddletek Blog: 5 Pickleball Serving Rules: https://www.paddletek.com/blogs/news/5-pickleball-serving-rules