Who Serves First in Pickleball | Best Tips For Serving

If you are a newbie in the world of Pickleball, you might be wondering who serves first in this game. It’s an essential rule that all players must know to start the game, and it’s vital to apply it correctly to avoid any confusion. In this blog, we’ll dive into the rules surrounding serving order in Pickleball. Keep reading to know everything you need to know about this topic.

So, who serves first in Pickleball? The answer is that it depends on the game format you are playing. In a singles game, the server serves first, whereas, in a doubles game, the serving team decides who serves first. However, keep in mind that the first server for each team in a game starts from the right-hand side of the court, also known as the right-hand service area.

Let’s say you’re playing a doubles game, and your team wins the coin toss. You have two options, you can either choose to serve or choose a specific side of the court to serve on. If you decide to serve, you can also choose who will serve first and who will serve second. It is essential to communicate effectively with your partner so that you both know what decisions have been made.

Another aspect to keep in mind is how serving works in a game. The server must keep at least one foot behind the baseline when serving, and the paddle should make contact with the ball below the server’s waist. The serve must land in the opposite service court diagonally, and the receiving team must let the ball bounce on the ground once before returning it. If the serving team wins the rally, they earn a point and keep the right to serve until they lose the point. If the serving team loses the rally, the serve passes to the other team.

Now, what happens if there is a mistake made in the serving order? If the server serves out of order, their team will lose the serve, and the opponent team will take the serve. However, if the team that served out of order wins the rally, they will keep the score but lose the serve. It’s important to pay attention to the serving order to avoid any unwanted mistakes.

What Are The Best Tips For Serving In Pickleball?

Serving in pickleball is the most important part of the game, and it sets the tone for the entire point. A strong serve can give you a significant advantage over your opponents and win you points, while a weak serve can put you on the defensive from the outset.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, improving your serve is essential if you want to become a skilled pickleball player. Here, we’re going to share with you some of the best tips for serving in pickleball, to help you elevate your game and become a master on the court.

Grip

The first tip for serving in pickleball is to make sure you have the right grip. Most players use an Eastern backhand grip, which is similar to a tennis grip. However, others prefer a Continental grip, which is better for serving and hitting overhead shots. Experiment with both grips to see which one works best for you. Remember to keep your wrist locked and your fingers relaxed on the paddle.

Stance

The second tip is to get the right stance. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, and your lead foot should be in front of the other foot. This will give you a solid base and help you generate more power on your serve. Make sure your weight is distributed evenly on both feet, and your knees are slightly bent to absorb the impact of the ball.

Toss

Your toss is crucial in serving in pickleball. Aim for a high toss, as this will give you more time to hit the ball and generate more power. A low toss will force you to reach for the ball, which can result in a weak serve or a fault. Practice your toss until you find the right height and direction that works best for you.

Contact

Correct contact with the ball is vital for a powerful and accurate serve. Hit the ball at the highest point of your reach, and make sure you make contact with the paddle face slightly above the center. Aim to hit the ball with a slight upward motion to give it some spin and arc, and try to follow through with your shot to generate more power and accuracy.

Practice

Finally, practice makes perfect. The more you practice your serve, the better you will become. Spend time practicing your grip, stance, toss, and contact. Try to incorporate these tips into your game, and experiment with different serves to keep your opponents guessing. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become, and the better you’ll serve in pickleball.

Final Words

To sum it up, the serving order in Pickleball depends on the game format, with the serving team deciding who serves first in a doubles game. Remember to communicate effectively with your partner and know the serving rules, such as where to stand and the correct height for serving. Pay attention to the serving order to avoid any confusion during the game. Once you understand the rules thoroughly, you’ll be ready to take on the court and play a successful game of Pickleball.