Pickleball Serving Rules (and Tips to Win More Points)

The serve might be the most overlooked weapon in pickleball.

While serves are designed to be less dominant than in tennis, a consistent and strategic serve sets the tone for every rally.

• Serving Rules Recap:
• Underhand only.
• Contact below the waist.
• Must land beyond the kitchen.
• Types of Serves:
• Basic Serve: Reliable, high-percentage.
• Topspin Serve: Adds kick and bounce.
• Slice Serve: Skids and stays low.
• Lob Serve: Pushes opponent back.
• Serving Strategy:
• Target backhands.
• Keep opponents guessing.
• Prioritize consistency > power.
• Practice Tips:
• Aim for 10 in a row inbounds before adding spin.

A great serve won’t win you points outright — but a bad one will lose them.

👉 Test your serve at SOCIAL DINK (https://www.socialdink.com) open play days and nights and get live feedback from other players.