Starting a new sport after 55 can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you step onto the court and realize you aren’t quite sure how to get the ball moving. If you’ve been wondering how to serve in pickleball, you aren’t alone. For many beginners in our age group, the serve is the most intimidating part of the game because it feels like all eyes are on you.
But here is the secret: the serve in pickleball isn’t meant to be a high-speed weapon like it is in tennis. It is simply a way to start the point. In this guide, we’re going to break down the mechanics, the rules, and the mindset you need to master the serve with total confidence.
Understanding the Fundamentals: How to Serve in Pickleball Correctly
Before we get into the “how-to,” let’s talk about the “where.” According to the official rules and our book, 7 Days to Confident Pickleball After 55, you must stand with both feet behind the baseline. You cannot step on or over that line until after you’ve made contact with the ball.
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The serve must also travel diagonally across the net to the opponent’s service court. If you are starting the game, you’ll serve from the right-hand side. If you win the point, you switch to the left. It’s a simple back-and-forth rhythm that you’ll get used to in no time!
The Traditional Volley Serve: Three Rules to Remember
The most common way to learn how to serve in pickleball is the volley serve (hitting the ball out of the air without letting it bounce). To keep it legal, remember these three physical markers:
- Underhand Motion: Your arm must move in an upward arc.
- Low-to-High Contact: You must strike the ball below your waist (navel level).
- Paddle Head Position: The highest part of your paddle head must be below your wrist at contact.
Think of it more like a bowling motion than a tennis forehand. A gentle, upward lift will get the ball over the net safely every time.
The Secret Weapon for Beginners: How to Serve in Pickleball Using the Drop Serve
If the three rules of the volley serve feel like too much to remember while you’re also trying to manage the score, there is a second option: The Drop Serve. This is a favorite for many of our students because it removes almost all the restrictions.
To perform a drop serve, you simply let the ball fall from your hand. You can’t throw it up or push it down (propelling) ; you just let gravity do the work. Once it bounces, you can hit it however you like—forehand, backhand, high, or low. It takes the pressure off your technique and lets you focus on just getting the ball into the diagonal court.
Why the Drop Serve is Perfect After 55
The drop serve gives you that extra split second to find your rhythm. For those of us focusing on how to serve in pickleball while maintaining good balance and easier timing, the drop serve allows for a more natural, comfortable swing without worrying about “navel height” or “wrist position or “swing path direction”.
Strategy and Scoring: How to Serve in Pickleball to Win the Point
In pickleball, you can only score points when you (or your team) are the ones serving. This makes the serve incredibly important, but not for the reasons you might think. You don’t need an “ace.” You just need a “deep” serve.
Hitting the ball toward the back of your opponent’s service box keeps them back at their baseline or even behind it. This gives you and your partner more time to react to their return, which may land short in the court.
Remember the “Two-Bounce Rule”: the serve must bounce once, and the return must bounce once before anyone can hit a volley. So, after you serve, stay back!
WATCH VIDEO HERE!
Easy Pickleball Scoring
Here is an additional video with help open score keeping: Confused about how to keep track of the score while you’re out there? Scoring can be the most frustrating part for beginners. We’ve made it easy for you! Watch our Easy Pickleball Scoring video!
Get the Full Roadmap to Confident Pickleball
Serving is just one piece of the puzzle. If you want the complete, step-by-step guide designed specifically for the 55+ community, check out our resources:
- The Beginner Roadmap: Grab the full guide in Kindle or Paperback on Amazon.
- FREE Cheat Sheet: Don’t get overwhelmed on the court! Download our free printable cheat sheet to keep in your pickleball bag.
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And if you are playing catch-up, here are the blog posts for our Confident Pickleball series:
- Day 1 – Is Pickleball After 55 Really Possible? (Hint: The Answer is a Resounding Yes!)
- Day 2 – What Pickleball Equipment Do You Really Need After 55+?
- Day 3 – Mastering the Pickleball Court: Where to Stand and Why for Players 55+
