When it comes to pickleball, the serve is the first shot that sets the tone for the entire rally. It might seem simple at first, but mastering your serve can make a huge difference in your game. Whether you’re a beginner just getting the hang of the basics or an experienced player aiming to sharpen your skills, improving your serve is key to gaining control and keeping your opponent on the defensive.

In this blog, we’ll dive into six essential tips to help you improve your serve and give your game that much-needed edge. From mastering the fundamentals to adding some advanced techniques, let’s take your serve to the next level!

A solid serve begins with the basics: your grip and stance. If either of these elements is off, it can throw off your entire serve, resulting in less power, accuracy, and control. The most common grip used for the serve is the Continental Grip—the same grip often used in tennis. Hold your paddle like you’re shaking hands with it. This grip allows for better control and spin when serving. While you're at it, consider a good paddle grip or replacement grip if your paddle is worn or deteriorating. 

Your stance is equally important. Position yourself sideways to the net with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your front foot should be pointing toward the net, while your back foot provides balance and power. Bend your knees slightly and stay relaxed—this will help generate a smooth, fluid motion.

When it comes to overall durability, outdoor pickleballs are more durable than indoor balls. With their robust build, outdoor balls are engineered to be exceptionally durable, making them resilient against the elements and the diverse conditions of different court surfaces.

A consistent toss is essential to a reliable serve. If your toss is too high, too low, or inconsistent in any way, it will disrupt your rhythm and make it harder to hit an accurate serve. The ideal toss should be just above shoulder height and slightly in front of you, allowing for a smooth, controlled swing.

One of the biggest mistakes new players make is rushing the toss. Take your time! Develop a toss that’s slow and controlled. This will give you more time to position yourself and swing confidently through the ball.

Practice tossing the ball without hitting it. Focus on getting the ball to land in the same spot each time. Once you’ve mastered your toss, you can incorporate it into your serve. By isolating the toss, you’ll be able to serve with more consistency. A good pickleball for practicing your serve that comes in bulk is the LP40 50-pack and the Diadem Premium 40 Outdoor Pickleballs 50-pack, and we definitely recommend snagging a basket of balls to reduce time spent on ball pickup time. 

In pickleball, the serve must be hit with an underhand swing, a key difference from tennis serves. To achieve a good underhand swing, you want to keep the paddle below your waist when making contact with the ball. A good rule of thumb from the United States Pickleball Association is to hit the ball below your belly button. Your swing should be smooth, relaxed, and follow through naturally after hitting the ball.

One common issue players face is using too much arm strength and not enough body movement. Instead, engage your legs and core to generate power and accuracy. Think of it as a full-body movement, where your hips and shoulders rotate to create the force behind the serve, not just your arm.