Pickleball Serving Rules Explained: Full Guide

Serving in pickleball comes with a specific set of requirements that players are expected to follow, regardless of skill level. The rules aren't overly complicated, but missing a detail—like foot placement or paddle position—can lead to avoidable faults and lost points.

This guide lays out the core serving rules, explains the difference between serve types, and highlights common mistakes. Everything below reflects the most current rulebook for 2025.

‍

How a Legal Serve Works

A legal serve in pickleball is made underhand and must be directed diagonally across the court. The server strikes the ball below the waist, with the paddle head positioned lower than the wrist at the point of contact. The server must be behind the baseline, and at least one foot must remain on the ground and behind the line when the ball is hit.

If these conditions aren’t met, the serve is a fault. There's no margin of interpretation here—serve mechanics are tightly defined and enforced.

‍

Serving Methods: Volley Serve vs. Drop Serve

There are two serving styles players can choose from, both of which are legal:

Volley Serve

• The ball is struck out of the air without touching the ground.
• Requires strict adherence to underhand motion and paddle position.
• Common at all levels due to its control and speed.

Drop Serve

• The ball is dropped from the hand, allowed to bounce, and then struck.
• There’s no height restriction on the drop, but the ball must fall naturally—no tossing or spinning.
• Often preferred by newer players or those with physical limitations.

Both methods are allowed in any match, and players can switch between them throughout a game.

‍

Doubles Serving Rotation

In doubles, only one player from the starting team serves during the first service turn. After that, both teammates serve before the ball switches to the opposing team.

• When a point is scored, the server switches sides and continues serving.
• When a fault occurs, the second partner (if eligible) serves next.
• Once both teammates have lost their serve, the opponents take over.

To track proper positioning: if the serving team’s score is even, the player who started on the right should be serving. If the score is odd, the server should be on the left.

‍

Singles Serving Rules

In singles, the format is simpler. The server always switches sides after scoring a point and continues serving until a fault. The same diagonal rules apply, and points can only be scored by the server.

‍

Key Rules on Foot Placement

• The server must have at least one foot on the ground behind the baseline at the moment of contact.
• No part of either foot may touch the baseline or the court before the serve is hit.
• If these conditions aren’t met, the result is a fault.

This rule is frequently overlooked by newer players, especially when trying to gain an angle or serve quickly.

‍

The Elimination of Let Serves

Previously, if a serve clipped the net but still landed in the service box, it was replayed as a “let.” That rule no longer exists. As long as the serve lands in the correct area and meets all other legal requirements, the ball is live—even if it grazes the net.

This rule change simplifies play and removes a layer of judgment from officials or opponents in casual games.

‍

Restrictions on Spin Serves

Recent adjustments to the rulebook have restricted pre-serve manipulation of the ball using the non-paddle hand. Players are no longer allowed to apply spin with the fingers or use two hands during the release.

Spin that results from natural paddle contact is still legal, but artificial enhancements—especially involving pre-serve tricks—are not.

If a player uses a drop serve, the ball must fall freely from one hand and may not be spun or rolled before contact.

‍

Common Serve Faults

The most frequent serve faults involve:

• Striking the ball above waist level
• Paddle head above the wrist at contact
• Standing on or over the baseline
• Incorrect positioning (wrong player or wrong side)
• Serve landing outside the correct diagonal service box

In tournament play, these mistakes are called instantly. In casual games, players should self-monitor or agree in advance on how strictly rules will be enforced.

‍

Clarifying the Service Box and Court Boundaries

The serve must land within the opponent’s diagonal service box—clear of the non-volley zone (the kitchen) and its lines. If the ball lands on or inside the kitchen line, it’s a fault. The outer lines of the service box are considered in bounds.

This detail is especially relevant in fast-paced doubles games, where quick rallies can distract from basic positioning.

‍

Summary

Pickleball’s serving rules are exact for a reason. They ensure fairness, reduce physical disparities, and keep the game structured. Whether you're using a volley or drop serve, playing singles or doubles, knowing the correct mechanics and sequence gives you a better chance of maintaining rhythm—and avoiding preventable faults.

These rules are not hard to follow, but they are easy to overlook. Learning them now means less guessing, fewer disputes, and a more consistent playing experience.