3 Illegal Pickleball Serves to Avoid

TL;DR:

• Foot fault: Keep both feet behind the baseline throughout the serve.
• Spin serve: Avoid adding excessive spin to your serve.
• Overhead smash serve: Use an underhand motion with the paddle below your wrist at contact.
• A proper pickleball serve should be underhand with an upward trajectory and make contact with the ball below your waist.

You're locked in an intense pickleball rally, the score is tight, and it's your turn to serve. You wind up, make contact, and send the ball sailing... only to hear the dreaded call, "Illegal serve!" It's a deflating moment that can turn the tide of any game.

If you've ever experienced this frustration, or simply want to avoid it altogether, you're in the right place. This guide is here to help you understand the art of the legal pickleball serve.

We'll break down three common illegal pickleball serves and explain why they're against the rules. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to serve with confidence every time.

1. The Foot Fault

One of the most common illegal serves in pickleball is the foot fault. This happens when the server's foot touches or crosses over the baseline at any point during the serve.

It might seem like a minor infraction, but it actually gives the server a significant advantage. By extending their reach, they can potentially add power to their serve.

To avoid a foot fault, be mindful of your foot positioning. Before you even begin your serve, ensure both feet are firmly planted behind the baseline. As you swing your paddle to make contact with the ball, resist the urge to step forward. Keep your feet in place until after the ball has left your paddle.

A simple way to practice is to imagine a line a few inches behind the baseline. Make this your "safety line." When you serve, make sure your feet never cross this imaginary line. With some awareness and practice, you'll avoid foot faults and ensure your serves are always legal.

2. The Spin Serve

In the past, players could strategically use a spin on their serves to gain an edge. However, in 2023, USA Pickleball (USAP) made the pickleball spin serve illegal. This applies if it involves deliberate manipulation of the ball's spin before contact. Some natural spin happens with any serve, but adding excessive spin is now a replay or fault.

Why the change? An overly spun serve can be very hard to return. It can disrupt the flow of the game and potentially frustrate opponents. The rule change aims to level the playing field and prioritize fair play.

To avoid an illegal spin serve, focus on a clean, direct hit with your paddle. Aim for a smooth, upward arc on the ball. Minimize any wrist or paddle movement that could add unnecessary spin.

Remember, a legal serve should be predictable for your opponent. This allows for a fair return and a competitive rally.

3. The Overhead Smash Serve

Coming from a tennis background? You might be tempted to unleash an overhead smash serve in pickleball. It's a powerful move in tennis, but unfortunately, it's a prime example of illegal pickleball serves.

Pickleball mandates an underhand serve with an upward trajectory. The ball must be struck below the waist, and the highest point of your paddle should be below your wrist when you make contact. This ensures a fair and controlled serve that's easier for your opponent to return.

If you find yourself defaulting to an overhead motion, take a step back and reset your form.

Don’t worry though, once the ball is in play, you're free to use the overhead smash to your advantage.

FAQ

To help you further understand legal and illegal pickleball serves, let's look at some common questions.

Can you swing sideways on a pickleball serve?

No, a sideways swing is illegal. Pickleball serves must be underhand and have an upward arc. Any sideways motion would result in an illegal serve.

Is an underhand slice serve legal in pickleball?

Yes, an underhand slice serve is perfectly legal if it follows all other serving rules. The ball must be struck below your waist with an upward trajectory, and you cannot add excessive spin.

What is a chainsaw serve in pickleball?

The chainsaw serve was banned by USA Pickleball in 2022. It involves forcefully spinning the ball against the paddle just before release. This creates an unpredictable bounce that is hard for opponents to handle, disrupting the game. The term "chainsaw" refers to the aggressive motion used to create the excessive spin.

Serve Up Success

Mastering the legal serve in pickleball is key to becoming a skilled and respected player. By understanding the rules and avoiding common illegal serves, you'll ensure fair play and improve your professional game.

Ready to put your newfound knowledge to the test? Use our court locator to find a court near you and practice those perfect serves!