“0-0-2!” And with that call, the great game of pickleball commences! Did you know that all games start with a score of 0-0-2? Pickleball, unlike many sports, has three numbers when calling out the score.
- The first number is the serving team's score,
- The second number would be the opponent's score, and finally,
- The third number is the number of serves that the team is on.
For example, if the serving team has 5, their opponent has 8, and the serving team is on their second serve. The serving team would say 5-8-2 before serving, so both teams are accurate on the game's score.
Before the game gets into full swing (get it), it’s important to understand a crucial part of the game, THE SERVE. Looking to be king or queen of your court? To quickly increase the level of your play, let’s break down the pickleball serve from the beginning at 0-0-2!
.png)
Pickleball Serve Rules For Beginners
To ensure you are getting every point possible, we’ve highlighted the rules of the pickleball serve below:
- A pickleball serve must be hit with an underhand stroke so that contact with the ball is made below the waist (navel).
- The arm must move in an upward arc, and the paddle head must be below the wrist at contact.
- Serve diagonally from behind the baseline so the ball lands beyond the kitchen line in the opposite service court.
- Players may use a volley serve (hit out of the air) or a drop serve (hit after the bounce without tossing the ball).
- Both feet must remain behind the baseline at contact, and you should call the full score before serving to stay aligned with official play.
Breaking down how to serve can be difficult, but we are here to help! From experience, the best way to get your serve down (and at least over the net) is PRACTICE, PRACTICE, and more PRACTICE; but before you head to the court, it’s good to know what to expect. Everyone's a little different regarding their serve, but below, you can find a few pointers that will help before you toe the baseline.
Note: Each number will match the specific serve style.
Serve Set Up
The serve starts with the lower half of your body — your footwork and positioning generate power.
- Stand slightly behind the baseline and step back with the foot on the same side as your paddle hand.
- Aim your shoulders toward your target and keep your weight balanced.
Proper alignment promotes a smooth, repeatable motion that improves accuracy.
Before Serve Contact
- Step forward with your non-dominant foot while bringing the paddle toward the ball at belt level.
- Rotate your hips through contact to create leverage, speed, and spin.
Think of the motion like bowling — low to high — to produce controlled power.
At Serve Contact
-
Keep your wrist loose and strike the ball below your navel out in front of your body. Contacting the ball in front helps drive a deeper serve, making returns more difficult.
Follow Through and Recovery
- Finish your swing high and pointed toward your target.
- After serving, STAY BACK! Because of the double-bounce rule, the return must bounce before you hit it.
Waiting behind the baseline gives you time to read your opponent’s return and prepare for the next shot.
5 Expert Serving Tips
- Aim deep toward the center or backhand side to keep receivers on defense.
- Generate power from your legs and weight transfer rather than your arms alone.
- Start low and finish high for a better trajectory.
- Add spin or angles as your consistency improves.
- PRACTICE, PRACTICE, and PRACTICE SOME MORE.
Prioritize consistency over raw power — a reliable serve wins more points than a risky one.
Volley Serve vs. Drop Serve
When learning how to serve in pickleball, you’ll typically choose between two legal options. A volley serve is struck out of the air with an underhand motion, while a drop serve allows the ball to bounce before contact and is often easier for beginners to control. Many players experiment with both styles before settling on the one that feels most natural. Regardless of your choice, focus on depth and placement first, then layer in power or spin as your confidence grows.
How To Add Power To Your Serve
To add power to your serve, consider adding these to your game:
- Toss the ball and meet it out in front of your body.
- Engage and fire your hips inward as you’re striking the ball.
- Take a step into your serve to generate even more power.
- Follow all the way through with your stroke.
- Finish the serve with your chest squared up and facing the net/your opponent.
Common Serving Mistakes To Avoid
Small technical errors can lead to inconsistent serves. The most common mistakes include:
- Contacting the ball too high
- Relying only on your arm for power
- Rushing toward the kitchen line
- Aiming too aggressively
Instead, maintain a fluid motion, use your lower body, and commit to a repeatable pre-serve routine. These adjustments can quickly improve reliability and help you start in a stronger position.
Find The Right Paddle To Elevate Your Serve
As you advance in pickleball, you’ll see the importance of an accurate and consistent pickleball serve. Mastering how to serve in pickleball starts with sound mechanics, smart placement, and plenty of practice — but your equipment matters too.
Looking for the perfect pickleball paddle? There are hundreds of pickleball paddles on the market, which is why we have an entire page dedicated to Pickleball Paddle Reviews! If you need more information, give us a call at 1-866-382-3465, email us at support@justpaddles.com, or utilize our live chat to speak with a Paddle Expert today. We’re JustPaddles, and we’re with you from Click to Court!
