How to Improve your Pickleball Serve

In this guide, Picklepulse covers the key essential techniques that will allow you to improve your serve

The Key Tips:

1. 1. Learn how to hold the paddle
   2. Watch your stance
   3. Have a Target and aim for depth and placement
   4. Experiment with Different Serve Types

   5. Engage Your Core for Power and Control

1. Grip Matters – Use the Eastern grip for the best balance of power and control.

2. Stance is Key – Keep feet shoulder-width apart and maintain a closed stance for stability.

3. Aim with Purpose – Target deep serves to keep opponents on the back foot.

4. Mix Up Your Serves – Try power, topspin, soft, lob, and side-spin serves to stay unpredictable.

5. Engage Your Core – Generate power with your torso, not just your arm, for consistent serves.

Learn how to hold the paddle:

The technique in which you hold the paddle has a instrumental impact on your serves power and overall control. The eastern grip, which also goes by the name of the handshake grip is overall the most effective for serving.

Here's how to do it:

• Hold the paddle like you are shaking someones hand.
• Make a V shape between your thumb and index finger, aligning with the paddle edge of the handle.
• Have a firm but relaxed grip making sure it's comfortable but still allowing you flexibility and control over your pickleball paddle.

 

The continental grip which is commonly used in tennis is also an effective playing style alongside the western grip, however, the eastern grip is a fantastic starting point for holding your pickleball paddle accordingly.

Picklepulse Tip: Each time you hold your paddle, have a look down and go through a process to ensure you are holding it correctly.

Watch your stance

The way you stand when you serve also is a key pillar in improving your serve. A common mistake is opening up the side of your body that is not holding the paddle while you serve.

Try and follow through when you serve, ensuring your momentum is going towards the direction of the ball.

Picklepulse Tip: Have your legs shoulder width apart and opt for a closed stance, with both feet parallel to the baseline, with your non-dominant foot closer to the baseline.

Have a Target and aim for depth and placement

Hitting a deep serve will keep your competition on the back foot, which will mitigate them from attacking the rally early. Aim to land your serve near the baseline and towards the non dominant side, which is typically their backhand to force a weakened return. Mixing up the angles will also keep your opponent guessing and may force them out of position.

Picklepulse Tip: Practice makes more perfect.

Experiment with Different Serve Types

Different serving types can keep your opposition off balance and out of place. Some ideas to mix up your serve are a power serve, topspin serve, soft or a lob serve, and a side spin serve.

Picklepulse Tip: Practice these different types of serves in training. Consistency and repetition is key.

Engage Your Core for Power and Control

It is important to rely on your core for power as opposed to the swing speed of your arm when serving. Relying on your core will ensure greater serve consistency.

Rotate your torso smoothly as you swing. This will allow you to generate greater power while maintaining consistency and accuracy.

Turn your hips and shoulders slightly as you hit the ball, ensuring a natural follow through.

Maintain a fluid and controlled motion, as opposed to muscling the ball with your arm.

Picklepulse Tip: Think like your core is a spring. Instead of forcing the ball with your wrist, arm and elbow, utilise your legs and core to produce power.

Let's Pickle

Next time you play, try an implement these key tips. Like any sport, Pickleball is all about repetition and practice!

Checkout the Picklepulse range here to join in on the hottest growing sport. Click here to your find you pickleball paddle.