Have you ever wondered about the rules of serving in pickleball? Well, look no further! In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of pickleball serving, providing you with a clear understanding of the dos and don’ts on the court. Serving is a crucial aspect of any pickleball game, and knowing the rules will not only help you become a better player but also enhance your overall enjoyment of this exciting sport. So, grab your paddle and get ready to serve up some knowledge!
Basic Rules
Service Area
In pickleball, the service area refers to the designated area from where the serve should be executed. This area is divided into two service boxes, one on the right side and one on the left side. Each service box has its own specific rules, which we will cover in detail later.
Service Order
The service order in pickleball follows a specific rotation. The player who served first in the game will continue to serve until their team commits a fault. Then, the serve will be passed on to the opponent’s team. The serving team will always rotate one position counterclockwise after a fault, allowing each player a chance to serve.
Faults
A fault in pickleball refers to any violation of the rules during the service or play. There are several types of faults that can occur, including foot faults, position faults, double bounce faults, double hit faults, and non-volley zone faults. Each fault has its own specific consequences and can result in the loss of a point or serve.
Let Service
A let service occurs when the ball hits the net during a serve but still lands within the proper service box. In this case, the serve is replayed without any penalty. Let services provide players with a second chance and help to ensure fair play.
Service Area
Service Boxes
The service area in pickleball is divided into two service boxes, one on the right side and one on the left side. The right-side service box is used for the first serve of the game, whereas the left-side service box is used for subsequent serves. These boxes are marked by lines and have specific dimensions that must be adhered to.
Rules for Right-Side Service Box
When serving from the right-side service box, there are specific rules that players must follow. The server must stand behind the baseline and within the confines of the right-side service box. The ball should be placed on the paddle and struck with an underhand motion, making contact below the waist. The server’s feet must remain stationary during the serve until the ball is struck. The receiving team must stand within their service court, ready to return the serve.
Rules for Left-Side Service Box
Once the first serve is completed from the right-side service box, the subsequent serves are executed from the left-side service box. The rules for serving from the left-side service box are similar to those of the right-side service box. The server must stand behind the baseline within the boundaries of the left-side service box. The ball should be placed on the paddle and struck with an underhand motion, making contact below the waist. The server’s feet must remain stationary until the ball is struck. The receiving team must position themselves correctly within their service court to receive the serve.
Service Order
Initial Serve
The initial serve in pickleball is determined by a coin toss or other means of chance. The winner of the toss can choose whether to serve first or choose which side of the court they want to start on. The first server must serve from the right-side service box.
Serving Team
The serving team in pickleball consists of one player initially, but as the game progresses, it may include both partners. Each player takes turns serving until a fault occurs. Once a fault is committed, the serve is passed to the opponent’s team, and they become the serving team.
Rotation
After a fault occurs, the serving team must rotate counterclockwise, allowing each player a chance to serve. The player who was at the non-volley zone baseline moves to the right-side service box, while the partner rotates behind them to the left-side service box. This rotation ensures that all players have an equal opportunity to serve and keeps the game fair and balanced.
Faults
Foot Faults
Foot faults occur when the server’s feet touch or cross over the baseline or sideline while executing the serve. If a foot fault is committed, it results in a fault, and the serve is lost.
Position Faults
Position faults happen when the server fails to stand within the designated service box while serving. If the server steps outside the boundaries of the service box, it is considered a fault, and the serve is lost.
Double Bounce Fault
A double bounce fault occurs when the server fails to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s service court before it bounces twice. If the ball bounces twice before crossing the net, it is a fault, and the serve is lost.
Double Hit Fault
A double hit fault occurs when the server hits the ball twice in succession without it first bouncing off their paddle or body. If the ball is struck twice by the server before it goes over the net, it is considered a fault, and the serve is lost.
Non-Volley Zone Fault
A non-volley zone fault occurs when the server’s foot touches the non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, while executing the serve. If the server steps into the non-volley zone before the ball is struck, it is a fault, and the serve is lost.
Let Service
Definition
A let service occurs when the ball hits the net during a serve but still lands within the proper service box. In this case, the serve is replayed without any penalty. Let services provide players with a second chance and help to ensure fair play.
Conditions
For a let service to be considered valid, several conditions must be met. First, the serve must touch the net. Second, the serve must still land within the proper service box. Lastly, the ball must be served legally, adhering to all the rules and regulations of the game. If these conditions are met, a let service is declared, and the serve is replayed.
