When Dekel “Big D” Bar steps up to the service line, something changes in the atmosphere. Opponents shift their weight, adjust their positioning, and brace themselves for what’s coming: the biggest, most intimidating serve on tour.
Bar is recognized as one of the biggest servers in the game alongside Ben Johns, Tyson McGuffin, and James Ignatowich. His serve combines raw power with tactical precision in a way that’s redefining what’s possible with pickleball’s underhand serving rules.
Let’s break down the magic behind the most feared serve in professional pickleball.
What Makes Dekel Bar’s Serve so Special?
Bar has one of the biggest serves in pickleball and earns free points on the serve in almost every match he plays. But what exactly makes this serve so powerful?
1. The Shot-Put Spin
Bar’s signature technique involves a unique body rotation that resembles a shot-putter’s motion. He pivots on his left foot, using his entire frame to generate torque that transfers directly into paddle speed.
This spinning motion allows him to use his considerable size advantage to maximum effect.
2. Perfect Timing and Rhythm
Unlike many power servers who rush their motion, Bar maintains a controlled rhythm that builds momentum.
His deliberate pace creates a kinetic chain that starts from his feet and whips through his entire body.
3. Strategic Placement
Bar understands that powerful serves create advantages throughout the entire point sequence. He’s not just hitting hard; he’s hitting smart and placing serves that force weak returns and set up favorable third-shot opportunities.
4. Confidence Under Pressure
Bar’s commitment to his power serve in high-pressure situations sets him apart from players who might dial back their aggression when stakes are high.
This mental approach forces opponents to position themselves deeper to handle his pace, giving the serving team more time to advance to the kitchen.
5. The Intimidation Factor
There’s a psychological element to facing Bar’s serve. Opponents know what’s coming, but knowing and handling it are two very different things.
This mental pressure often leads to over-compensation and errors.
The Athletic Foundation Behind His Serve Power
Bar’s serving dominance isn’t accidental. It’s built on a foundation of elite athleticism and experience.
Tennis Pedigree
During his 6 years on the pro tennis tour, Bar reached #370 ATP in doubles and #570 ATP in singles. His tennis background gave him an understanding of pace, spin, and strategic serving that translates perfectly to pickleball.
Physical Advantages
Known as “Big D” by his friends, Bar’s 6’3″ frame provides natural leverage advantages. His wingspan and reach allow him to create a longer swing arc and generate more paddle speed at contact.
Competitive Experience
Bar is well-known for his power and athleticism on the pro pickleball tour. His experience competing at the highest levels in both tennis and pickleball has honed his ability to execute under pressure.
The Johns Connection
Bar’s long-time friends Collin Johns and Ben Johns introduced him to pickleball, and training alongside the world’s best players has elevated every aspect of his game, including his serve.
Watch Dekel Bar’s serve in slow-mo:
Breaking Down the Technical Elements
Here’s what makes Bar’s serve so technically sound:
The Setup: Bar starts with a wide, stable base that allows him to generate maximum rotation. His feet are positioned to support the rotational force he’s about to create, with his left foot serving as the pivot point.
The Wind-Up: The motion begins with a controlled backswing that loads his entire kinetic chain. Unlike rushed power attempts, Bar takes time to coil his body properly, storing energy like a spring.
The Rotation: This is where the magic happens. Bar initiates a powerful rotation on his left foot, spinning his entire body to generate torque. This shot-put-like motion transfers energy from his legs through his core and into his arm.
The Release and Follow-Through: The energy culminates in explosive paddle acceleration through contact, with an aggressive follow-through that drives through the ball rather than simply making contact.
Hear from Dekel Bar himself as he breaks down how he generates serious power on his serve:
Adding Bar’s Power to Your Game
While we can’t all be 6’3″ former tennis pros, you can definitely steal elements of Bar’s technique. The key is building on your current serve rather than trying to copy everything at once.
Start with the fundamentals: Develop a stable, wide base and consistent ball drop before adding any rotation. Bar advocates for proper ball release technique, noting the importance of following serving rules while maximizing power.
Master the rotation: Practice the rotational motion without a ball first, focusing on the pivot and weight transfer that creates Bar’s signature power. Start slowly and gradually increase the speed of rotation as you develop comfort with the motion.
Build power gradually: Start with 50% effort serves that incorporate the rotational motion, then gradually increase power while maintaining accuracy. Power without placement is just showing off.
For more serving fundamentals, check out our comprehensive 9 pickleball serve tips guide and learn about different serving variations that can complement your power game.
How Bar’s Serve is Changing the Game
Bar’s serve has created a lot of controversy in professional pickleball, with the PPA Tour experimenting with multiple provisional rule changes in 2024 aimed at big servers before reverting back to USAP rules temporarily.
Rather than apologizing for his power, Bar advocates for embracing the serve as a weapon.
For recreational players, the biggest lesson from Bar’s serve isn’t about copying his exact technique, but about understanding the value of developing your serve as a strategic weapon to create favorable third-shot opportunities.
Whether you want to add power to your own serve or just love watching some punishing pickleball, Bar’s serve shows what’s possible in the game.
