When it comes to pickleball serves, most players opt for the traditional volley serve, hitting the ball out of the air. But what about the drop serve? It’s a topic that sparks curiosity among players, especially considering its potential benefits and the fact that it’s less frequently used.
Let’s dive into why the drop serve might (sometimes) be the hidden gem you’ve been overlooking.
Why the Volley Serve Dominates
The volley serve is the go-to for most players, especially the pros, because it allows for a more aggressive play style. According to pro player Zane Navratil, hitting the ball out of the air lets you generate more hip and shoulder rotation, turning your serve into a powerful offensive weapon. This technique lets you make contact at a higher point, typically around waist level, which is crucial for adding extra speed and spin to your shots.
Pros like Navratil push the limits of the volley serve because it’s tough for referees to enforce its rules consistently. The rules state that the contact point must be below the waist, the paddle must move in an upward motion, and the paddle head must be below the wrist. These nuances often lead to borderline illegal serves that are hard to call in real-time, giving pros a slight edge in their aggressive play style.
The Drop Serve: Why It’s Not Used More
Despite its advantages, the drop serve isn’t commonly used at the pro level. One reason is that it’s not allowed in certain professional tours like the PPA, even though it’s legal in the APP.
The main benefit of the drop serve is its consistency. The rules for the drop serve are simpler and less subjective, eliminating concerns about illegal serves.
4 Advantages of the Drop Serve
Here are some reasons why the drop serve might be a game-changer for you:
- Consistency: The drop serve lets the ball hover right in your contact zone, making it easier to hit accurately. This is a huge plus for beginners who struggle with timing.
- Legal Simplicity: You don’t have to worry about paddle position or upward motion, so there’s less risk of making an illegal serve.
- Versatility: You can mix up your serves with different spins and angles, making your serve less predictable and tougher for your opponents to return.
- Accessibility: It’s much easier for players with physical limitations or those experiencing serving “yips” to perform consistently with a drop serve.
Check out this quick 60-second video from The Pickleball Clinic coach, where they break down the rules and share the awesome advantages of the drop serve:
When and Who Should Use the Drop Serve
- Beginners: If you’re new to pickleball, the drop serve can help you develop better timing and consistency.
- Players Struggling with Consistency: Those who find it hard to get their serves in regularly will benefit from the easier contact point.
- Strategists: If you want to keep your opponent guessing, mix in a drop serve to add variety and unpredictability to your game.
- Those with a Strong Backhand: The drop serve allows for a more powerful two-handed backhand serve.
What Players Who Use the Drop Serve Say
Many players who have switched to the drop serve report increased power, top spin, and overall consistency.
One player noted, “I often see players hitting volley serves from above the waist, but with the drop serve, I have peace of mind knowing that my serve is always within the legal limits.”
Another friend shared, “I now use the drop serve exclusively because it lets me step into my shots and produce much more power and topspin compared to the volley serve.””
A third player added, “I use the drop serve for every serve because it gives me much more consistency. I can hit within 12-18 inches of the back line over 80% of the time.”
My Take on the Drop Serve
While the volley serve remains dominant, especially at the professional level, the drop serve offers a reliable and versatile alternative that many players overlook.
As players have told us, the drop serve is a very valid alternative that may be the better choice for you, especially if you’re a beginner or early intermediate player looking to improve your serve and add some spin to it.
