Ever feel like your pickleball serve could use a little extra spice? There is nothing wrong with sticking to the basics, (keep it in to win – am I right?) but adding a few unexpected serves to your repertoire can throw your opponents off their game and give you a serious edge.
So we explored this topic with our community members and coaches to find out how many pickleball serve variations there might be.
We started by asking our Pro/Coach, Gina Cilento, if she could show us her top five serve variations. Check this out…
These are a great starter set of serves, any intermediate player can begin to master.
Now, let’s explore some lesser-known serves that can elevate your game from good to great. Let’s get into it!
1. The Screwball Serve
The Screwball Serve is all about sidespin. Picture this: the ball curving sharply away from your opponent, making it incredibly tricky to return. This serve works wonders at the 3.0 to 4.0 level.
The key to mastering the Screwball Serve is generating enough spin. Instead of just hitting the ball straight on, you want to carve around the ball as you serve, almost like peeling an orange. Use a continental grip and focus on hitting the ball with a sideways motion to achieve that signature curve.
Pro Tip: Start with drills like hitting the ball against a windscreen to see how much sidespin you’re getting. The more the ball veers off to the side, the better your screwball serve will be.
2. The Heavy Topspin Serve
Next up is the Heavy Topspin Serve. This is a go-to serve for many pros because it combines speed with a high bounce that’s tough for opponents to handle. Stay low and aim to hit the ball with a brushing motion, moving your paddle from low to high. This will create that topspin which makes the ball drop quickly and bounce high. Aim for about 2 to 3 feet above the net to get the perfect arc.
Pro Tip: Practice this serve with a windscreen as well. If the ball jumps up off the fence, you’re generating good topspin.
3. The Looper Serve
The Looper Serve is a higher, loopier version of the Heavy Topspin Serve. It’s not used often, but it can be a game-changer against opponents who like to slice their returns. Aim about 5 feet over the net, adding a bit more spin and height. This serve can result in an erratic bounce that’s hard to predict and return effectively.
Pro Tip: Target your opponent’s backhand with the Looper Serve, especially if they struggle with high bounces.
4. The High Soft Serve
Opposite to a power serve, the High Soft Serve is all about finesse. This serve involves hitting the ball softly with a high arc, aiming for it to land near your opponent’s baseline. To execute this serve, use a gentle, upward swing to lift the ball high over the net. The goal is to force your opponent into an awkward position, making it difficult for them to return the ball effectively.
Pro Tip: Aim for the corners of the baseline to maximize the difficulty for your opponent and open up the court for your next shot.
Also, don’t miss our deep dive into the rules of adding spin to your serve.
Serve Strategies from the Pickleball Community
We reached out to our Pickleball Union Pro community members for their favorite serves, and they didn’t disappoint. Check out these real gems!
Paul R. Says: “Sometimes a lob serve in a tight game gets someone overthinking for their return and they end up hitting it into the net or off court or something.” The art of mind games! Next time you’re in a tight spot, lob it up and watch the confusion unfold.
Quy says: “Banana serve (hooking topspin serve that cuts hard right to left).” It’s a real curveball—literally! Give your opponents something to chew on with this spinny trick shot.
Our pickleball gear reviewer, Drew, says: “For me, it is three: top/side spin fast and deep, no spin deep, and a softer serve to mix it up OR when playing beginners or folks with much less experience.” Variety is the spice of pickleball life! Keep your opponents guessing with a mix of serves that show off your versatility.
Pro Player Marko’s Serves: Marko has a serve for every occasion, and they’re as creative as they are effective. Check out his arsenal:
- The Standard: Open/closed stance, set at baseline, eastern grip, 7/10 pace & topspin, deep serve. Goal: Make the returner move laterally or backward. Classic and reliable, just like your morning coffee.
- The Heat: Open stance, set at/1 foot off baseline, eastern grip, less topspin (5/10), 9/10 power, low ball flight, deep serve. Goal: Get a short return to drive the 3rd.
- The Beast: Open stance, set at/1 foot off baseline, semi-western grip, 10/10 power & topspin. Goal: Get a weak short return to aggressively drive the 3rd.
- High Arch: Closed stance, set 3 feet off baseline, eastern grip, hit off back foot, higher loopy flight, 8/10 spin, deep ball bounces high. Goal: Push the returner way back off baseline.
- Aggressive Angle: Open/closed stance, set at baseline, eastern grip, 7/10 pace & topspin, super-angled shorter serve. Goal: Make returner sprint to catch it, usually returning short to drive the 3rd.
- Down the T Serve: Open stance, set at baseline, eastern grip, 7/10 pace & topspin. Goal: Make the returner move aggressively from the corner.
So next time you’re on the court, try mixing up your serves and see how your opponents handle the surprise.
Want more tips, drills, and strategies to go from a 3.0 to a 4.0? Join Pickleball Union Pro for access to our entire premium video library, coaches ready to help, and a passionate group of fanatics like you, ready to support you. Click to learn more.
