If you’re an intermediate or advanced pickleball player (around 3.5+), looking to add a tricky, spin-filled serve to your game, the screwball serve might be just what you need.
It’s a unique weapon that can keep your opponents guessing and give you a serious edge on the court.
Who Uses the Screwball Serve?
The screwball serve is a favorite among players who like to mix up their game and keep their opponents off balance. It’s not commonly used, which makes it all the more effective when executed well.
Players who are confident in their basic serves and want to add some flair and strategy will find this serve particularly useful. While this serve is best suited for intermediate to advanced players, beginners can still benefit from practicing it. It’s a great way to develop better control and spin, even if it takes time to master.
Watch pro player Tanner Tomassi demonstrate the screwball serve in just 60 seconds:
What Skill Level Is This Serve For?
The screwball serve is ideal for players at the 3.5 level and up.
If you’ve mastered the basics and want to add a more challenging serve to your repertoire, the screwball serve is the way to go.
3 Key Advantages of the Screwball Serve
- Unpredictability: The screwball serve adds a significant amount of spin to the ball, making it challenging for your opponent to predict its path. The ball curves off to the side, pulling your opponent out of position and often making them late to the kitchen line.
- Offensive Strategy: By forcing your opponent off the court, you create open spaces that you can easily exploit with your next shot. This serve sets you up to dominate the point from the start.
- Consistency with Spin: The screwball serve isn’t just about flash—it’s also about control. When executed correctly, it allows you to consistently deliver a serve that’s tough to return.
Key Tips for Executing the Perfect Screwball Serve
1. Start with the Proper Grip
The key to a successful screwball serve begins with your grip. You’ll need to use the Eastern backhand grip.
Here’s a super short tutorial on how to find your Eastern backhand grip:
This grip is crucial because it positions the paddle face upwards, allowing you to slice under the ball and generate that corkscrew spin.
2. Focus on the Motion
The motion for the screwball serve is a bit different from a standard serve. Start with a short backswing, bringing your paddle back just enough to load up for a controlled shot. As you make contact with the ball, flick your wrist inward.
This flicking motion is what creates the spin, causing the ball to curve sharply to the side. It’s important to focus on hitting through the ball, rather than upwards.
Take a look at this video to see the proper swing motion in action:
3. Master Your Aim
The screwball serve requires precise aim. When you first start practicing, aim toward the center line of the service box.
If your shot curves too much and hits the side fence, adjust by aiming a little more toward the center.
4. Visualize the “C”
When executing the serve, think of creating a “C” shape with your motion, which helps load up the power.
This technique ensures that you’re generating enough power and spin to make the serve effective.
Making the Screwball Serve Work for You
Once you’ve got the grip, motion, and aim down, the screwball serve can become a reliable part of your game. This serve isn’t just about adding variety; it’s about using spin and placement to force errors from your opponents.
Also, be sure to check out our article on the most unpredictable pickleball serves you should add to your practice routine.
It might take some time to master, but once you get the hang of it, the screwball serve will add a whole new level of strategy to your pickleball game.
