Let’s talk about the serve. For years, it’s been treated like a formality. Just get it in. High percentage. No risk. But the modern game? It’s changed. Players are now using the serve as a weapon—and one of the biggest shifts driving that evolution is the open stance serve.
You may have seen Collin and Ben Johns switch to it. You’ve probably watched JW Johnson casually rip one from the baseline, barely moving his feet. You might even be wondering: Wait, aren’t I supposed to step into the serve?
Welcome to the world of open stance.
Open Stance vs. Closed Stance: What’s the Real Difference?
Let’s break it down.
| Stance Type | Foot Position | Power Source | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed Stance | Dominant foot back, non-dominant foot forward | Weight transfer and step-through | Players relying on forward momentum and linear power |
| Open Stance | Feet square to the baseline, no step-through | Coiled hips, core rotation, leg drive | Players prioritizing spin, disguise, and quick execution |
In a closed stance, you step into the serve. You shift your weight forward and drive through the shot—feels powerful, but it also takes time, and predictability can creep in.
With the open stance, your feet are squared to the baseline. You don’t step—you rotate. Your hips and shoulders do the heavy lifting, and the serve is launched like a coil unwinding. Fast, sneaky, and surprisingly powerful.
Pro pickler Ammar Wazir shows the difference between open and closed stance serves:
Why Use the Open Stance Serve?
If you’re wondering why so many high-level players are making the switch, here’s the short answer: efficiency + disguise + spin.
Let’s unpack it:
- Faster timing: Especially under rules that limit toss height, there’s less time to load a step. The open stance lets you start pre-loaded.
- More disguise: You’re not stepping or telegraphing. You’re just snapping from a still position—harder to read, easier to surprise.
- Clean mechanics: Your feet are set, your hips and core are primed, and the paddle whips through with kinetic force.
- Target control: You’re already squared to the court. Fewer moving parts mean more consistent placement.
Collin Johns explained it perfectly: “Because of the new [serve] rule, you have to strike the ball quickly. You have to be more disciplined with loading the hips and shoulders.”
How to Hit an Open Stance Serve (Step-by-Step)
Yes, it’s different. But it’s not complicated. Here’s a simple breakdown of the technique:
- Get into position: Stand with both feet square to the baseline. Imagine you’re locked in like a tank—ready to twist, not step.
- Toss in front of your paddle-side foot: If you’re right-handed, toss in front of your right foot. This sets you up for a clean, unjammed contact.
- Coil your body: Even though your feet face forward, your upper body should rotate backward slightly—this creates the torque you’ll release during the swing.
- Drop and snap: As you drop the ball, drop your paddle head slightly (this is what generates topspin) and explode up and forward using your core and legs.
- Accelerate through contact> Don’t arm it. Use your legs, core, and shoulder rotation to drive through the shot with speed and spin.
Watch it here:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even pros make these when learning:
- Only using your arm: If you’re facing forward and not rotating your torso, you’re just arming the ball. Power comes from the coil.
- Tossing too centered: If the toss is in front of your belly button instead of your paddle-side foot, you’ll feel jammed and lose leverage.
- No leg drive: The serve starts in your legs, not your wrist. Drop into your dominant leg and explode out of it—like pushing off the ground.
- Overdoing spin: If you’re getting lollipop serves that sit up, it’s likely you’re brushing too much and not accelerating enough. Balance spin with pace.
Why It Works: Strategy in Action
An open stance serve is not just a mechanical change—it changes the mind game. Here’s how players are using it to dominate:
1. Serve Placement Advantage
“The open stance lets me hit right down the middle to my opponent’s backhand without giving away my direction.”
Recreational player feedback
From the same stance, you can:
- Laser to the backhand
- Snap a wide angle unexpectedly
- Play with height and spin—all with minimal telegraphing
2. Angle Control
Players like to walk out wide and serve from the edge of the court, creating sharper angles and messing with return positioning.
“My goal? Get them out of their comfort zone. If they guess middle, I go wide. If they shift wide, I go middle.”
Open stance user strategy
5 Open Stance Serve Tips from Coaches and Players
Here are a few gems pulled from coaches, pros, and real-world experience:
- “Toss low, swing fast.” The lower toss means faster execution—perfect for modern rules.
- “Start paddle tip up, then drop.” This creates the proper swing arc for topspin.
- “Your elbow leads the way.” Imagine elbowing someone behind you before unleashing the paddle.
- “Use your legs like springs.” Drop into the leg, then explode up like a medicine ball throw.
- “Unassuming is deadly.” The open stance looks relaxed, but the snap surprises opponents every time.
Even players who returned to the open stance after switching to closed found it more effective for winners, disguise, and targeting
But What About the Step-In Power?
Yes, closed stance purists will argue: “Why wouldn’t I step in for more power?”
Fair question. But here’s the deal:
- Open stance power comes from rotation and acceleration, not just forward motion.
- You’re trading predictability and time for speed and disguise.
- With proper technique, your leg drive and torso coil deliver plenty of pop.
Still skeptical? Many former closed-stance players tried open stance and never went back.
Should You Switch?
If you’re looking for:
- A faster, more compact motion
- Better disguise and consistency
- Cleaner spin and target control
Then yes—the open stance serve is worth learning.
It’s not for everyone, and you don’t have to abandon the closed stance entirely. But experimenting with open stance can add a powerful new tool to your game—especially under pressure.
And let’s be real: surprising your opponent with an effortless-looking serve that zips past them is one of the purest joys in pickleball.
