When it comes to pickleball, the serve is more than just a way to start the game—it’s your first weapon. But are you using the right serve to score points? Whether you lean on powerful top spin or prefer a sneaky short serve, finding the perfect serve for your game can make all the difference.
Let’s break down the most effective serves, reveal key strategies, and offer tips to make sure your serve is truly working for you.
5 Key Serves That Score Points
There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to serves, but understanding different types and when to use them can be the difference between winning and losing.
Here are some of the most effective serves used by players to gain an edge.
1. Deep Topspin Serve
A well-executed deep topspin serve can keep your opponent on their back foot. The ball moves quickly and bounces higher, forcing a less aggressive return, which gives you time to take control of the net.
- Pros: Keeps opponents deep, giving you control at the net.
- Best Target: Backhand side of your opponent—most players struggle more with this return.
Take a look at these top tips for mastering topspin on your serves:
2. Side Spin Serve
Adding side spin to your serve can create unpredictable bounces, making it harder for your opponent to return cleanly. Side spin also pulls your opponent out of position, setting you up to control the point.
- Pros: Harder to read and return, especially when combined with other spins.
- Best Use: Alternate between topspin and side spin to keep your opponent guessing.
Here’s how to hit the side spin serve:
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3. Short Serve
This serve, aimed just past the kitchen line, can catch your opponent off guard and force them into an uncomfortable position as they scramble to return the ball.
- Pros: Forces opponents to rush forward, increasing the chance of a weak return or error.
- Best Use: Use this serve sparingly to surprise your opponent, especially after a series of deep serves.
4. Screwball Serve
The screwball serve combines topspin and sidespin, making the ball curve unpredictably. It’s especially effective when hit short and angled, forcing the opponent to stretch for a difficult return.
- Pros: The unpredictable spin often results in awkward returns or errors.
- Best Use: Aim this serve toward your opponent’s body or backhand for maximum effect.
Watch one of our favorite coaches break down the screwball serve:
5. Lob Serve
A high lob with topspin can drive your opponent back and create confusion. The topspin causes the ball to bounce high and deep, often forcing a defensive return.
- Pros: Pushes opponents out of position, giving you the chance to take control at the net.
- Best Use: Great for catching your opponent off guard, especially if they’re expecting a fast, lower serve.
Interesting Play: “I use a deep lob with lots of topspin to push them far behind the baseline. Their best response is usually just another lob, giving me control of the rally.”
Pro player
Mix Up Your Serves for Maximum Effectiveness
Relying on just one type of serve might be easy, but it’s also predictable. The best players mix up their serves to keep their opponents on their toes. Here’s how you can use variety to your advantage:
1. Switch Up Spins and Speeds
- Alternate between topspin, side spin, and even slice serves to create unpredictable bounces.
- Player Strategy: “I usually open with strong topspin serves, then mix in a slice or side spin to keep my opponent on their toes. The spin variation really catches them off guard.”
2. Change the Placement
- Aiming for different spots on the court—deep baseline, short serves near the kitchen, or even directly at your opponent’s body—can disrupt their rhythm.
- Player Strategy: “I typically go for a deep topspin serve, but I’ll mix in a quick one down the center or a short serve to their backhand. This keeps them off balance and puts me in control.”
3. Vary the Speed
- Mixing fast and slow serves can force awkward returns. Slow serves may result in high pop-ups, while fast serves keep your opponent defensive.
- Player Insight: “After hitting a few fast serves, I’ll mix in a slow, high-arching one. The shift in speed often throws them off, leading to a weak return that I can easily attack.”
Be sure to check out our article covering all the most popular pickleball serves!
Common Serve Errors That Lose You Points
Even with the right strategy, certain mistakes can prevent your serve from being as effective as it could be. Here are some common serving pitfalls and how to avoid them:
1. Overthinking the Serve
Sometimes the more you think about your serve, the worse it gets. Players often try too hard to perfect their serve, leading to mistakes.
- Solution: Focus on consistency over power. A controlled serve is more effective than a fast serve that misses the target.
2. Being Too Predictable
If your opponent knows what’s coming, it becomes easier for them to return the ball. Varying your serve keeps them guessing and gives you the upper hand.
- Solution: Use different serves—topspin, side spin, and short serves—to keep your opponent uncomfortable.
3. Weak Placement
Even if you have great power or spin, placing the ball too predictably makes it easier to return. Aim for difficult spots—corners, sidelines, or directly at your opponent’s body.
- Solution: Practice targeting different areas of the court during your serve to develop precision.
Master Your Serve, Master the Game
Your serve is one of the few shots you completely control in pickleball. Remember, the goal is to keep your opponent off balance and unsure of what’s coming next. Whether it’s a heavy topspin, a sneaky side spin, or a short serve just past the kitchen line, the more variety and control you have, the harder it will be for your opponent to return—and the more points you’ll win.
Remember, the best serve is the one your opponent isn’t ready for—so keep them guessing!
