5 (Legal) Serves That Will Tear Your Opponent Apart | Briones Pickleball

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore five powerful serves in pickleball that can give you a competitive edge against your opponents. Mastering these serves will not only enhance your offensive strategy but also allow you to dictate the pace of the game. Let’s dive into each serve and learn how to execute them effectively.

Step 1: The Power Serve

• Objective: To deliver a fast, aggressive serve that puts immediate pressure on your opponent.
• Execution:
  • Stand behind the baseline with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Hold the paddle with a firm grip and position it behind your body.
  • Swing the paddle forward, making contact with the ball at waist height.
  • Follow through by extending your arm fully.
• Tip: Aim for the corners of the service box to minimize your opponent’s reaction time.

Step 2: The Slice Serve

• Objective: To create a spin that makes the ball curve, complicating your opponent's return.
• Execution:
  • Position yourself similarly to the power serve.
  • Hold the paddle at an angle and strike the ball with a sideways motion.
  • Focus on brushing the ball rather than hitting it flat.
• Tip: Practice the angle of your paddle to control the amount of slice for different effects.

Step 3: The Lob Serve

• Objective: To send the ball high and deep into the opponent's court, forcing them to play defensively.
• Execution:
  • Start with a standard serving stance.
  • Use a more exaggerated upward motion to launch the ball high into the air.
  • Ensure the ball lands near the back of the service box.
• Tip: This serve is particularly effective against players who struggle with overhead shots.

Step 4: The Body Serve

• Objective: To target your opponent’s body, making it difficult for them to position for a return.
• Execution:
  • Stand with your feet positioned for a standard serve.
  • Aim to hit the ball directly at your opponent's torso as you serve.
  • Use a medium-speed delivery to catch them off-guard.
• Tip: Mix this serve in with others to keep your opponent guessing.

Step 5: The Underhand Serve

• Objective: To surprise your opponent with a soft, low-trajectory shot.
• Execution:
  • Stand close to the service line for this serve.
  • Hold the paddle with a relaxed grip and strike the ball from underneath.
  • Aim for a short bounce just over the net.
• Tip: This serve works best when your opponent is positioned far back in the court.

Conclusion

By mastering these five serves—Power Serve, Slice Serve, Lob Serve, Body Serve, and Underhand Serve—you can elevate your pickleball game and keep your opponents on their toes. Practice each serve regularly to refine your technique and increase your confidence on the court. For further improvement, consider joining in-person trainings or exploring additional resources on pickleball strategy. Happy serving!