When you are first learning to play pickleball, the Nasty Nelson shot may seem unbelievable — and completely against the rules. Although it’s a legal shot in both rec and pro pickleball, it can be frustrating when you are the victim of a Nasty Nelson in pickleball.
What is a Nasty Nelson in pickleball?
A legal serve in pickleball is served crosscourt. If the ball lands outside the sideline, baseline, and middle line — as well as in the kitchen or on the kitchen line — of the crosscourt zone, then it is a fault on the server.
The one exception to this rule is the Nasty Nelson pickleball shot.
The Nasty Nelson is when a server serves the ball to their opponent directly across from them and intentionally hits that player before it bounces. It must hit the player who was not receiving the serve.
Official Nasty Nelson USA Pickleball (Rule 4.A.3.)
USA Pickleball’s rules do not use the term Nasty Nelson, but the rule is 4.A.3.:
“If the serve clears the net or contacts the net in crossing and then touches the receiver or the receiver’s partner, it is a point for the serving team.”
Here is an example of a Nasty Nelson in pro pickleball.
It’s easiest to accomplish a Nasty Nelson if the opponent standing directly across from you is not paying attention during your serve.
Nasty Nelson controversy
Although the Nasty Nelson is a completely legal pickleball shot, except some controversy if you try it in rec play. Some players may consider it a cheap shot, especially when they have just been hit with the ball.
That does not mean you should not try the Nasty Nelson, but expect other players could be upset if you successfully pull it off.