The rules of pickleball serving, including where can you stand on the pickleball court as the server and how you hit the ball, are all based on the moment you make contact with the ball. There are five things to remember when performing your serve in pickleball:
- At least one foot must be on the playing surface behind the baseline.
- Neither of the server's feet May touch the court on or inside the baseline, nor touch outside the imaginary extensions of the sideline or center Line.
- The server must serve to the correct service court: the court diagonally opposite to the server.
- The serve can touch the net but must clear the non-volley zone (the “kitchen) and the non-volley zone lines. The serve may land on any other service court line (including the baseline, center line, and sideline).
- If the serve clears the net or hits the net and then touches the receiver or the receiver's partner, it is a point for the serving team.
Read the official rule about the 2 types of pickleball serves.
Rules of serving in wheelchair pickleball
For players using wheelchairs, both rear wheels must be on the playing surface behind the baseline. They may not touch the court on or inside the baseline or outside the imaginary extensions of the sideline or or center line.
If you would like to learn more details about these rules refer to the official rulebook at USAPickleball.org.
Maddie Toren is a pro pickleball official and the first-ever teen-certified referee. This is Episode 2 of “10 Rules All Beginner Pickleball Players Should Know: Part 1.”