The Real Purpose of Your Pickleball Serve (It's Not to Win the Point)

Stop trying to ace people. Start trying to set up your next shot.

Most rec players serve like they're trying to end the point right there.

Big swing. Big hope.

Here's the problem. The purpose of the serve is to set up your third shot.

That's it. That's the job.

Serve Deep

A deep serve pushes your opponent back behind the baseline. A server who lands it short gives the returner an easy look and a quick path forward.

Serving deep does three things for you:

• Keeps the returner back
• Takes away easy attacking angles
• Gives you a cleaner, calmer third shot

You don't need a rocket. You need depth.

Return Deep, Too

Same idea, other side of the net. The purpose of the return of serve is to get to the line and join your partner.

A deep return buys you time. Time to move forward. Time to get to the kitchen line, side by side with your partner, where doubles gets won.

Serve and return are setup shots. Not finishing shots.

Know Where Your Partner Is

Two small habits save a lot of points:

• When serving, stay behind the baseline for the return of serve. Don't drift forward early.
• When your partner hits the third shot, be a few steps ahead, watching the ball. Don't stand still and admire. Get moving with the play.

Why? Because the third shot is a team shot. Your partner hits it. You get in position to use it.

The Bottom Line

Serve deep. Return deep. Get to the line.

Stop chasing winners on the first two shots of the rally. Build the point, and the point builds itself.

The best serve is the one that makes your next shot easy.

Coach Brett's Pro Tip "Serve to set up shot three, not to win shot one."

Next up: Hit, Move, Repeat: The Pickleball Split-Step Habit.