Within pickleball the serving team has a major advantage in gaining points. Mastering the art of serving can be complex and at times difficult. The YouTube video attached in this post helped me gain vast knowledge on the different types of pickleball serves and how to master them. The types of serves that I will further educate you all on include Screwball serves, sidespin serve, and the topspin serve.

Screwball Serve

The screwball serve is a unique and advanced serve in pickleball. It creates a spin that makes the ball curve unpredictably after hitting the paddle, often in the opposite direction of a typical spin serve. Here’s how I learned to execute and understand the screwball serve:

  1. Grip and Stance: Using a continental grip, similar to a handshake grip. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and your non-dominant foot slightly forward.
  2. Ball Toss: Toss the ball in front of you and slightly to the side, ensuring it’s at a comfortable height for striking.
  3. Contact Point: As you hit the ball, brush it with a slicing motion. Aim to make contact on the side of the ball, creating a spin that causes it to curve.
  4. Follow-Through: Follow through with your paddle in the direction of the intended spin. Your wrist should flick slightly to enhance the spin effect.

Benefit: The screwball serve can catch opponents off guard due to its unpredictable trajectory. It can force weak returns, giving you and your team an advantage early in the rally.

Sidespin Serve

The sidespin serve is designed to make the ball spin horizontally, causing it to curve to the left or right. This serve can be particularly effective in pulling your opponent out of position. Here’s how I learned to execute a sidespin serve:

  1. Grip and Stance: Use a continental or Eastern forehand grip. Position your feet similar to a regular serve, with your body facing slightly sideways.
  2. Ball Toss: Toss the ball straight up or slightly to the side where you intend to create the spin.
  3. Contact Point: Hit the ball on the side with a brushing motion, either from left to right or right to left, depending on the direction you want the ball to spin.
  4. Follow-Through: Follow through across your body to accentuate the sidespin. Your paddle should move in the direction of the spin.

Benefit: The sidespin serve can make the ball curve away from or towards your opponent, making it difficult to predict and return effectively. It can also cause awkward angles, leading to errors or weak returns.

Topspin Serve

The topspin serve is a powerful and effective serve that makes the ball dip quickly after clearing the net. This serve is particularly useful for creating a low, fast bounce that is challenging to return. Here’s how I learned to master the topspin serve:

  1. Grip and Stance: Use a semi-western or Eastern forehand grip for better topspin control. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with your non-dominant foot slightly forward.
  2. Ball Toss: Toss the ball in front of you, ensuring it’s at a comfortable height for striking with an upward motion.
  3. Contact Point: Brush up the back of the ball, creating a forward spin. The contact should be quick and precise, focusing on generating spin rather than power.
  4. Follow-Through: Follow through with an upward and forward motion, finishing high above your shoulder. This motion helps in generating maximum topspin.

Benefit: The topspin serve forces the ball to drop quickly, making it challenging for opponents to return aggressively. It often results in a low bounce, giving you an advantage in controlling the rally from the start.

Conclusion

In conclusion learning and mastering these different types of serves can not only put you at an advantage right upon serving but also make you look like a pro on the court. For a better visualization of these techniques watch the video included underneath!