Can you bounce serve in pickleball? The rules of pickleball serve are relatively straightforward. After all, players can bounce the ball backward and even serve over their heads. A bounced serve is perfectly legal.
This article will help you understand the basic rules of the game. Read on to learn more.
Rules for Serving Pickleball

There are two key times when a pickleball server must serve. The first time is right before the serving team changes positions on the pickleball court.
The receiving team must be given enough time to move before the server makes contact with the pickleball. The server must also wait until both teams have made contact before serving.
However, the server may choose to serve before the entire score is called. After serving, the receiving team must allow the server a fresh 10 seconds before the next service is made.
The second time is when the server must change the direction of the serve. If the server is facing the opposite side of the court, he must serve diagonally to the opposite side.
In both cases, the server must be aimed at the net. If the server misses, the ball will fall back into the opposite court.
It is important to note that breaking one of these rules will count as a fault and will result in the next serve being played by the other team or by the opposing team.
Methods of Serving Pickleball
Serving pickleball is a tricky business, and there are various ways to improve your game. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, there are a number of ways to serve the ball.
Here are a few of the most effective ways to serve the ball. Read on to learn the best ways to serve pickleball. And remember, consistency and accuracy are key!
Below are some helpful tips to improve your serving technique.
In order to make the ball bounce back, you need to serve it underhand. To achieve this, you must keep your paddle below your waist and your feet behind your backline.
Hit the ball as high as possible before it hits the ground.
Singles service is passed only when there is a fault with the serve, while doubles service is given to both partners.
Regardless of skill level, new players make mistakes while learning the game. Even experienced players make mistakes and lose points.
The legality of Backhand Serve in Pickleball
The legality of a backhand serve in pickleball is a controversial issue. Until 2022, the backhand serve was legal and widely practiced.
The backhand serve is difficult to perform legally, because it creates an awkward angle and makes the recipient recover from the T-Position faster than the forehand serve.
To be legal, the paddle must be held at waist level or below, and the highest point of the head should be below the wrist.
However, it can be tricky to determine what is waist level and what is not. The centerline or sidelines can help to determine waist level, but any foot that touches them in any way is illegal.
In order to be legal, the server must have contact with the pickleball and the opponent’s side of the court.
Impact of Double Bounce Rule on Pickleball Rallies
A new rule that will affect pickleball rallies is the elimination of the service let. This rule is the result of a mistake by a player that caused the ball to bounce twice.
The rule is designed to protect the integrity of the game while promoting fair play for both players and officiating. It is also designed to promote equal opportunity and encourage rallies.
If a player or team hits a pickleball out of bounds, it is a fault and the rally is over.
Without the two-bounce rule, pickleball rallies would be very short. A high serve could be dinked in midair back at the serving team, or a soft serve could bounce just over the net and bounce back to the serving team.
Because of this, a good pickleball game is built on strategically played rallies. This new rule will likely become a staple of pickleball for years to come.