The Ultimate Guide to Hitting a Deep, Consistent Pickleball Serve

The serve is the only shot in pickleball where you are in complete control. Yet, many beginners either hit the ball out - or worse - hit a weak, short serve that hands the advantage directly to the opponent.

To win a point, you must start with a deep, consistent serve that forces the receiver to step back and hit a defensive return. Forget trick serves and powerful slams for now; focus entirely on consistency and depth.

Here is the ultimate guide to mastering the reliable, deep serve in three simple steps.

 

Step 1: Grip, Stance, and Contact (The Legal Foundation)

Mastering the serve starts before the paddle even moves. Since the serve must be hit underhand, strict form is essential for both power and legality.

• The Continental Grip: As with most foundational pickleball shots, start with the Continental Grip (the "Hammer" grip). This neutral grip is the best for generating a little topspin while keeping the paddle face square, resulting in more consistent depth. Grab the paddle like you would a hammer.  That grip will get you close to the "Hammer Grip".

• The Stance: Stand behind the baseline. Face the opposite corner of the court (diagonal). Your front foot should be pointing toward the net. Keep your knees slightly bent to allow for a smooth, low motion.

• The Legal Contact: The rules require your paddle head to be below the wrist when contact is made, and the contact point itself must be below your waist. Practice hitting the ball at the lowest comfortable point to keep the serve under the net tape. For beginners, it sounds confusing.  But, don't think too much about it.  You will naturally get more power if your paddle strikes the ball below your waist.  If you consistently throw the ball up and hit it too high, try dropping the ball and hitting it.  A dropped ball will not bounce higher than your waist and you can learn to feel the contact point,

 

Step 2: The Pendulum Swing & Choosing Your Serve (The Core Motion

The secret to a consistent serve is a repeatable, smooth motion. As of the current rules, you have two legal serving options: the Volley Serve (hit before the bounce) and the Drop Serve (hit after the bounce). 

 

 A. The Volley Serve (The Traditional Choice)

This is the standard underhand serve.

• The Release: Hold the ball out in front of you with your non-hitting hand. Release or gently drop the ball downward, but you must hit the ball out of the air before it touches the court. Your arm then moves in a long, upward arc, accelerating smoothly through the ball.
• The Goal: Brush up and through the ball to impart slight topspin. Topspin is crucial because it pulls the ball down quickly, allowing you to hit it harder without it sailing long.

 

 B. The Drop Serve (The Beginner-Friendly Option)

The Drop Serve is a legal alternative often preferred by beginners for consistency.

• The Release: You release the ball and intentionally allow it to bounce once on your side of the court before striking it. You must drop the ball from any natural height—you cannot throw or propel it downward.
• The Goal: This option makes timing easier, as you are striking a stationary, rising ball off the bounce. Use the same long, upward swing to achieve depth.
• The Follow-Through (Both Serves): Your paddle should follow the ball toward the net and finish high on the opposite side of your body. A full follow-through ensures you transfer maximum energy and creates a repeatable motion.

Step 3: Target the Corners (Adding Depth and Pressure)

A serve that lands near the short service line is easily crushed by the opponent. You need to use the entire court.

• Primary Target: The Backline: Your main target is the area between the back service line and the short service line—but aim closer to the backline. Always aim for 90% depth.

• Secondary Target: The Corners: Once you are consistent, focus on hitting the outside corner of the service box (farthest away from the opponent). This forces the opponent to run and hit a weak return from a difficult, low angle.

• The Two-Ball Drill: To measure your depth, place two balls—or small cones—about 3-4 feet from the baselinein the service box. Your goal is to land every serve behind those two balls. This trains your brain and arm to commit to the depth you need.

 

Problem	Likely Cause	Quick Fix
Ball is sailing out long	Hitting the ball too flat (no topspin) or not using a full follow-through.	Brush up on the ball and ensure your paddle finishes high.
Ball hits the net	Contacting the ball too high or not using an open paddle face.	Contact the ball lower and open your paddle face slightly to increase arc.
Foot Faults	Stepping on or over the baseline before contact.	Practice standing 6 inches behind the baseline until the serve becomes a habit.

 

Master the consistent, deep serve, and you've already won the battle for court positioning!

Ready to start putting this technique into practice? A paddle with superior control and a great feel is the perfect tool for achieving that repeatable, deep serve motion.

[Shop FLiK Pickleball Paddles Now to Command the Court!] (Link to your product page)

 

~Joann Nicodemus, COO FLiK Pickleball

I write for beginners, with easy and practical explanations about rules and skills.  Pickleball can be overwhelming for those new to the game.  I hope to take away the confusion and ease the intimidation, with practical guides and tips for practicing and drilling.  

We all have to start somewhere.  I want to provide information for those just starting out - whether you come from another racquet sport or just want to be active and have fun.  Pickleball is made to be social and fun. Improving strokes and learning skills enables you to join open plays and not be intimidated.  

Take your time.  Enjoy the journey!