What is Drop Serve in Pickleball | 6 Tips for great Drop serve

This article will teach you how to hit a drop Serve. In pickleball, we have two main types of serves. We have the volley serve, where we're holding the ball out in front, tossing it, and hitting it out of the air before the ball drops to the ground. And we have the drop serve, where we hold the ball up, drop it so that it bounces off the ground, and then hit it off the bounce. I recommend starting with the drop serve if you're a beginner.

What is Drop Serve in Pickleball

What is a drop serve in pickleball?

A drop serve in pickleball is a technique introduced as a provisional rule in 2021 by the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) and later made permanent. The drop serve is an alternative to the traditional underhand serve and is often considered easier for beginners or players with physical limitations.

When executing a drop serve in pickleball, the player drops the ball from their non-dominant hand, lets it bounce once on the ground, and then hits it with their paddle. Unlike the traditional underhand serve, there is no restriction on the point of contact for the paddle and the ball during a drop serve. The player can strike the ball at any height and with any type of motion, including overhand, as long as the other serving rules are followed.

6 Tips for a Great Pickleball Drop Serve 

As previously stated, the drop serve is a simpler alternative to the traditional underhand serve in pickleball, particularly for beginners or players with no prior racket or paddle sports experience. This article will provide a full tutorial on effectively executing a drop serve while adhering to the regulations.

1. Let the ball bounce

Instead of serving the ball immediately, drop it and allow it to bounce before swinging and hitting it. Remember, the ball can bounce multiple times if needed. This technique gives you more time to complete your swing and react to the ball's bounce.

2. Tossing rules

When preparing to serve, hold the ball out and perform a dead drop without exerting force or spin. You can drop the ball from any height and allow it to bounce as high as you prefer. However, bouncing the ball off the ground before serving is not permitted.

3. Proper foot positioning

Ensure that your feet are positioned behind the baseline when executing the serve. Although you can drop the ball anywhere within the court, it's crucial to maintain your feet behind the line.

4. Sideways stance

Stand sideways to achieve a full rotation and better alignment towards your target. If you're serving from the right side, angle yourself slightly towards the left, and if serving from the left side, angle slightly towards the right.

5. Timing is key

Wait for the ball to reach its highest point after bouncing before swinging. Avoid hitting the ball immediately after it bounces, leading to inconsistent serves.

6. Bend your knees and follow through

To execute a successful serve, keep your paddle back, bend your knees, and swing in a downward motion. Maintain a smooth and fluid follow-through over your shoulder.

To summarize

here are the key points to remember about the drop serve in pickleball:

• Use your non-dominant hand to drop the ball, avoiding any tossing or spinning.
• The ball can bounce multiple times before striking it with your paddle.
• There are no restrictions on the height or motion when making contact with the ball.
• Ensure the ball clears the non-volley zone and lands diagonally across the net in your opponent's service court.
• Keep your feet behind the baseline while performing the serve.

By following these tips and understanding the rules of the drop serve, you can improve your pickleball serve technique and enjoy a more accessible approach to serving the ball. Practice diligently, and you'll soon become proficient in executing impressive drop serves that will elevate your pickleball game.