This weeks tip comes from the many different questions I get about what position should I be in when I serve, or how should I be standing. I cover a few scenarios, what to do, and what to avoid…
I often get asked about the ideal serving position on the pickleball court. In my opinion, you should feel comfortable serving from anywhere in your serving box. There are a couple of instances where you might consider serving closer to the inside line. One is when you’re playing singles or if you’re using the stacking strategy where you serve and then slide over to the other side. However, in doubles, I generally recommend serving from the middle of your box and aligning yourself to your position at the net.
Now, here’s an important point to consider. If you find yourself having to adjust your position to change the direction of your serve, it may indicate a technical issue. Ideally, when you open up your hips during your serve, it becomes easier to control the directionality of your shots. I often notice players who are turned sideways having to move around to adjust their serve. To overcome this, aim to serve comfortably from your starting position and have the ability to hit the ball anywhere within the serving box. The key is to find what feels most comfortable for you, as everyone’s preference may differ.
Ultimately, the best serving position is the one that suits your comfort and confidence on the court. Don’t worry about conforming to specific locations. Instead, focus on finding your sweet spot and serving from there consistently. Remember, the more comfortable and confident you feel in your serving position, the better your serves will become. So, explore different positions, find your comfort zone, and enjoy serving up those winning shots on the pickleball court!
