The pickleball serve is one of the best chances you have to take control of a point from the very start. Learn our five-step process to add both power and reliability to your serve.
Step 1: Build a consistent pre-serve routine
Before you even swing, consistency starts with your setup. Every great serve begins with a reliable routine: The same stance, grip, and posture every single time. When you approach your serve this way, you build muscle memory and reduce mental clutter. Take a moment to visualize your target before you start — this simple mental cue helps you serve with intent rather than just reacting.
Step 2: Coil your body for power
Next, practice your unit turn, sometimes called the “coil.” This step is all about loading your power by rotating your shoulders and hips together. It’s not about forcing a big twist — just enough to store energy in your torso so you can uncoil smoothly into your swing. Think of your serve as a spring: The more efficiently you load it, the more effortless your power will feel.
Step 3: Transfer your weight
Power isn’t created by your arm alone. A good serve flows from your legs upward, transferring weight from your back foot to your front foot as you swing. This grounded motion adds both strength and control. Try syncing your weight shift with your toss so that both happen fluidly — no rushing, no pausing.
Step 4: Accelerate smoothly through contact
When you make contact with the ball, focus on accelerating through it rather than snapping or jerking your motion. Smooth acceleration produces consistent depth and spin while keeping your serve controlled. Imagine you’re hitting through the ball, not just at it. A clean, continuous motion will give you the most consistent results.
Step 5: Follow through and recover
Once the ball leaves your paddle, your work isn’t over. A full, balanced follow-through helps you control your finish and get ready for the next shot. Let your arm extend naturally, keep your eyes forward, and transition smoothly into your ready position. This ensures you’re balanced and prepared for whatever comes back.
Improving your serve isn’t about a secret technique, it’s about refining each small part of the motion until the whole process feels natural. The five steps form a simple, repeatable path to better serving. Master one step at a time, and soon your serve will become one of your biggest assets on the pickleball court.