Do you get two serves in pickleball?

No. Each server gets one attempt per point, and a serve that clips the net and lands in is played rather than replayed.

Is a sidearm serve legal in pickleball?

It can be on a drop serve. On a volley serve, contact must be below the waist with an upward arc and the paddle head below the wrist, which rules out most sidearm swings.

Pickleball Serve Rules and How to Serve

4 video lessons

The two legal serves and the faults to avoid.

Quick answer & tips ▾

A pickleball serve is hit underhand and diagonally into the opposite service court, clearing the kitchen. On a standard volley serve, you contact the ball below your waist with an upward swing, and the paddle head stays below your wrist at contact. At least one foot stays behind the baseline, and neither foot may touch the court or the baseline until you hit the ball.

The drop serve is the simpler alternative: drop the ball, let it bounce, then hit it with almost any stroke. Many beginners find it easier and more consistent. Either way, depth and consistency matter much more than pace, because a missed serve gives the point straight away.

Key tips

Aim deep and down the middle; a safe deep serve beats a risky fast one.
If your volley serve is inconsistent, try the drop serve.
Check your feet: behind the baseline and inside the sideline extensions.
Release the ball cleanly from an open hand, with no spin added by the tossing hand.

FAQ

Do you get two serves in pickleball?: No. Each server gets one attempt per point, and a serve that clips the net and lands in is played rather than replayed.
Is a sidearm serve legal in pickleball?: It can be on a drop serve. On a volley serve, contact must be below the waist with an upward arc and the paddle head below the wrist, which rules out most sidearm swings.