Some things to consider based on your skill level
1. Beginner( 1.0 – 2.5) – I am working on building a consistency in my technique so that my foundation in serving is as comfortable as I think it can be.
2. Intermediate( 3.0 – 3.5) – I’ m pretty comfortable with my technique, but I really want to start challenging myself to improve on certain aspects of my serve.
3. Advanced( 4.0 +) – My technique is solid more than 80 % of the time and I’ m ready to start adding some real variations to my serve when I play my games, not just in practice.
How do I create a routine that ultimately leads to muscle memory?
1. Be purposeful. This helps to get you settled both mentally and physically( this could include bouncing the ball on the ground or off of your paddle two to three times, setting your feet in a certain position, etc.). This can lead into developing your muscle memory and you should even include calling the full score( e. g., 0-0-2) during your routine to strengthen this habit for game play( recreation, tournament, etc.).
2. Visualize it. It’ s OK to start with just getting the ball over the net and in play. But the more specific and realistic you can make your visualization, the more likely you are able to accomplish and meet that goal. It can be wanting to hit a deep serve, targeting your opponent’ s backhand, depth, or even something as simple as improving your consistency of serve.
3. Slow down. How many times have you just finished an amazing point, rush back to serve— and miss?! Happens to the best of us. Getting settled into your first two steps above, and slowing down by adding a breath, can help any player to calm the nerves and get ready for that all-important next shot. So don’ t forget to take that breath at the right moment, and especially before you begin your pre-serve routine.
Practice with games / drills
With many things in life, we don’ t want to just learn; we want to have some fun while learning. So here are three games / drills that you can practice either on your own or with a fellow pickleball enthusiast.
1. Four cones – Set four cones( flat discs are great and safe for use) in a specific area in the box that you are practicing your serve within. By creating a smaller square box as your target, you are helping to make a visually appealing area to serve specifically within. But be generous as you are starting to first learn( maybe a 2 ' x 2 ' area) so that you are setting an attainable goal. As you get more confident and comfortable with your serve, think about moving the box to specific areas( for example, your opponent’ s backhand) or even maybe making it a bit smaller to challenge yourself.
2.“ 3-D”( Deep Serve, Deep Return, 3rd Shot Drop) – This is a great game / drill for other parts of the game as well( return and drop). But for just the serve, you can set up some training strips( or a chalked line) 3 ' from the baseline. Try to serve so that your ball lands between the training strips( or chalked line) and baseline. This really allows you the opportunity to see how you can vary depth, height and even pace on your serves. It also gets you familiar with how you can develop a variety of serves for your own game.
3. Five-ball scenario – I ultimately like to challenge my students to get at least four out of the five balls in on each service side. It helps to build the mindset of,“ If you can get in at least 80 percent of your serves on any given day, you are doing your part for your team to start a point in order to score a point.” If you get even more comfortable with your serve, try this out … I like to challenge my students to, on the fifth ball, close their eyes as they begin their swing to serve and see how their foundation in technique has developed. If you can serve a ball in with your eyes closed, imagine how confident you will be when your eyes are open.
So, just how important is it to have an effective serve?!
It is probably one of the most important things to consider as you continue to develop your own game, as the game itself continues to evolve. Remember, ultimately, options and variation are what’ s important, since each player is and will continue to be unique in their own style of play. Consider working on a solid foundation in your technique for your serve, which will allow you to continue to build your own confidence no matter what your skill level. •
Sonny Tannan, CEO of Corporate Pickleball, is a certified pickleball coach committed to helping athletes elevate their game through personalized coaching focused on technique, strategy and mental resilience.
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