Pesa Teoni dominates with the drive serve , combining speed and strategy to keep rivals guessing . By prioritizing depth over sheer velocity , Pesa maintains control and sets the stage for a winning advantage . Photo by Bruce Yeung ; IG : @ yeungphotography .
Drive serve : The drive serve is hit with more speed and is usually used to put pressure on the opponent . Focus should be on depth even if that results in decreased speed , as a fast short shot will land in your opponents ’ strike zone , giving them an advantage with their return .
Lob serve : The lob serve is a high and slow serve and can be hit with or without spin , and the lob serve is frequently used to change the pace of the game . The lob serve also has the advantage of requiring the receiver to generate all the pace for the return . The key to the lob serve is depth , since a short lob serve would allow the receiver to hit an aggressive shot while also achieving a great position at or near the non-volley zone .
Start With the Basics
Practice : Practice is key to mastering the serve . It ’ s important to practice the proper stance , ball placement or drop , swing , and contact point , to build muscle memory and improve consistency and accuracy . Once you are comfortable with the skill fundamentals , focus more on tactics such as consistency or accuracy by using targets of cones or lines .
Focus on consistency : The key to a good serve is consistency . Practice hitting the same spot over and over again until you can consistently hit that spot .
Placement : In addition to practicing your serve mechanics , it ’ s also important to practice placing your serves in different areas of the court .
Incorporate your practice into your game . Working on your serves while playing games is a great way to practice since you can try different serves throughout your game while evaluating their effectiveness .
Mixing up your serves : For more advanced players it is nice to have different serves in your arsenal , such as addition of topspin or underspin , different angles and varied depths and speed . Adding variety to your serves will keep your opponent guessing and may shift some rallies into your favor . In the end , remember that consistency and accuracy are more important than power — and that power , if not done well , can switch the advantage in your opponent ’ s favor .
Reading the opponent : As you play , you should be aware of both your own as well as your opponents ’ weaknesses and strengths and adjust your serves accordingly .
It ’ s important to keep in mind that serve placement and strategy are closely related . As you master different serve types and strategies , you ’ ll find you have more options for serve placement and will be able to play a more versatile game .
Remember , serving is a skill that takes time and practice to master . It ’ s important to be patient and persistent with your practice and to keep a positive attitude . With time and practice , you will be able to serve with confidence and control . •
Jeff Rausch is the head pickleball professional at Lost Creek Country Club in Austin , Texas . Jeff is also a PPR clinician , 2022 PPR Pro of the Year , one of RSI Magazine ’ s “ Champions of Pickleball ” for 2023 , a PSR 4-Star Certified Professional , and part of Team HEAD Pickleball .
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2023 | MAGAZINE 49