Common Mistakes with the Serve
Online Pickleball Video Lessons
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2m 44s
To quickly improve your serve, avoid these common mistakes on the pickleball court:
1. Flicking the Wrist – On a pickleball serve, keep your wrist firm and stable. Avoid the temptation to flick your wrist.
2. Bending Your Elbow – The motion on a pickleball serve is pendulum swing from the shoulder. The motion comes from the shoulder, not the elbow.
3. Dropping the Pickleball – Remember to lift the pickleball before releasing it on the serve. If you simply drop the pickleball, the ball will be too low upon contact and create a more difficult shot for you.
4. Turning Too Much – Stay relatively square to the pickleball net. If you rotate too much on your backswing or follow through, you will likely hit the pickleball on its side, which will be more difficult to control and remain consistent.
5. Watching Where the Pickleball Goes – Watch the pickleball hit the paddle. Keep your head down on striking the serve, rather than on where the pickleball is traveling to.
Stay relaxed and find your pre-serve routine. Keep practicing.
Key Takeaways:
1. Keep your wrist firm and stable on your serve.
2. Serve from your shoulder (rather than from your wrist or elbow).
3. Lift the pickleball before releasing it on the serve.
4. Keep your shoulders and feet relatively square to the net.
5. Keep your eyes on the pickleball.
6. Find your pre-serve routine and stay relaxed!
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