While the majority of casual pickleball players participate in doubles games, the singles side of pickleball is growing at a competitive level.
In a new Selkirk Pickleball TV series, pickleball professional Collin Shick shares his tips and tricks for advancing your singles game.
In the first episode, Collin talks about the most important way to start each point — a strong serve.
The three main attributes of a pickleball serve
Starting singles rallies with a strong serve can not only set you up for an offensive rally but can also win you points.
There are three main attributes to consider when working on your serve.
Depth
A deep serve, or one that lands close to the baseline, keeps your opponent back. This forces them to stay behind the baseline to hit a return, preventing them from moving forward as they hit the return.
Spin
Spin has become more important in the singles game, particularly as the ball gets used. As the ball is used, it is natural for it to go out of round. When this happens, adding spin to your serve creates a higher likelihood for a wild bounce, giving you a good chance to win a point off your serve.
Speed
Varying your speed on the serve is a good way to throw your opponent out of rhythm. While a fast, deep serve should be the norm, a slow, high serve can throw your opponent off their game.
Where to serve to in singles pickleball
After perfecting the attributes of a good serve, it’s time to focus on targeting your serve. Being able to place your serve anywhere on the court helps you target your opponent’s weaknesses and set up winning patterns.
If your opponent’s backhand and forehand capabilities are even, hitting a wide serve to the sideline is your best bet. This will force them to run to the sideline, opening up the rest of the court for your next hit.
If your opponent has an obvious weakness, hit toward that side of the court every time. Doing so will often force your opponent to make loose errors that you can capitalize on.
How to improve your pickleball serve
The best way to improve your serve is through repetitions. Grab a ball carrier and several pickleballs and head to the baseline of the court.
Begin by working on a deep serve. Set up several cones a few feet away from the baseline. Aim your serves in the area between the cones and the baseline.
Once you are comfortable serving the ball deep, aim the cones in a line parallel to the sideline. Now, aim your serves in the small space between the cones and the sideline. Repeat this with the centerline.
Download the Selkirk Pickleball TV app HERE to watch the complete episode and many other Selkirk TV original shows, podcasts, lesson series from the pros, and much more.
