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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pb-drop-serve-motion-rules

On a drop serve, do the waist, wrist and upward-arc rules still apply?

No. Those rules are only for the volley serve.

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  1. No, they do not apply ✔
  2. Yes, all three apply
  3. Only the waist rule applies

Why: The waist, wrist and upward-arc rules cover the volley serve. With a legal drop serve, none of them apply, which gives servers more freedom in their swing.

Huh, didn't know that: The drop serve still has its own rules: drop from a natural height and do not throw the ball down.

The dad joke
The drop serve has fewer rules. It is the chill cousin of the volley serve.
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References

Answer: No, they do not apply. The waist, wrist and upward-arc rules cover the volley serve. With a legal drop serve, none of them apply, which gives servers more freedom in their swing.

  1. USA Pickleball Rules Summary usapickleball.org/rules/summary
    is also permitted in which case none of the elements above apply
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessOn a volley serve, how high can the ball be when your paddle hits it?Sports & FitnessOn a regular volley serve, which way must the paddle be moving when it hits the ball?Sports & FitnessWhat is a drop serve in pickleball?

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