SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pb-serve-below-waist

On a volley serve, how high can the ball be when your paddle hits it?

No higher than your waist.

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  1. No higher than your shoulders
  2. No higher than your waist ✔
  3. Any height you like

Why: On a volley serve, the ball must be at waist level or lower when the paddle hits it. This keeps the serve underhand.

Huh, didn't know that: A volley serve may use either a forehand or backhand motion.

The dad joke
Why did the pickleball player wear a belt to the court? To keep an eye on the serve line.
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References

Answer: No higher than your waist. On a volley serve, the ball must be at waist level or lower when the paddle hits it. This keeps the serve underhand.

  1. USA Pickleball Rules Summary usapickleball.org/rules/summary
    Paddle contact with the ball must not be made above the waist level.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessOn a drop serve, do the waist, wrist and upward-arc rules still apply?Sports & FitnessOn a regular volley serve, which way must the paddle be moving when it hits the ball?Sports & FitnessOn a volley serve, the top of the paddle head cannot be above what?

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