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

When you serve, where must at least one of your feet be?

Behind the baseline, touching the ground.

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  1. On the baseline
  2. Behind the baseline, on the ground ✔
  3. Inside the court

Why: When you hit the serve, at least one foot must be on the ground behind the baseline. Neither foot may touch the court, and stepping on the baseline counts as touching the court.

Huh, didn't know that: Your feet must also stay inside the imaginary extensions of the sideline and centerline.

The dad joke
I got called for a foot fault. My feet said it was not their fault.
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References

Answer: Behind the baseline, on the ground. When you hit the serve, at least one foot must be on the ground behind the baseline. Neither foot may touch the court, and stepping on the baseline counts as touching the court.

  1. USA Pickleball Rules Summary usapickleball.org/rules/summary
    at least one foot must be behind the baseline on the playing surface or the ground behind the baseline
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

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