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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pb-serve-paddle-wrist

On a volley serve, the top of the paddle head cannot be above what?

The highest part of your wrist at contact.

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  1. Your elbow
  2. The top of the net
  3. The highest part of your wrist ✔

Why: At contact, the paddle head must not be higher than the top of your wrist. This is another rule that keeps the volley serve truly underhand.

Huh, didn't know that: Together, the upward arc, waist and wrist rules are the three motion rules for a volley serve.

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My serve broke the wrist rule. The ref said it was a handy mistake.
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References

Answer: The highest part of your wrist. At contact, the paddle head must not be higher than the top of your wrist. This is another rule that keeps the volley serve truly underhand.

  1. USA Pickleball Rules Summary usapickleball.org/rules/summary
    The head of the paddle must not be above the highest part of the wrist at contact.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

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