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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pb-serve-upward-arc

On a regular volley serve, which way must the paddle be moving when it hits the ball?

In a clear upward arc, so the serve is underhand.

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  1. In a clear upward arc ✔
  2. Straight down, like a smash
  3. Flat and level, like a tennis serve

Why: Pickleball serves are underhand. On a volley serve the paddle must be swinging upward when it meets the ball, so no overhead smashes to start a point.

Huh, didn't know that: You can serve with a forehand or a backhand motion; both are legal.

The dad joke
Why are pickleball serves so polite? They always start off on the up and up.
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References

Answer: In a clear upward arc. Pickleball serves are underhand. On a volley serve the paddle must be swinging upward when it meets the ball, so no overhead smashes to start a point.

  1. 2026 USA Pickleball Official Rulebook usapickleball.org/docs/rules/USAP-Official-Rulebook.pdf
    must be moving in a clear upward arc when the paddle contacts the ball
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

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