What is the Backhand Serve in Pickleball?
Simply put, a Pickleball backhand serve is a serve you hit with your backhand facing the net.
It is like striking the ball from your non-dominant side. You may like it because it keeps your shoulder in an accessible position and don’t disturb you with a tight forehand.
But its one requirement is that your back should be in good condition. That is the most essential thing you will use to hit the backhand serve.
How to Hit a Backhand Serve in Pickleball?
You may need clarification on how to hit a Pickleball backhand serve because you may be a beginner at Pickleball.
That is why we have compiled a list of these most straightforward steps from Pickleball professionals to help you understand the easiest ways of hitting this serve.
So, let us quickly head over these steps:
- First, you must stand in the correct position on the Pickleball court. You must stand at least one foot behind the baseline and in the imaginary extension of the centerline and sideline. It would be best if you were not touching the baseline. Otherwise, you are failing the first step of a legal backhand serve in Pickleball.
- Once you are all done with legal footwork, you have to achieve a good position for your paddle and hands.
According to this, if you are right-handed, take your left hand ahead; if you are left-handed, then take your right hand ahead.
So, you can choose whatever hand is good for you. For the present situation, we can call this hand a tossing hand.
- It would help if you took either of your tossing hands holding a ball below your other arm holding the paddle. You can even take the tossing above your other arm. The choice is all yours!
- Put all your weight on your feet by creating good momentum.
- Then, drop the ball and hit it with an underhand motion.
- It would help if you used an upward arc, and the paddle head should be below your wrist and waist according to the USAPA serving rules.
Important Tip for Pickleball Backhand Serve
It’s important to remember that the backhand serve is a finesse shot and you don’t need to generate a lot of power to execute it effectively.
Instead, focus on getting the ball over the net and placing it in the right part of the court.
Practice your serve regularly, and incorporate different spins and angles to keep your opponent guessing.
Final Thoughts on Pickleball Backhand Serve
Pickleball backhand serve is an effective way to serve in Pickleball. It may not be helpful for some players who don’t prefer a backhand motion. Otherwise, it can help you score and dominate the court with good techniques.
On the other hand, you can select another substitute, like a forehand serve.
I’m Brandon Fritze, a pro Pickleball player, instructor, and tournament champion with a degree in Sport Studies from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA. With years of experience, I’ve sharpened my expertise in the game, helping over 100 players become skilled in Pickleball. Through my renowned blog, “Pickleball Infos,” I inspire and empower players of all levels to enhance their skills and experience the thrill of this amazing sport.