5 Pickleball Serve Variations

How many serve variations do you have? Here’s what our community said: Paul R. Says: “Sometimes a lob serve in a tight game gets someone overthinking for their return and they end up hitting it into the net or off court or something.” The art of mind games! Next time you’re in a tight spot, lob it up and watch the confusion unfold. Quy says: “Banana serve (hooking topspin serve that cuts hard right to left).” It’s a real curveball—literally! Give your opponents something to chew on with this spinny trick shot. Our pickleball gear reviewer, Drew, says: “For me, it is three: top/side spin fast and deep, no spin deep, and a softer serve to mix it up OR when playing beginners or folks with much less experience.” Variety is the spice of pickleball life! Keep your opponents guessing with a mix of serves that show off your versatility. Coach Marko’s Serves: Marko has a serve for every occasion, and they’re as creative as they are effective. Check out his arsenal: The Standard: Open/closed stance, set at baseline, eastern grip, 7/10 pace & topspin, deep serve. Goal: Make the returner move laterally or backward. Classic and reliable, just like your morning coffee. The Heat: Open stance, set at/1 foot off baseline, eastern grip, less topspin (5/10), 9/10 power, low ball flight, deep serve. Goal: Get a short return to drive the 3rd. The Beast: Open stance, set at/1 foot off baseline, semi-western grip, 10/10 power & topspin. Goal: Get a weak short return to aggressively drive the 3rd. High Arch: Closed stance, set 3 feet off baseline, eastern grip, hit off back foot, higher loopy flight, 8/10 spin, deep ball bounces high. Goal: Push the returner way back off baseline. Aggressive Angle: Open/closed stance, set at baseline, eastern grip, 7/10 pace & topspin, super-angled shorter serve. Goal: Make returner sprint to catch it, usually returning short to drive the 3rd.