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Rules of the Serve

In pickleball, the serve is an important part of the game. Here are some basic rules that apply to the service:
 

  1. The serve must be made underhand, with the paddle below the server's waist level.

  2. The serve must be made diagonally across the court to the opponent's service area, and the server must stand behind the baseline and between the sidelines.

  3. The serve must be made without stepping on or over the baseline or the sideline, and the server must avoid touching the non-volley zone or the net with any part of their body or paddle.

  4. The serve must be made with a paddle that is not in motion at the time of contact with the ball. The server may not spin the paddle in their hand or toss the paddle in the air to make contact with the ball.

  5. The serve must be made with the ball in the air, and the server must make contact with the ball below their waist level.

  6. The serve must clear the net and land within the opponent's service area. If the serve hits the net and lands in the correct service area, it is considered a "let" and the serve is replayed.

  7. The serving team must alternate sides of the court with each point scored, and the player serving must also alternate sides with each serve.

  8. The first serve of each game is made by the player on the right-hand side of the court, and subsequent serves are made by the player who served last.

  9. If the server fails to make a legal serve, such as hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net, the receiving team earns a point, and the receiving team becomes the serving team.
     

Remember that the serve is a crucial part of pickleball, and it's important to practice different types of serves and strategies to improve your game.

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