Mastering the Serve: Tips from Professional Pickleball Coach Jessica Improta

Effective Serving Techniques in Pickleball

Jessica Improta, a professional pickleball player and coach, has shared an insightful approach to developing a strong and dependable serve. As pickleball continues to gain popularity as a competitive sport, mastering the serve—a crucial skill often overlooked—can provide both novice and experienced players with a significant edge. In a recent discussion on her Instagram, Improta highlighted the serve's importance, stating, "Many players fail to recognize the serve's value, yet it is the only shot in pickleball where you have total control. A well-executed serve can set the tone for the entire rally."

Improta elaborated on the mechanics of serving in pickleball, which involves a low-to-high motion. Players can choose between two methods for ball release: tossing the ball in the air to hit it before it lands or opting for a drop serve, where the ball is simply dropped and struck after it bounces. She emphasized that a deeper serve is advantageous, as it helps keep opponents off balance by clearing the non-volley zone.

Her technique incorporates a visual aid she refers to as a "tube" to help align the body and swing path. "I visualize my hip points aligned along the tube. The direction of my toes is less critical; what matters is feeling relaxed. This promotes the freedom of movement necessary for effective weight transfer from back to front," she explained.

Improta pointed out that many players mistakenly keep their hips facing forward, which can hinder power. "It's a minor adjustment, but turning to the side maximizes the power as we serve the ball," she noted. For beginners, she recommends trying the drop serve, stating, "There's no shame in using a drop serve. It gives you more time. Focus on having the ball at shoulder height, palm down, and dropping it gently. This allows for better control as you strike the ball."

When it comes to toss serves, she advises players to treat the ball delicately, as if it were an egg. "As I release the ball, I lift it just a few inches before removing my arm. This creates an optimal contact point for generating power," she added. The final aspect of her method involves a smooth swing path and effective weight transfer. "I encourage my students to start with their weight forward, then sink into the back leg as they toss or drop the ball. The last step is to shift weight from back to front, right into the ball," she explained.

Improta also provided five quick tips to improve any serve: prefer an eastern grip or slightly more to the right, utilize height to your advantage, generate power from your legs, know your target for the serve, and keep the technique simple.