Can Either Player Return Serve in Pickleball?

If you’re new to pickleball, you might be wondering if both players are allowed to return a serve. After all, tennis allows both players to return serves, so it’s natural to assume the same is true for pickleball. In this article, we’ll examine the rules and regulations surrounding the return of serve in pickleball and answer the question of whether either player can return serve.

What are the rules of pickleball?

Rule #1: Service Court

According to the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP), the service court is a 20 feet x 44 feet rectangle divided into two equal parts by the centerline. The server must stand behind the baseline and serve the ball diagonally to the opponent’s service court.

Rule #2: Receiver Position

The receiver must stand in the service court diagonally opposite to the server. The receiver is not allowed to touch the ball until it has bounced once.

Rule #3: Two-Bounce Rule

After the serve, the ball must bounce once before the receiver can hit it. Once the ball has bounced, the receiver can hit it before it bounces for the second time. This rule is known as the two-bounce rule.

Rule #4: Serving

Only one player from the serving team can serve before passing the service to the other team. The player must serve from the correct service court, and the correct receiver must receive the serve.

Who can return serve in pickleball?

Can Either Player Return Serve in Pickleball?

No, only the receiver is allowed to return the serve in pickleball. The receiver must stand diagonally opposite the server and let the ball bounce once before hitting it. If the ball is not returned, the serving team gets a point.

Why can’t both players return serve in pickleball?

The rule that only the receiver can return the serve is in place to keep the game fair and prevent one team from having an advantage over the other. If both players on the serving team could return the ball, it would give them a significant advantage over the receiving team.

What happens if the server returns the ball?

If the server returns the ball, the play continues until one team fails to hit the ball over the net or commits a fault. If the serving team fails to hit the ball over the net, they lose the point, and the serve passes to the other team.

Can the receiver make a half-volley return?

Yes, the receiver can make a half-volley return, but the ball must still bounce before the receiver hits it. This is known as a third-shot drop, and it’s a popular strategy used in pickleball to regain control of the game.

Tips for a Successful Return of Serve in Pickleball

Tip #1: Watch the Ball

Watch the ball closely as it comes towards you. The better you can judge the ball’s trajectory and speed, the more accurately you can return it.

Tip #2: Position Yourself Correctly

Stand diagonally opposite the server in the service court. Be ready to move quickly towards the ball, but don’t stand too close to the net.

Tip #3: Get in Position Early

Get in position early to make the return. The earlier you can move towards the ball, the more time you’ll have to make a good return.

Tip #4: Focus on Accuracy

Focus on accuracy over power. Aim for the open spaces on the court, and don’t try to hit the ball too hard.

Tip #5: Practice

Practice your return of serve as much as possible. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll be when you’re playing a game.

Conclusion

In conclusion, only the receiver is allowed to return the serve in pickleball. The receiver must stand diagonally opposite the server and let the ball bounce once before hitting it. The two-bounce rule is in place to give the receiver a fair chance to return the serve. If the server returns the ball, the play continues until one team fails to hit the ball over the net or commits a fault.

To be successful at returning a serve in pickleball, it’s essential to watch the ball, position yourself correctly, get in position early, focus on accuracy, and practice as much as possible. By following these tips, you can improve your return of serve and become a more confident player.

If you have any further questions about pickleball, here are some frequently asked questions that might help:

FAQs

Can you hit the ball on the fly after the serve in pickleball?

No, the ball must bounce once before the receiver can hit it.

Can you return a serve without letting the ball bounce in pickleball?

No, the ball must bounce once before the receiver can hit it.

Can the serving team score if the return of serve goes out of bounds?

Yes, if the return of serve goes out of bounds, the serving team scores a point.

What happens if the server hits the ball into the net?

If the server hits the ball into the net, the receiving team scores a point, and the serve passes to them.

Is it legal to hit a serve underhand in pickleball?

Yes, hitting a serve underhand is legal in pickleball.

Can you return a serve from anywhere in the court in pickleball?

Yes, there is no hard rule on where you can stand to receive a serve, but it’s recommended to stay behind the baseline as much as possible.

How many serves do you get in pickleball?

Each team gets one serve per side until a fault is committed.