Serving
Pickleball is similar to Volleyball in that a player or team can only score points when serving.
Prior to 2007, players were allowed to step over the baseline with one foot when serving, as long as they kept at least one foot behind the baseline until after they contacted the ball. However, the rule has been changed by the National Pickleball Association (USAPA) so that now both feet must remain behind the baseline until after the ball is struck.
•Players must announce the score prior to serving. Always call the server's score first!
•The serve must be made with an underhand stroke so that contact with the ball is made below waist level.
•Underhand Defined: The arm must be moving in an upward arc and the paddle head shall be below the wrist when it strikes the ball.
•Serves must travel diagonally and land between the non-volley zone and the baseline of the service court opposite of the serving player.
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