pickleball glossary
What is a Serve in Pickleball?
A pickleball serve is hit underhand (or with a drop serve) from behind the baseline, diagonally into the receiver's service box. The serve must clear the kitchen line. One serve attempt per point — no second serves.
Example in a match
You stand behind the baseline, drop the ball, hit it underhand into the diagonal service box. The receiver must let it bounce.
Pickleball scoring with Volley
Volley scores pickleball with all the standard rules built in. Pick the sport at match setup, name your sides, and tap to score. Volley applies the rules from there — including the ones that involve "Serve".
Free on iOS and Android. Multi-sport scoring across 9 sports with proper sport-specific scoring engines, ELO rating tracking, and tournament running.
Frequently asked questions
What is a serve in pickleball?
A pickleball serve is hit underhand (or with a drop serve) from behind the baseline, diagonally into the receiver's service box. The serve must clear the kitchen line. One serve attempt per point — no second serves.
Does Volley handle serve automatically?
Yes. Volley's pickleball scoring engine handles every standard rule including serve. You don't have to track it manually — pick the sport at match setup and Volley applies the rules.
Where can I learn more pickleball terms?
The full Pickleball glossary is at /pickleball-terms-glossary, with 20 of the most common terms explained.