🫳 Drop Serve: Why Don't Pro's Use It?
- Doylestown Pickleball
- Mar 26
- 3 min read
Reasons to Use a Drop Serve:
Consistancy - the ball hovers at an apex when it bounces backup and stays in a place for a while.
Reasons Pro's Don't Use it:
PPA Tour - Not allowed to use drop serves, although APP Tour is allowed to use them.
The ball bounces much lower than your waist (belly button): https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxEUGh7YPi01LMCD46-E9mixh9XBD8IAuI?si=AYW814XzkYg_Skfy
When the drop serve was introduced to pickleball, it was hailed as a potential game-changer for recreational and competitive players. It offered a new way to approach the serve, with fewer restrictions and greater freedom to create spin and placement. Yet, despite the drop serve’s advantages, you’ll rarely—if ever—see pro players using it in tournaments.
This begs the question: Why don’t pro pickleball players use the drop serve? And should you consider incorporating it into your game as a recreational or aspiring competitive player? Let’s break it down.
What is the Drop Serve?
The drop serve, introduced as a provisional rule in 2021 and later permanently adopted, allows players to drop the ball (without propelling it) and hit it after it bounces. This contrasts with the traditional serve, where players must hit the ball out of the air and adhere to strict paddle position and swing rules.
The drop serve eliminates many technical serving violations because there’s no paddle angle or swing direction restriction. It also provides an opportunity to add spin or change the ball’s trajectory, making it unpredictable for the receiver.
Why Don’t Pro Players Use the Drop Serve?
1. Consistency Over Creativity
Professional players prioritize consistency above all else. A traditional serve is more reliable and offers precise placement, making it harder for opponents to counterattack. While the drop serve introduces variability, it also introduces more room for error.
2. Minimal Advantage at High Levels
At the pro level, players are skilled at returning even the trickiest serves. A drop serve’s spin or unpredictability doesn’t significantly disrupt their ability to set up a strong return, making it less effective in competitive play.
3. Slower Setup Time
Dropping the ball to execute a drop serve takes slightly longer than a traditional serve. In fast-paced matches, this extra moment can disrupt rhythm and momentum.
4. Pro Players Focus on Strategy Beyond the Serve
In professional pickleball, the serve is not considered an offensive weapon. It’s a means to begin the rally, with most of the strategy focused on the third shot and subsequent dinking or attacking exchanges. Pros are less concerned with adding spin or tricks to the serve and more focused on controlling the pace of play after the return.
Should YOU Use the Drop Serve?
While the pros may avoid it, the drop serve has its place, especially for recreational and intermediate players.
1. Advantages for Recreational Players
Ease of Learning: The drop serve can eliminate the stress of perfecting paddle angle and swing mechanics for beginners who struggle with traditional serving techniques.
Spin Opportunities: Recreational players often face difficulty returning heavy spin serves, giving the drop serve an edge in casual games.
2. Strategic Use for Intermediate Players
If you’ve mastered the basics and want to add variety to your game, the drop serve can be an effective tool to keep opponents guessing. Experimenting with spin and placement may give you an advantage against players who aren’t prepared.
3. Practice Makes Perfect
If you’re considering incorporating the drop serve, practice is key. Test different spins, bounces, and placements to understand how the ball behaves and how opponents react.
How to Decide If the Drop Serve Is Right for You
Use It as a Backup: If you struggle with traditional serves in high-pressure moments, the drop serve can be a reliable fallback option.
Test It Against Your Opponents: Gauge how effective the drop serve is in disrupting your opponents’ rhythm. If it consistently puts them on the defensive, it might be worth adding to your repertoire.
Evaluate Your Goals: If you’re aiming to compete at higher levels, it’s worth focusing on mastering the traditional serve, as this aligns with professional play. However, if you’re playing for fun or at a recreational level, the drop serve’s unique benefits could be a game-changer.
Conclusion
While pro pickleball players tend to avoid the drop serve due to their focus on consistency and high-level strategy, it doesn’t mean you should rule it out. For recreational and intermediate players, the drop serve can be a valuable tool for variety and an easier way to serve effectively.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your goals and playing style. If the drop serve fits your game and disrupts your opponents, it might just be your secret weapon on the court. Give it a try, and see how it works for you!
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