Ask a Referee - Serving FAQs
Maddie Toren is the youngest certified USA Pickleball referee in history and a leading force behind the scenes of the sport. As Founder & CEO of PKLD Agency, Maddie specializes in managing brand presence and digital strategy for pro pickleball athletes, Major League teams, and top industry brands.
Certified by USA Pickleball and widely recognized for her standout social media work, Maddie blends her passion for officiating with her expertise in digital engagement—helping the biggest names in pickleball connect with fans and grow their influence on and off the court.
Serving FAQs
How is the pickleball server determined at the start of a match?
The server is determined by a coin toss or another fair method, such as spinning the paddle.
What happens if a pickleball serve lands out of bounds?
The serve is considered a fault, and the opposing team earns the point.
In pickleball, how many serves are allowed for each team in a singles game?
Each player serves once before the opponent takes over the serve, with only one serve opportunity per side.
What happens if a pickleball serve is made before the referee has finished calling the score?
It is a fault, and the serve must be replayed after the correct score is called.
In pickleball, can the server touch the baseline with their foot after striking the ball?
Yes, after striking the ball, the server may touch the baseline, but not before or during the serve.
What is the pickleball rule for players standing outside the court lines when returning a serve?
Players may stand outside the court lines when returning a serve, but the ball must land within the court boundaries.
What happens if a pickleball serve touches the receiver’s paddle but does not land in bounds?
It is a fault on the receiver, and the serving team wins the point.
Can a pickleball player perform a drop serve on both the forehand and backhand sides?
Yes, players may execute a drop serve from either the forehand or backhand side.
In pickleball, what is the penalty if a player fails to return a serve after the ball bounces once?
It is a fault, and the server’s team earns a point.
What happens if a player serves out of turn in a pickleball doubles match?
The referee will correct the server, and the rally will be replayed.
In pickleball, how many seconds does the server have to serve the ball after the score is called?
The server has 10 seconds to serve the ball after the score is called.
What is the correct stance for a pickleball receiver when awaiting a serve?
The receiver must be positioned diagonally across from the server, with no specific stance required.
What happens if a pickleball player steps over the baseline during a serve?
It is a foot fault, and the opposing team wins the rally.
What is the rule in pickleball if a player wants to call a timeout during an opponent’s serve?
A timeout cannot be called during an opponent’s serve; it must be called before the server starts their motion.
What is the penalty in pickleball if the server’s ball hits the receiver or their partner before bouncing?
It is a point for the serving team.
Can a pickleball player use both feet to push off during a serve?
Yes, but at least one foot must remain behind the baseline until the ball is struck.
What happens if a pickleball is struck before the server finishes calling the score?
It is a fault, and the opposing team wins the rally.
What is the correct position for a pickleball server’s feet during a serve?
At least one foot must be behind the baseline, and neither foot can touch the court or the baseline at the moment the ball is struck.
Can a pickleball player strike the ball before it bounces during a return of serve?
No, the ball must bounce once on each side before volleying is allowed.
What is the rule for switching servers in pickleball doubles?
Both players on a team will serve before a side out is declared, except at the start of each game, where only the starting server serves.
In pickleball, what happens if the server’s partner is standing in the non-volley zone when the serve is made?
There is no penalty, as long as the server’s partner does not interfere with the serve or step into the opposing team’s non-volley zone during play.
Can a pickleball player serve the ball using their non-dominant hand?
Yes, players can serve using either hand in pickleball.
What must a pickleball referee do if they observe a player stepping inside the non-volley zone during a volley?
The referee must call a fault if the player steps into the non-volley zone during a volley.
Can a pickleball serve land on the centerline and still be considered in?
Yes, if the serve lands on the centerline, it is considered in.
What happens if a pickleball serve hits the net and still lands in the correct service court?
The serve is considered legal and play continues.
What is the protocol if a pickleball player calls “not ready” before the serve?
The server must wait for the player to indicate they are ready before serving, but after the score is called, “not ready” signals are ignored.
How should a pickleball team decide who serves first in a non-officiated match?
Any fair method, such as flipping a coin or writing numbers, can be used to determine the first server.
What is the remedy if a pickleball service fault occurs due to a ball hitting the server’s partner?
It is a fault, and the serving team loses the rally.
Can a pickleball server step inside the court while serving?
No, the server’s feet must remain behind the baseline until the ball is struck.
What must the pickleball server do if the referee is not certain about a serving violation?
The referee may call for a replay if they are not certain whether a serving violation occurred.
Is a volley serve allowed in pickleball?
Yes, a volley serve is allowed, but the server’s arm must move in an upward arc, and the paddle must be below the wrist.
What happens if the wrong pickleball server serves the ball in a match?
The referee will correct the server before calling the score, and the play will continue.
How must a pickleball player release the ball for a drop serve?
The player must release the ball from one hand or drop it off the paddle face from any natural (unaided) height.
Can the pickleball server serve the ball while the score is being called?
No, the server cannot hit the ball while the score is being called; it is a fault.
What happens if the pickleball server releases the ball and imparts spin before the serve?
It is a fault if the server imparts manipulation or spin on the ball before serving.
What must happen in pickleball after the ball is served on both sides before volleying can occur?
The ball must bounce once on each side before volleying.
Can the server or their partner call a timeout after the pickleball serve has occurred?
No, calling a timeout after the serve has occurred is a fault.
How is a fault called in pickleball if a served ball hits the net and lands inside the non-volley zone?
It is considered a fault if the served ball hits the net and lands inside the non-volley zone.
What happens if a pickleball player steps on the baseline during their serve?
It is a foot fault, and the opposing team wins the rally.
In pickleball doubles, can both players on the receiving team stand in the non-volley zone during the serve?
No, the receiving team must stay behind the non-volley zone line until the ball has bounced.