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How to hit better serves

How to hit better serves

Paul from Pickleball Daily
June 27, 2025

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The 3 Hardest Pickleball Serves to Return (And HOW to hit them) by Roscoe Bellamy

This video provides an in-depth guide to the three most effective serves: the fastball, the kick serve, and the screwball serve.

The video explains how and when to use each serve.

It covers the fastball serve, which is fast, flat, and difficult to handle.

This serve is characterized by high power and minimal spin.

It limits an opponent's reaction time and creates pressure for weaker returns.

The video also covers the kick serve, which features a higher trajectory and heavy topspin, causing the ball to jump and push the returner back.

Finally, it covers the screwball serve, which uses maximum sidespin, causing the ball to curve dramatically, making it unpredictable.

By mastering the variety of these serves, players can control the game's pace and set themselves up for success.

Key Points:

The Fastball Serve: This serve is fast, flat, and difficult to handle, characterized by high power and minimal spin. Ideal for targeting an opponent's weaker side.
The Kick Serve: This serve features a higher trajectory and heavy topspin, causing the ball to jump and push the returner back. To maximize the kick effect, aim for the back third of the opponent's court.
The Screwball Serve: This serve uses maximum sidespin, causing the ball to curve dramatically, making it unpredictable. Primarily a change-up serve to be used sparingly.
How to Hit: The video provides instructions on how to hit each serve effectively.
When to Use: The video provides guidance on when to use each serve for strategic advantage.

Watch the full tutorial here.