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The screw top serve
Paul from Pickleball Daily
September 25, 2025
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Tip of the day
This video, featuring Austin, a pickleball coach, introduces a new serve called the "Screw Top Serve," inspired by Anna Leigh Waters, which is designed to be highly effective and consistent.
The video explains the history of spin serves in pickleball, from Zane Navratil's "Chainsaw Serve" to Morgan Evans' "one-handed reverse slice spin serve," which were eventually made illegal.
Austin explains that the Screw Top Serve combines side spin, like a screwball serve, with topspin, making it curve out while still dipping down into the court.
He details the technique, emphasizing making contact just in front of your knee, leaning in, and stepping into the court after contact to impart more power.
The serve involves a "U" motion with the paddle, starting with the tip upwards, cutting underneath the ball, and then brushing up with a "windshield wiper" motion of the wrist.
Austin demonstrates that the serve looks exactly like a normal topspin serve to opponents, making it deceptive because they can't tell it has side spin until it bounces.
He highlights that this serve is effective, consistent, and can be hit harder than a traditional screwball serve, creating more spin and manipulation.
Key Points:
Screw Top Serve: Combines side spin and topspin for a deceptive and consistent serve.
Technique: Make contact in front of your knee, use a "U" motion with the paddle, and a "windshield wiper" wrist motion.
Deception: Opponents can't distinguish it from a normal topspin serve until it bounces.
Benefits: More effective, consistent, and harder hitting than a traditional screwball.
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Happy pickling,
Paul