Some of the serving have been banned by USAP, so that the compitetor could easily serve fair and to ensure that the receiving player can reasonably return it. Here is the list:
- Chainsaw Served
- Double-Handed Spin Serve
- Single-Handed Spin Serve
Chainsaw Served
“Chainsaw Served” in pickleball refers to a type of serve where the server uses their non-paddle hand or the paddle itself to impart additional spin on the ball before hitting it.
This technique was popularized by pickleball players such as Morgan Evans, who would use a “chainsaw” motion to create a spinning effect, making the serve more challenging for the opponent to return.
However, as of January 2022, the USA Pickleball Association updated its rules to ban the chainsaw serve.
As per the new rules, players are no longer allowed to use the paddle or their non-paddle hand to add spin to the ball during the serve.
The ball must be dropped from the hand without any imparted spin and struck with the paddle. This change was made to keep the serve fair and to ensure that the receiving player can reasonably return it.
Double-Handed Spin Serve
The “Double-Handed Spin Serve” in pickleball refers to a serving technique where the server uses both hands to impart spin on the ball before hitting it with the paddle.
This serve involves gripping the ball with both hands and using a twisting or spinning motion to create significant spin, which can make the serve more difficult for the opponent to return.
As with the chainsaw serve, the double-handed spin serves as a way to add complexity and unpredictability to the serve, often making it challenging for opponents to anticipate the ball’s trajectory and spin.
However, similar to the chainsaw serve, the double-handed spin serve is no longer allowed under the updated USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) rules. As of January 2022, the rules specify that:
- One-Hand Drop: The server must release the ball from one hand and allow it to drop naturally before hitting it with the paddle. The ball cannot be spun or imparted with additional spin by the server’s hand before the serve.
- No Paddle Spin: The server cannot use the paddle to impart spin on the ball during the serve.
These rule changes were implemented to ensure fairness and maintain the integrity of the game by making serves more standardized and returnable.
Single-Handed Spin Serve
The “Single-Handed Spin Serve” in pickleball refers to a serving technique where the server uses one hand to impart spin on the ball before hitting it with the paddle.
This serve involves the server holding the ball with one hand and using a twisting or flicking motion to create a spin on the ball just before it is hit. The spin can make the ball’s flight path more unpredictable and challenging for the opponent to return.
However, the updated USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) rules have addressed the single-handed spin serve and other spin serves. As of January 2022, the rules specify that:
- One-Hand Drop: The ball must be released from one hand without imparting any spin. The server must allow the ball to drop naturally before hitting it with the paddle.
- No Additional Spin: The server is not allowed to use their hand or any other part of their body to impart additional spin on the ball during the serve.
These rule changes were implemented to ensure fairness in the game by making serves more standardized and easier to return, thus maintaining a balanced competitive environment.
In Short
In summary, while the chainsaw served, double-handed spin serve, and single-handed spin serve were methods used to introduce spin and complexity into serves. All now prohibited under the current pickleball rules to promote fair play and consistency in servings techniques.
