【Pickleball Service Sequence 】: Doubles & Singles Serving Rules | HK Play Pickleball Pulse Pickleball

Pickleball Service Sequence

The service sequence in pickleball is a critical aspect of the game. Especially in doubles play, correctly understanding and executing the service sequence is vital for avoiding faults and effectively scoring points. Below is a detailed explanation of the service sequence rules for both doubles and singles.

Doubles Service Sequence

The service sequence in doubles play can be relatively complex but follows a logical progression:

1. Opening Serve of the Game:

• At the beginning of each game, only one player from the serving team has the opportunity to serve. Once this player commits a fault, service possession immediately transfers to the receiving team. This is a special rule for the start of each game, designed to speed up play.

• The first server of the game must serve from the right-hand court.

2. Normal Service Rotation:

• After the opening serve, both players on the serving doubles team have the opportunity to serve and score points until they each commit a fault (i.e., "two faults").

• After each change of service possession, the first server must serve from the right-hand court.

• If the serving team scores a point, the server must switch sides (from right to left, or left to right) and continue serving.

• The server continues to switch courts after each point scored until they commit a fault and lose their serve.

3. Partner Takes Over Serve:

• When the first server commits a fault and loses their serve, their partner then takes over serving. The partner serves from their correct side of the court (determined by the score) and continues to serve and score points until they also commit a fault.

4. Service Possession Transfer (Side Out):

• Once both players on the serving team have committed a fault, service possession transfers to the opposing team (this is called a "side out").

• When service possession transfers, the new serving team will start with their first server serving from the right-hand court, and both players on that team will have the opportunity to serve and score points until they both commit two faults.

Summary Table of Doubles Service Sequence

Phase	Serving Team	Server	Starting Court	Rule Description
Opening	Team A	Player 1 of Team A	Right-hand court	Only Player 1 serves once; service possession transfers to Team B after a fault.
Normal Rotation	Team A	Player 1 of Team A	Right-hand court	Switches courts after scoring a point, until a fault is committed.
	Team A	Player 2 of Team A	Determined by score	Takes over after Player 1's fault, switches courts after scoring, until a fault is committed.
Side Out	Team B	Player 1 of Team B	Right-hand court	After Team A's two faults, service possession transfers to Team B; Player 1 starts serving.
	Team B	Player 2 of Team B	Determined by score	Takes over after Player 1's fault.

Singles Service Sequence

The service sequence in singles play is simpler:

• Even Score: When the server's score is an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, etc.), the player must serve from the right-hand court.

• Odd Score: When the server's score is an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, etc.), the player must serve from the left-hand court.

• Service Possession Transfer After Fault: In singles play, once the server commits a fault, service possession immediately transfers to the opposing player.

Understanding and mastering the service sequence is a crucial component of pickleball strategy. It not only helps you avoid unnecessary faults but also allows you to better plan your game rhythm and tactics. Consistent practice will make the service sequence a significant advantage in your matches.

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