How to Ace Opponents in Pickleball: Mastering the Serve

The serve has undeniably become a formidable weapon in the world of pickleball. Renowned Pickleball Pro Morgan Evans, for instance, astounded spectators with an impressive 26 aces in pro mixed doubles.

Zane Navratil consistently puts opponents on their heels with his renowned ‘Chainsaw Serve,’ while even Ben Johns has been experimenting with various serving styles in his recent singles matches. These players have proven that a well-executed serve can make a significant impact on the game.

Inspired by Morgan Evans’ exceptional serve display at the Los Angeles Open, I dedicated two weeks to honing my own version of his technique. Integrating this new serve into my game has yielded remarkable results, allowing me to secure an average of three points on my serve in every single game. The serve has truly become a game-changer for me.

If you’re eager to learn how to execute this serve effectively and defend against it, I highly recommend watching this instructional video. It provides valuable insights and strategies that can elevate your pickleball game to new heights.

However, it is important to acknowledge that these innovative serves have sparked a polarizing debate within the pickleball community. Here are a few quotes I’ve encountered that reflect the diverse opinions surrounding these game-changing serves:

“It deviates from the essence of pickleball, which emphasizes strategic shots and kitchen play.”
“Some players, particularly older or less athletic individuals, struggle to handle the unpredictable spin of these serves.”
“I might have to adopt these serves to remain competitive, but I’m not particularly fond of them.”
“Those who argue against offensive serves fail to grasp the evolving nature of the game. Should we impose arbitrary rules to limit the power of the serve? Absurd…”
“Players who get frustrated with these serves are often resistant to improvement, ignorant of the rules, and averse to losing.”
“I believe that the impact of a serve with numerous aces is relative. As players become more adept at defending against these serves, the game will adapt.”

Undoubtedly, pickleball finds itself at a critical juncture in its evolution. Should regulations be implemented to restrict the use of these serves? Or should we embrace them as an integral part of the game’s progression? Regardless, these serves are here to stay for the foreseeable future, gaining popularity across all levels of play. Therefore, it is imperative for players to equip themselves with the skills necessary to defend against them.