Rule Submission TitleOVER HAND SERVING
USAP Board VoteDisapprove
USAP Board Vote ReasonThis would dramatically change the nature of the game.
Existing Rule #4.A.5
Proposed Rule Change

I believe that the no over hand serving rule should be removed and players should be able to over hand serve with the paddle over the players shoulder.

Original Rule Text
  • The server’s arm must be moving in an upward arc when the ball is struck.
  • Paddle contact with the ball must not be made above the waist level.
  • The head of the paddle must not be above the highest part of the wrist at contact.
  • A ‘drop serve’ is also permitted in which case none of the elements above apply
Reasoning Behind Suggested Change

Not all players have the same underhand control of the paddle and have a better natural serving motion over their shoulder. A lot of athletes who play pickleball in their free time have the overhand throwing, shooting, tennis serve, stroke, etc. motion which transitions well to an overhand serve in pickleball. I do have a suggestion to my rule change that if a player spikes the ball into the ground it cannot bounce above 5 feet for example. This would be a great correction to the rules to make the game more versatile to all players of the game.

Scenarios In Which the Rules Applies

This applies in any serve of a pickleball game that is why it is so important.

Rule Book Year2026
Rule Change ID2182
Date CreatedApril 30, 2025
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