You do not get two serve attempts; you get one legal serve per turn.
If you’ve wondered do you get two serves in pickleball, you’re not alone. As a coach and league player, I see this confusion all the time. In this guide, I break down the full serve rule, why people mix it up with tennis, and how to master your first-shot plan. Stick with me and you’ll walk away clear, confident, and ready to serve smarter.
How the pickleball serve actually works
Pickleball uses a single-attempt serve. Miss the box or fault, and the serve ends. Only the serving side can score.
In doubles, each team gets a turn to serve, one partner at a time. That is where the “two” idea sneaks in. Many players ask, do you get two serves in pickleball, and the answer is still no. You get two servers per team each side-out, not two tries.
When I teach new players, I stress one job on serve day one: start the point. Keep it deep, safe, and simple. Big power can wait.
The truth about “two serves” vs tennis
In tennis, you get a first serve and a second serve. In pickleball, you do not. So, do you get two serves in pickleball? No. You get one legal serve attempt.
Here is where the confusion happens. In doubles, Partner A serves until a fault, then Partner B serves. That looks like “two serves,” but it is two servers. The rule is simple: one attempt per serve, two servers per side-out (except the first service turn of the game).
Doubles vs singles serving and the 0-0-2 start
Do you get two serves in pickleball at 0-0? No. The game starts with only the second server on the first team. That is why the first score call is 0-0-2.
Here is the doubles flow:
- Server 2 on the starting team serves first.
- When that server faults, it is a side-out, and the other team gets the ball.
- After that, every side-out has two servers: Server 1 then Server 2.
- The server switches right and left as points are won.
In singles, there is only one server per side. You still get one attempt per serve. You switch sides on each point you win. Understanding this pattern helps answer do you get two serves in pickleball in a clear way.
What counts as a legal serve
A legal serve must follow a few simple rules. You can use a volley serve or a drop serve.
Key points for a legal serve:
- Contact is below the waist, and the paddle head is below the wrist at contact.
- At least one foot is behind the baseline during contact, and neither foot touches the court or baseline before you hit the ball.
- The ball goes diagonally crosscourt and lands in the correct service box.
- The kitchen line is short on the serve; landing on that line is a fault.
- Sidelines, centerline, and baseline are in on the serve.
- If the ball clips the net and lands in, play continues. There is no let-serve replay.
Players ask, do you get two serves in pickleball if the ball hits the net and drops in? No. The ball is live, and play goes on.
Common serve faults and how to avoid them
A small tweak can save you many free points. I learned this the hard way in my first rec league.
Watch for these faults:
- Ball lands wide, long, or on the kitchen line.
- Foot fault by touching the line or court before contact.
- Paddle is above the wrist or contact is above the waist.
- Ball release breaks rules or adds illegal hand spin.
- Wrong box or wrong server sequence.
Simple fixes that work fast:
- Aim two feet inside the lines to add margin.
- Use a slow, steady pre-serve routine to limit nerves.
- Stand six to twelve inches behind the baseline to avoid foot faults.
- Practice drop serves for a clean, repeatable motion.
- Call the score loud and clear to lock in server order.
If you ever think, do you get two serves in pickleball to make up for a foot fault, the answer is no. One attempt means your first swing matters.
Strategy tips to hold serve more often
Holding serve wins games. Make your first shot set up the third shot.
Try these simple, proven ideas:
- Target deep middle to cut angles and reduce errors.
- Aim at the weaker backhand early and often.
- Mix pace with a safe arc that lands near the baseline.
- Use a drop serve on windy days for better control.
- Commit to a clear plan: deep to the backhand, then prepare for a third shot drop.
Clients often ask me, do you get two serves in pickleball if you play aggressive? No, so play high-percentage. The goal is not an ace. The goal is a strong start to the point.
Rule updates and edge cases you should know
Rules evolve, but the single-attempt serve has stayed firm in modern play. The let-serve replay is gone. Net-cord serves that land in are live balls.
Edge cases to note:
- If a clear distraction or hinder occurs, a replay can be called.
- If the wrong score or server is used and corrected early, rallies may be replayed.
- You cannot add spin to the ball with your hand on release.
- Always check local or event rules, as tournaments may use stricter enforcement.
So, if you are still asking do you get two serves in pickleball in weird cases, the safe bet is no. Replays are rare and specific.
Frequently Asked Questions of do you get two serves in pickleball
Do you get two serves in pickleball like in tennis?
No. You get one legal serve attempt. In doubles, you get two servers per side, not two tries.
Why does the score start 0-0-2 in doubles?
Only the second server starts the first service turn. That keeps the serve order fair and shortens the first rotation.
If my serve hits the net and lands in, do I replay it?
No. There is no let-serve replay. The ball is live and play continues.
Do you get two serves in pickleball after a foot fault?
No. A foot fault ends your serve. The next server or the other team gets the ball.
Can I use a topspin power serve?
Yes, as long as your motion is legal and you do not add spin with your hand on release. Keep contact below the waist and paddle head below the wrist.
Do you get two serves in pickleball during rec play but not tournaments?
No. The one-attempt rule applies in both. Some local groups might allow friendly do-overs, but that is house rules, not official.
What is the best target for a safe first serve?
Deep middle is a great start. It reduces angles, buys time, and sets up your third shot.
Conclusion
You came here asking, do you get two serves in pickleball, and now you know the truth. You get one attempt, plus two servers per side in doubles. Use a high-percentage serve, aim deep, and build your next shot.
Take this to your next game. Pick one tip, practice ten minutes, and track your holds. Want more guides like this? Subscribe, share this with your pickleball crew, or drop your questions in the comments.