Pickleball Underhand Serve

Simplified Teaching Outline

I. Lesson Objectives

• Understand the basic rules and key techniques of the pickleball underhand serve.

• Learn correct grip, posture, swing path, and contact point.

• Improve serve consistency, accuracy, and confidence through practice.

II. Key Teaching Points

• Grip: Continental grip and Eastern backhand grip.

• Ready Position: Balanced stance, knees slightly bent, eyes on target.

• Swing Motion: Smooth backswing, controlled forward swing, and full follow-through.

• Contact Point: Below waist level and in front of the body.

• Rhythm & Breathing: Relaxed motion with coordinated breathing.

III. Common Difficulties

• Stiff arm or poor body coordination.

• Inconsistent contact point and timing.

• Lack of confidence or nervousness during serves.

IV. Teaching Methods

• Instructor demonstration.

• Step-by-step breakdown of the serve.

• Repetitive practice and drills.

• Individual feedback and correction.

• Simple games and accuracy challenges.

V. Lesson Structure

1. Warm-Up (10 minutes)

• Light jogging and dynamic stretching.

• Joint mobility exercises.

2. Skill Practice (30 minutes)

• Grip instruction and practice.

• Serve motion breakdown (ready position, backswing, contact, follow-through).

• Full underhand serve practice.

• Target-based accuracy drills.

3. Cool-Down & Summary (10 minutes)

• Stretching and relaxation.

• Review key points and common mistakes.

• Assign after-class serve practice.

VI. Equipment Needed

• Pickleball paddles and balls

• Cones or markers

• Pickleball court

BHI Pickleball