There’s no doubt hitting overhand in pickleball provides more power than an underhand hit. You can use momentum, gravity, and more muscle power to put the point away. However, if you read the rules of pickleball you’ll notice it’s sometimes okay and sometimes not okay to hit overhand. So what’s the deal?
Can you hit overhand in pickleball?
Yes, you can hit overhand in pickleball unless you’re serving the ball. The only time when you’re not allowed to hit overhand in pickleball is during the serve. The serving rules clearly state that a serve must be underhand and make contact with the ball below your navel or waist area.
So, based on the specific rules needed to perform a legal serve, it’s virtually impossible to serve overhand.
Throughout this article, you’ll also learn the following details about hitting overhand in pickleball:
If you’ve played tennis, you know how powerful an overhand top spin shot can be. It’s the single most powerful shot when playing from the baseline.
And in pickleball, it’s no different. It activates more muscles and allows for more use of power through a full arm swing than an underhand hit.
It’s simply a much more aggressive offensive shot. When you’re hitting overhand in pickleball, you’re in attack mode.
However, you’re not allowed to hit overhand whenever you want (nor should you try it on every shot).
Here are some tips and techniques to keep in mind:
As you can see, overhand shots have their place in pickleball. They’re a highly effective shot that can put you on the offensive and set you up to put the point away.
If you want to master your overhand shots and become a more aggressive pickleball player, read on.
While it might sound relatively straightforward, overhand shots in pickleball don’t always come naturally to all players.
Most people can swing down and make contact, but controlling the force, direction, and spin is far more difficult.
And being consistent on power, direction, and spin is even harder to master. But this is what 4.0 level pickleball players are the most consistent on in their game.
Fortunately, you’re about to learn the best step-by-step tutorial to perfect an overhand hit in pickleball.
Hitting overhand keeps your opponent on their toes. Make sure you’re not trying an overhand hit on every shot, or you’ll become predictable.
Varying your shots will make you much less readable, keeping your opponent guessing.
Third Shot Sports has an excellent YouTube video tutorial you can view below:
But how do you get the most out of your serve when you have to do it underhand?
We covered that pickleball does not allow any overhand serving based on the height at which the ball must be struck. It’s too powerful of a serve, which is why the official rules have made that shot illegal.
My friend Barrett at Pickleball Kitchen gives a great description of some of the little-known facts about serving in pickleball and how overhand serves aren’t allowed.
Consider these regulations when serving in pickleball:
These four rules will keep you from getting a penalty when serving.
Now that you know when you’re allowed to hit overhand in pickleball and when you’re not allowed to, you’re one step closer to mastering a crucial aspect of the game.
Pickleball is fun, enjoyable, and energizing.
Whether you’re casually playing with friends or competing in tournaments, simple rules like these are crucial to remember.
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