Pickleball is a fast-growing sport enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It is a game that requires good sportsmanship and proper etiquette, especially when serving. As a player, it is important to know what to say before serving your ball.
First and foremost, before beginning your serve, it is essential to make sure that you have the ball in hand and are ready to go. Once you are ready, it is customary to announce the current score. This helps everyone, including your opponent, to understand the current state of the game. You can simply say the score in numbers or use the traditional calling method, i.e., “zero-zero, second serve.”
If you are the serving team, it is important to also announce your team’s score first before your opponent’s score. This helps clarify the serving team’s advantage in the game. For instance, if the serving team has a score of 5 to 3, they can say “5 serving 3” or “5-3 first serve.”
Next, players will often announce their serving position or who will serve first. In some informal games, players may decide who will serve simply by coin toss, rock-paper-scissors or a friendly agreement. However, in more traditional games, the players switch serving after every point or combination of points. In this case, players would say something like “I’m serving first” or “You serve next.”
Once the rules are clarified and understood, it is time to serve. However, before serving, it is generally accepted to allow your opponent some time to prepare for the serve. It is considered good etiquette not to rush your opponent or try to catch them off guard.
Finally, before serving, players should always ensure that they are behind the baseline, and their server foot is behind the court’s back edge. Then, after ensuring that these rules are observed and announced, the player can begin the serve.
In conclusion, knowing what to say before serving in pickleball can make the game more enjoyable for everyone involved. Proper etiquette and good sportsmanship are crucial components of playing pickleball, and players must know how to follow these rules to ensure a fair and fun game. So, the next time you play pickleball, remember to announce the score, clarify the serving position, and take your time before serving.
