How to hit a backhand pickleball serve - Scott Moore

Hi, Scott Moore here from The Pickleball Masterclass. Many people ask me how and why to use a backhand serve, and why I like to use it.

Not many people use the backhand serve, but there are a couple reasons I love it. 

1. I am able to get some nice side spin on the ball which can take my opponent outside the court. If there's wind blowing right to left I can really move that ball anywhere from 1 to 5 feet sometimes taking people completely off the court with a backhand serve. 

2. I think it's a very natural motion and is just good to mix it up.

Sometimes we get the yips on our forehand, so it's easier to relax and flow with your backhand than it is with your forehand.

People are often confused about the the ball toss when it comes to the backhand serve. It is a little more complex, but once you get the hang of it, it is not difficult 

I like to hold it below the paddle and just make my arm disappear backwards as I swing through it. You want to swing through with a very natural finish and that takes it deep into the court again with a little spin right to left.

If you want to start above it (like in the video), that's okay too.

The key is to swing from your shoulder Use all your shoulder, take a step into the ball, that way your weight is behind it and you don't have to swing as hard.

You should have the paddle face open so when you contact the ball, you are lifing up and over the net, deep into the court. 

On the even side, if someone is stacking against me, for example, I can hit it in the corner and take them completely off the court, creating a major crisis for them to cover their side of the court.

Backhand serves make you a little less predictable and people can't get into rhythm against you. It's a little different spin and a little different bounce and it's a nice variety to your game.