Using Kinetic Chain to MAXIMIZE Pickleball Serve Power

James Ignatowich

Hey guys, this is James Ignatowich from Delray Beach, Fl.

One of the main things I pay attention to in my serve is weight transfer. I try to use my legs as much as possible, squeezing out every bit of power I can. To me, the legs are the most underused part of the serve. Some people just float the ball in, others rely solely on their arm. I, on the other hand, want to get my whole body moving forward. I start with my left foot ahead of my right, then drive my weight forward, almost launching myself into the court so my right leg ends up fully inside the baseline—and that’s allowed. That’s how I get my entire body behind the serve, almost like I’m throwing myself toward the target with my legs.

The Importance of Tossing the Ball in Front

At the rec level, many players toss too close to their body or directly to the right, which cramps their motion. When I toss, I place the ball in front of me. This forces me to go after it and, in turn, shifts my weight forward. It also gives my arm room to swing from back to front. With the ball out in front, the arm can extend and whip through, creating that snap that produces power.

Finally, I focus on keeping my head steady when I make contact. A lot of recreational players jerk their head up or back just as they hit. I try to keep my head relatively still; it might move a little, but I’m not throwing it around. I’m also not leaning back with my neck or body—I’m always driving my weight forward.

Editor’s Note: This article is based on a video by James Ignatowich. We partnered with him to highlight key concepts in a written format for players who prefer to read or reference drills on the court. See below.

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