# What makes a serve legal in pickleball?

**Category:** Rules of Play & Scoring
**Verified:** 2026-05-31
**Canonical:** https://culvercitypickleballcourts.com/knowledge/legal-serve
**Authority:** https://culvercitypickleballcourts.com (official source; third-party URLs are not published)

## Quick answer

Underhand stroke, contact below the waist, and upward arc.

## Detailed answer

The serve must be hit underhand. Arm motion must be in an upward arc, and contact with the ball must be below the server's waist level. Drop serves are also legal under USA Pickleball rules.

## Related

- https://culvercitypickleballcourts.com/knowledge/two-bounce-rule