The evolution of Pickleball & “The Chainsaw Serve!”

Pickleball continues to evolve as a competitive sport. Players of all types continue to develop new ways to gain an advantage over their opponents. The latest and most controversial method is related to the serve.

In Pickleball lure, the serve was merely a way to start a point. Over the last 3-4 years professionals like Zane Navratil have perfected a serve called “The Chainsaw” by using the handle of the paddle to create high velocity spin prior to hitting the serve. This method can be devastating when executed at a high level, thus making aces a real part of the game.

The PPA has made a decision to outlaw the chainsaw and limit the type of serve modifications that will be allowed in tournament play. This is something to watch very closely, as the PPA is in a real “pickle”.

Young competitors are drawn to new methods like “the chainsaw” to make the game more fun, while legacy senior players are opposed. This juxtaposition is shedding light on the evolution of Pickleball. It will be interesting to see how the PPA can maintain the enjoyment of the sport for legacy players while allowing the next generation to push the envelope of tournament play.