Pickleball has a peculiar rule that frustrates some and fascinates others. The team that serves first only gets one serve before giving up the ball.
That’s right, one chance.
It’s a rule that seems small, but it changes the dynamic of every match. Players whisper about whether it’s fair. Coaches debate its strategic impact. Game theorists take a hard look at it.
The Rule That Changes Everything
Here’s how it works: the team that wins the coin toss and serves first only gets one server, instead of the usual two per side. If that first server faults, the serve passes to the opposing team. From then on, each team’s players take turns serving.
This is called the “initial server disadvantage,” though some argue it’s not a true disadvantage at all. But is that really the case?
See How To Win the First Five Minutes of Any Pickleball Match.
Understanding Advantage in Game Theory
In game theory, advantage isn’t just about getting to play first. It’s about expected utility. That is, the long-run benefit of a specific position, based on probability and payoff.
If the first server scores more than half the time before giving up the ball, they might be at an advantage. But if they score less, and the second team has more opportunities to rack up points, they’re likely at a disadvantage.
Let’s dig into what the numbers and strategies say.
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Rally Scoring vs. Side-Out Scoring
Pickleball uses side-out scoring: only the serving team can score points. This contrasts with rally scoring, used in volleyball, where any team can score regardless of who served.
Why does that matter?
Because in side-out scoring, the first few serves are often “neutral.” Teams feel each other out. Serve. Defend. Change sides. The momentum builds slowly. And the first team, stuck with one server, might struggle to build early pressure.
Modeling the First-Serve Situation
Game theory models this using Markov chains and probability trees.
Let’s keep it simple. Assume each team has equal skill. When serving, a player has a 60% chance of winning the point. When receiving, just 40%.
Now imagine:
- Team A serves first but only gets one chance.
- Team B then gets both players to serve.
Statistically, Team B is more likely to earn points during their first service possession. Why? They have twice the chances to break through.
And that’s just in the opening round. In a short race to 11 points, that single lost opportunity could matter.
What the Pros Say
Pickleball pros are often more intuitive than mathematical, but they’ve felt this rule’s impact firsthand.
Ben Johns on the Opening Serve
Ben Johns, widely considered the best men’s singles player in the world, addressed this in a Q&A on YouTube.
He said:
“The first-serve rule levels the playing field just a little. It prevents one team from getting too much momentum early. But yes, it does create a slight disadvantage if you’re trying to pull away quickly.”
Translation? He knows the rule forces caution. He doesn’t try to score right away. And he tries to “feel the rhythm” of the match.
Smart play. Game theory in action.
Anna Leigh-Waters and Her Approach
Anna Leigh-Waters, the dominant force in women’s pickleball, also touched on this during a podcast appearance.
“I like serving second sometimes. It gives me a little more info on the other team before we really get going.”
What she’s describing is a strategic information advantage. In game theory terms, that’s known as signal learning: using early plays to gather intel.
While not saying the first serve is a disadvantage outright, she recognizes the value of watching and waiting, something the second team can do while still holding scoring potential.
The Momentum Myth
Some argue that the first team, despite the rule, gains momentum from simply starting the game.
Let’s debunk that.
Momentum in sports is more psychological than mathematical. In game theory, we’re interested in payoff per turn – not feelings. The numbers tell a different story.
If you have one chance to score before handing over control, your expected points are lower than the team that follows, especially if they get two strong serving turns.
Tournament-Level Implications
In pro tournaments, where matches are tighter and margins smaller, the first-serve rule can shape entire strategies. Teams often play more conservatively on the first serve, just trying to keep the ball in play.
That cautious mindset can suppress early aggression. Meanwhile, the second team often starts swinging harder, especially if they’ve scouted the first team’s tendencies.
That’s not just psychology. That’s calculated risk-taking, a hallmark of advanced game-theoretic thinking.
Theoretical Fairness
So why does the rule exist at all? The official reason is balance. Giving just one serve to start prevents one team from “snowballing” with early dominance. In other words, it’s meant to be fair.
But game theory teaches us that perceived fairness and actual equity aren’t always the same. Removing the second serve from the first team doesn’t create symmetry. It introduces asymmetry with intention.
That’s fine, as long as players and fans understand that it’s a designed disadvantage, a way to stabilize early-game variance.
Alternative Formats: What Happens Without the Rule?
Let’s imagine a game without the one-serve start. Both teams get full serving rights immediately.
What happens?
Modeling shows that games end faster and point gaps widen. Strong teams often run up scores early. Why? Because aggressive serving pays off when you have more room for error.
The first-serve limitation dampens that. It deliberately slows the game and narrows the skill gap, especially in amateur play.
Strategic Takeaways for Players
If you’re starting a game and serving first, what should you do?
- Play safe. Don’t go for aces on your lone serve.
- Use the serve as recon. Test the opponent’s backhand. Observe their court positioning.
- Expect the break. You might not score. That’s fine. Be ready to defend after the switch.
And if you’re serving second?
- Capitalize. Use your two servers to test angles and apply pressure.
- Look for quick wins. Build a slight early lead that forces your opponent to chase.
Final Word: Is Serving First Really a Disadvantage?
From a game theory lens? Yes, but it’s minor. The first-serving team loses a slight edge in early expected value. Not huge, but real.
From a psychological perspective? Perhaps some players feel constrained by the rule.
From a strategic standpoint? No, smart players can work around it.
The best competitors, like Johns and Waters, don’t worry about a first-serve disadvantage. They adapt. Because in pickleball, like in game theory, the edge goes to those who see the full board.
By Mike O’Halloran
Founder and Editor, Sports Feel Good Stories
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