Buy an Axe because The Chainsaw is Banned [new serve rules for 2023]
Read it and weep:
4.A.5. The serve shall be made with only one hand releasing the ball. While some natural rotation of the ball is expected during any release of the ball from the hand, the server shall not impart manipulation or spin on the ball with any part of the body immediately prior to the serve. Exceptions: Any player may use their paddle to perform the drop serve (see Rule 4.A.8.a). A player who has the use of only one hand may also use their paddle to release the ball to perform the volley serve.
If you’re a beginner to pickleball just learning how to master the serve and don’t know what the chainsaw serve is (or was ðŸ˜), get a load of Morgan Evan destroying folks:
That, my friends, is the chainsaw in all its glory. Called a chainsaw because of the rip cord pulling motion of the non paddle hand, this service is simply stunning. Putting pre-spin on the ball with your free hand made it sing when it bounced – if hit correctly. Apparently, this was too much for the PPA and the chainsaw serve will no longer be legal in 2023.
I was starting to develop my chainsaw. I could hit it inside out and get at least 2 feet of glide after the bounce and it was driving Peggy Palermo crazy, I actually almost beat her. Now what am I gonna do?
Outlawing the Chainsaw: Are They Taking the Skill Out of the Game?
I’ve spent countless hours perfecting my spin serve, and let me tell you, it’s not just about spinning the ball. It’s about finesse, control, and the element of surprise. Taking that away from the game feels like they’re stripping us of our skill.
“Why take a crucial aspect of the game and toss it out the window? It’s like saying you can’t use a dropshot in tennis because the opponent will have to run fast to get it, boo hoo!!!!”
Eileen Dover
The Community: Over-Regulation Threatens Our Game
Pickleball has always been about community, inclusivity, and just good old fun. But this rule change? It’s just adding confusion, promoting dispute, and honestly, it’s a bit of an overkill.
“We don’t need more rules; we need more rallies, more laughter, more fun!”
Peggy Palermo
The Future of Pickleball: Are We Losing Our Essence?
This rule change has me worried about the future of our beloved game. Are we going to see more of these unnecessary restrictions? Are we slowly losing the essence of what makes pickleball unique?
“Change for the sake of change is not progress. It’s disruption.”
Ivana Tinkle
My hope is that the rule makers reconsider this decision. Let’s not complicate the game we love. Let’s keep it simple, let’s keep it fun, and above all, let’s keep playing pickleball the way it was meant to be played!
How the Heck Will this Be Enforced at the Rec Level?
Now, let’s talk about the enforcement of this rule. It’s all well and good to sit in a conference room and make these changes, but how on earth are they planning on enforcing it?
“Are they expecting us to have a referee at every local game or, even worse, to police each other?”
Hugh Jass
The burden of identifying an illegal serve is placed squarely on the shoulders of the receiver, who’s standing over 44 feet away. That’s like asking a home plate umpire in baseball to call balls and strikes from the outfield.
“Next thing you know, they’ll want us to play with one eye closed.”
Hugh Jass
The Potential for Disputes: Is This the End of Friendly Games?
What really grinds my gears is the potential for disputes this rule change brings. Pickleball games are meant to be friendly, enjoyable, and dispute-free. But with this new rule, I fear we’re opening a can of worms.
“We’ve got enough to argue about in this world. Let’s not add pickleball serves to the list.”
Anita Bath
The Drop Serve: An Unpopular Solution?
They’re suggesting the drop serve as a solution to this pre-spun serve business. While it may indeed solve the problem, it’s not exactly a popular option. It’s like swapping your sports car for a bicycle because the speed limit has been reduced.
“If I wanted to play slow, I would’ve stuck to chess.”
Anita Bath
Listen, we all love this game, and we want to see it grow and thrive. But this rule change, in my opinion, is a step in the wrong direction. I just hope those making the decisions come to their senses before we lose what makes pickleball truly special.
The Big Picture: Do We Need More Change?
You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about this rule change, and I can’t help but wonder: do we really need more change in pickleball?
“It feels like we’re fixing something that isn’t broken.”
The Essence of Sport: Challenge and Adaptation
Sport, in its essence, is about challenge and adaptation. It’s about pushing our limits, developing new skills, and adapting to different situations. By banning the pre-spun serve, aren’t we taking away an element of challenge and adaptation from pickleball?
“Instead of running from challenges, we should be embracing them.”
Al B. Zienya
The Evolution of Pickleball: Is This the Right Direction?
Pickleball, like any other sport, will evolve. But it’s crucial that it evolves in the right direction. This rule change, in my opinion, isn’t a step towards evolution, but a step towards unnecessary complication.
“Evolution should improve the game, not confuse it.”
Steve Jobe
The Final Word: A Plea to the Rule Makers
To the rule makers, I plead: let’s not overcomplicate pickleball. Let’s keep the game as it was intended to be – simple, fun, and inclusive. Let’s focus on promoting the sport and the community, rather than getting tangled in unnecessary rule changes.
“Pickleball isn’t just a game; it’s a community. Let’s not forget that.”
Harry Pitts
In the end, no matter what rules come into play, I know one thing for sure: I’ll still be on that court, giving it my all, and enjoying every moment of the game I love.
“Rules may change, but the love for the game remains.”
Harry Pitts
However, about a year ago, I discovered the wonderful world of pickleball. I was hesitant at first, given my knee issues, but I was determined to find a fun way to get active and hopefully shed some pounds in the process. And boy, did I ever fall in love with pickleball!
Not only is it a great workout, but it's also so much fun. I've met so many amazing people through playing pickleball and I always look forward to my next game. I even joined a local league and have competed in a few tournaments – something I never thought I'd be able to do.
Pickleball has truly changed my life for the better. I'm more active than I've ever been before, and I've even managed to lose a few pounds along the way. And best of all, my knee issues haven't been much of a problem thanks to the low-impact nature of the sport.
If you're someone who, like me, has struggled with weight and/or physical limitations, I highly recommend giving pickleball a try. It's a wonderful way to get active, have fun, and meet some amazing people along the way. Who knows – you might just fall in love with it like I did!
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[…] bringing with it an evolution of play that includes faster and more explosive serves. The Chainsaw Serve ban was supposed to give the edge back to the returner, but servers are relentless, and what they […]