In pickleball, a strong serve and return are essential for controlling the flow of the rally right from the start. The serve is your first opportunity to set the tone for the point, and a strategic return can give you the upper hand. As pickleball paddle technology progresses, players can hit stronger, faster and more aggressive serves while maintaining control, which means they are starting off the point with a bang. By not taking advantage of your serve, you start off the point at a disadvantage by letting your opponents get a free ride to the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ). Here’s how to master both and give yourself the best chance of success.