They’re within the rules—but they still spark debate.
Pickleball is a game of skill, strategy, and—sometimes—controversy
Certain shots are completely legal according to the rulebook, yet they tend to provoke groans, arguments, or quiet frustration. They’re not against the rules, but they bend expectations of what’s considered “standard” play.
Some of these shots rely on deception. Others exploit rule nuances. Most are perfectly fair—but they stand out because they create confusion, surprise, or irritation, especially among less experienced players.
Here are seven shots that are 100% legal but often stir up controversy—and what you can do to defend against them.
1. The Chainsaw Serve (and What Replaced It)
The original chainsaw serve—where players used their paddle or hand to create extreme spin on the toss—was banned in 2022. But players have found legal alternatives that still generate spin on the ball before contact.
Today, it’s legal to impart spin using your non-paddle hand as long as the ball is released cleanly.
Why it’s controversial:
- The spin makes the ball jump or curve unpredictably
- Feels gimmicky or unfair to some
- Most players don’t know how to return it
Legal status:
As long as the ball is released from the non-paddle hand without delay, and all standard serve rules are followed, spin is allowed.
Drill to Defend:
Have a partner practice spinning tosses using legal technique. Focus on reading the bounce and adjusting your paddle angle to meet the ball cleanly. Track paddle angle and body position to improve consistency under spin pressure.
2. The Erne
An Erne occurs when a player jumps or steps around the kitchen and hits the ball out of the air while remaining outside the NVZ boundaries. It’s bold, aggressive, and completely within the rules—if done correctly.
Why it’s controversial:
- It happens fast and catches players off guard
- Footwork is tricky—many assume it must be a fault
- Newer players often don’t realize it’s legal
Legal status:
Legal if the player doesn’t touch the NVZ, jumps from outside it, and reestablishes position before contact.
Drill to Defend:
Practice crosscourt dinks while a partner simulates Erne jumps. Work on keeping dinks tight and low to the net, avoiding sideline floaters that invite attacks. Call “Erne watch” when your partner moves early to increase awareness.
3. The Body Speed-Up
Speeding up directly into an opponent’s torso—especially from close range—is a common tactic to force weak volleys or errors. A well-placed body shot is tough to counter and can end points quickly.
Why it’s controversial:
- Feels aggressive or overly physical to some
- Can lead to bruises or heated exchanges
- Misread as poor sportsmanship when it’s just tactical pressure
Legal status:
Completely legal. The court includes the space occupied by the player—hitting at the body is part of the game.
Drill to Defend:
Stand at the kitchen line in ready position. Have your partner feed controlled volleys to your torso. Focus on blocking without swinging—absorb pace and reset softly into the kitchen.
4. The Drop Lob From the Kitchen
After a soft dink rally, some players suddenly lob from the kitchen line. It’s legal—as long as they don’t step into the NVZ during or after the motion—but it’s rare enough to feel unexpected.
Why it’s controversial:
- Breaks the rhythm of a dink exchange
- Catches opponents off guard
- Can feel sneaky or opportunistic
Legal status:
Allowed if the player doesn’t touch the NVZ during the lob or on the follow-through.
Drill to Defend:
During dink rallies, have your partner occasionally lob. Practice reading paddle tilt and elbow drop cues, then execute a drop-step and quick shuffle back to set up an overhead or deep return.
5. The Nasty Nelson
A rarely seen but entirely legal shot—intentionally hitting the non-returning opponent with your serve to win the point outright.
Why it’s controversial:
- Feels unsportsmanlike or petty
- Targets a player who isn’t expecting to engage
- Often sparks argument, especially if it lands near the head
Legal status:
If the serve legally hits the correct opponent’s teammate before bouncing, the server wins the point.
Drill to Understand:
Practice aiming serves deliberately down the centerline or at the non-returning player’s space. Not to use frequently—but to learn awareness of positioning and how to prevent accidental Nelsons with tighter formations.
6. The Paddle Toss Save
Occasionally, a player loses grip on their paddle—either by accident or while attempting a desperation return—and still manages to get the ball back. If contact was made while the paddle was in hand, it counts.
Why it’s controversial:
- Looks chaotic or uncontrolled
- Can be hard to tell if it was thrown intentionally
- Often sparks arguments in rec games
Legal status:
Legal if the paddle is in hand at the moment of contact. Letting go after the hit is allowed. Throwing the paddle to make contact is not.
Drill to Understand:
Feed deep or wide balls that require full stretch or recovery. The goal is to reach and reset while maintaining control of the paddle. Helps players handle awkward reaches without losing form.
7. The Backspin “Dead Dink”
Some players slice their dinks to add heavy backspin. The ball barely clears the net and dies, sometimes even spinning backward after it lands.
Why it’s controversial:
- Creates awkward, low bounces
- Looks like a mishit or illegal shot
- Some assume it’s due to weird paddles or trickery
Legal status:
Fully legal. Generating spin through paddle angle and soft hands is a legitimate skill.
Drill to Defend:
Have your partner hit backspin-heavy dinks. Focus on footwork, staying low, and letting the ball bounce before lifting it gently with an open paddle face. Don’t jab—absorb and redirect.
How to Handle These Shots
If these shots catch you off guard, remember: frustration often comes from unfamiliarity—not unfairness.
Learn to recognize the cues—paddle angle, body movement, toss patterns—and train yourself to respond with control instead of emotion.
And if you’re the one using these shots? Use them with awareness, not arrogance. When used with purpose, these tactics can win points without crossing lines.
Final Thought: Know the Rules, Then Train for the Edge
Pickleball rewards creativity—but it also rewards preparation.
The players who know the rulebook and train for what’s technically legal but strategically unexpected are often the ones who win long rallies—and heated debates.
Use that to your advantage. Understand the shots. Practice the counters. And next time someone complains? You won’t need to argue. You’ll already have won the point.
