• Work with Us
  • Blog
  • Pickleball Clinics
  • Private & Group Lessons
  • Shop
    • Cart
    • Checkout
  • User Reviews

PickleballMAX

Maximize your Pickleball Potential

  • Home
  • Pickleball 101
    • Pickleball Rules
  • Strategy
  • Shots
  • Tournaments
  • Wellness
  • Gear
    • Pickleball Accessories
    • Pickleball Bags
    • Pickleball Clothing
    • Pickleball Glasses
    • Pickleball Machines
    • Portable Nets
    • Pickleball Paddles
    • Pickleball Sets
    • Pickleball Shoes
  • Shop
    • Cart
    • Checkout
You are here: Home / Shots / The Nasty Nelson – Brilliant or Nonsensical?

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.

The Nasty Nelson – Brilliant or Nonsensical?

Some view it as hilarious, brilliant and all in good fun. Others consider it barbaric, nonsensical and a tactic that has no place in the game of pickleball. Players have no shortage of opinions when it comes to one of pickleball’s most divisive shots – executing the Nasty Nelson to an unsuspecting target.

Nasty Nelson

What is the Nasty Nelson?

The Nasty Nelson is a shot in which the server attempts to intentionally hit the return-of-server’s partner – who is likely positioned at or near their own non-volley line – with the served ball.

If the server does, indeed, hit the return-of-server’s partner (or the return-of-server, for that matter) in the air before the ball bounces, it is a fault on the receiving team and results in a point for the serving team.

Is the Nasty Nelson Legal?

The Nasty Nelson, while likely frowned upon by the unsuspecting target, is nevertheless completely legal.
Tweet This

Here are the applicable rules according to the Official Rulebook:

4.N. Receiver Faults. It is a fault against the receiving team resulting in a point for the server if:
4.N.2. The receiver or their partner is touched by or interferes with the flight of the ball before it bounces.

Section 7 (Fault Rules) – A fault (and resulting dead ball) will be declared for the following:
7.I. A live ball that is stopped by a player before it becomes dead. (e.g., catching or stopping a ball in flight before it makes contact with the playing surface.)

Does it Matter Where the Return-of-Server’s Partner is Positioned When Getting Hit by a Nasty Nelson?

If the return-of-server’s partner gets hit by the ball before it bounces it does not matter where they were standing. They could be standing at the non-volley line, at the baseline or completely off the court.  It’s a point for the serving team regardless of where they were standing.

How did Nasty Nelson Get its Name?

The Nasty Nelson is named after one of pickleball’s most “colorful characters,” Timothy (the Puppet Master) Nelson.  Nelson has a history of incorporating this tactic into his game.

How to Avoid Getting Hit with the Nasty Nelson

To avoid the “humiliation” of being on the receiving end of a Nasty Nelson (and to avoid losing a point), it is critical to always pay attention and stay alert as the serve is being hit. Those that are the recipients are typically the ones that get caught “woolgathering.”

It’s also important that, as the partner to the return-of-server, you don’t position yourself too close to the centerline as the serve is being hit.

Positioning yourself too close to the centerline will give the server the ability to serve normally (and at you in an attempt at a Nasty Nelson) and still land the ball into the correct service box. Even if you avoid getting hit by the ball, you will still obstruct the view for your partner as they attempt to return the serve.

Final Thoughts

Have you ever been on the giving or receiving end of a Nasty Nelson? If so, how did all the players on the court react? We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences on one of pickleball’s most divisive tactics/shots.

See you on the courts.

Article by PickleballMAX / Filed Under: Shots 8 Comments

Doubles Strategy Blueprint

Paddles, Shoes, Bags & More!

Fromuth Pickleball – Use Code “10MAX” for 10% Off!
  • Hundreds of pickleball paddles, court shoes, and bags in stock now and ready to be shipped.
  • Free Shipping on orders of $75+
  • Use Discount Code 10MAX for 10% off your purchase. (some exclusions apply)

Fromuth Pickleball
Order your favorite pickleball gear today!

Performance Eyewear (Sunglasses & Eye Protection)

RIA Eyewear
  • 100% UVA/UVB protection
  • Impact-resistant & shatterproof lenses
  • Lightweight, anti-fogging, and vision-enhancing (contrast of the ball to the court)

pickleball glasses
Order your RIA Performance Eyewear Today!

It’s Fun to Feel Good!

Jigsaw Health – Discount Code!
Use Code “PickleballMAX10” at Checkout for $10 off your Jigsaw Order.

Jigsaw Health

  • Relax your legs, muscles, and brain for better sleep with Jigsaw MagSoothe™.
  • Stay hydrated and energized with Jigsaw Electrolyte Supreme™.
  • Prevent muscle cramping with Pickleball Cocktail®.

Order Jigsaw Health Today!

About PickleballMAX

Tennis player turned pickleball player. I blog about how one maximizes their picklebility. Picklebility is simply defined as an embodiment of one's passion, ability and addiction to #pickleball. See you on the courts!

Comments

  1. Sharon says

    September 19, 2021 at 8:44 pm

    Yes I have been Nasty Nelsoned during indoor play – it was all in fun- and we have been laughing ever since it happened.

    Reply
  2. Michael Simon says

    September 19, 2021 at 1:54 pm

    In a recent friendly game, my partner jumped up to catch a serve that was clearly going out without a bounce. She did so so she wouldn’t have to retrieve the ball. We explained the rule but allowed the shot as “out.”

    Reply
    • PickleballMAX says

      September 20, 2021 at 1:04 pm

      Yup. In rec play, common-sense needs to prevail.

      Reply
  3. Jeff Rice says

    September 15, 2021 at 7:15 pm

    A couple of years ago, my partner & I were playing indoors vs. “Big Mike” & his partner. “Big Mike” used intimidation regularly & ruthlessly. He’d been kicked out of this particular gym a handful of times before. One tactic: he would stand at the kitchen line VERY close to the centerline, trying to cause servers to fault while trying to avoid hitting him.

    I warned him “Hey, Big Mike, I’m gonna’ hit you if you don’t move.” He didn’t move. I hit him. “You HIT me!” he exclaimed. My response: “Duh!”

    We all had a good laugh… except “Big Mike”. After that, when I served… he moved over.

    Reply
    • PickleballMAX says

      September 15, 2021 at 8:49 pm

      That is fantastic, Jeff! Thanks so much for sharing that experience with “Big Mike.” I love it!

      Reply
      • Morris E Gary III says

        September 16, 2021 at 1:05 am

        As a senior rec player, I have noticed more general aggression and un sports person – like activities. Have you noticed this in your play, and is it good for the game?

        Reply
        • PickleballMAX says

          September 16, 2021 at 1:48 pm

          Hi Morris, Thanks for chiming in. I have noticed that more and more players are overly concerned with “winning” as opposed to the fun/social aspect. With respect to the Nasty Nelson, it should only be attempted against a player/team with whom you have great camaraderie. It can be a fun element to the game if it is with a great group of friends.

          Reply
          • Annette Watson says

            September 20, 2021 at 12:40 pm

            Yes, there have been times when the server’s ball hit the opponent, even if they are standing out of bounds. Of course, the fight is on. Have to keep a rule book on hand always.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search this website

Guides

  • Pickleball for Beginners
  • Pickleball Clothing
  • Pickleball Court
  • Pickleball Equipment
  • Pickleball Net
  • Pickleball Paddles
  • Pickleball Ratings
  • Pickleball Rules
  • Pickleball Shoes
  • Pickleballs
  • Tournament Pickleball
  • What is Pickleball

Online Store

  • Bags
  • Ball Accessories
  • Ball Machines
  • Balls
  • Eyewear
  • Gloves
  • Hats and Visors
  • Hydration & Recovery
  • Jewelry
  • Men's Apparel
  • Miscellaneous
  • Nets
  • Online Pickleball Courses
  • Paddle Accessories
  • Paddles
  • Prevention and Recovery
  • Printables
  • Shoes
  • Socks
  • Tournament Products
  • Training Aids
  • Wellness
  • Women's Apparel
  • Home
  • Pickleball 101
  • Strategy
  • Shots
  • Tournaments
  • Wellness
  • Gear
  • Shop

PickleballMAX | PO Box 813| Mason, OH 45040
PickleballMAX participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program
Copyright © 2023 · All Rights Reserved · Privacy Policy · Disclosure