The Nasty Nelson – Brilliant or Nonsensical?
This post has been updated in 2026 according to the USA Pickleball Official Rulebook (2026).
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.
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?
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Here is the applicable rule according to the USA Pickleball Official Rulebook:
Rule #7.E.5
Fault – Serve Hits Receiver or Receiver’s Partner. When a served ball contacts the receiver or receiver’s partner or anything that is worn or carried by either, before landing, it is a fault against the receiver.
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.
Related Articles
For more information on Shot Fundamentals, check out the articles below:
- 15 Pickleball Shots to Add to your Arsenal
- How to Hit a Pickleball Harder
- Pickleball Erne Shot
- The Pickleball Around-the-Post Shot
For information on all of the Pickleball Shots, check out our complete guide.
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.
Yes I have been Nasty Nelsoned during indoor play – it was all in fun- and we have been laughing ever since it happened.
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.”
Yup. In rec play, common-sense needs to prevail.
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.
That is fantastic, Jeff! Thanks so much for sharing that experience with “Big Mike.” I love it!
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?
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.
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.