What Is a "Nasty Nelson"?
Have you heard of the phrase "Nasty Nelson" on the pickleball courts? If not, a "Nasty Nelson" is certainly a shot to learn about. Although, be warned, that a Nasty Nelson can spark some controversy on the pickleball courts.
A Nasty Nelson is a shot on the pickleball courts where the server serves the pickleball to intentionally hit the opposing player nearest to the pickleball net (in other words, the opposing player that is not receiving the serve). If the served pickleball strikes the opposing player before it bounces, then the receiving team commits a fault, and the serving team wins the point. A Nasty Nelson is easiest to successfully execute if the opposing player nearest the pickleball net is close to the centerline of the pickleball court and/or not paying attention to the server.
This shot - Nasty Nelson - is named after Tim “The Puppet Master” Nelson. Tim Nelson is a top pickleball player that is known for his controversial style of play, which includes Nasty Nelsons (of course) and a puppeteer hand motion to celebrate getting the better of his opponents on any given shot.
To avoid being the victim of a Nasty Nelson, always pay attention and be ready as the receiving team player closest to the pickleball net. If you happen to be caught off guard one day, shake it off - it happens to the best of us.
Have you ever hit a Nasty Nelson to win a point? Or, been the victim of a Nasty Nelson? Share with us in the comments below!
Also, to learn more on pickleball serving rules, check out Pickler's blog - Pickleball Serving Rules - Master the Start of Every Pickleball Rally!
Updated as of January 18, 2021
10 Responses
Patti Suttle
Integrity of Pickle Ball? Not much if Nasty Nelson’s are part of the game.
Especially since the serve would have been out! It really is barbaric and makes no sense….it’s an embarrassment to the game.
Scott Merritt
I’ve done it 3 times, twice to same guy. It’s been tried on me twice, unsuccessfully, both times in rec play by a top senior pro. I’m guessing his team was up big on both occasions.
David Frahm
Brian – On the serve only, if a player is standing out of the court and is hit I don’t believe it is a fault by that player.
Brian
Yes Irv, you are missing something. If one is hit by the ball anytime any place it is a fault on YOU. Even if you are standing way off the court in the corner. So you certainly have no immunity standing on the playing court ANYWHERE ANYTIME. The sever gets the point and does NOT lose the serve. Any other way anyone then could stop the ball with any part of their body anytime and get a point for it. That can’t be right. The only part of your body that can be hit without penalty is your paddle hand from the wrist down and then it still has to go back over and into the opponents court for you to score.
wayne M myhre
all is fair in love and pickleball
Carlos
Nasty Nelson happens!
Skip Sorich
I have performed a Nasty Nelson and also had one hit on me. Lots of laughs.
ss
IRV, Server doesn’t lose the point, the receiving team is at fault.
Irv
Why would you want to do that. You loose the serve or the point. Doesn’t make any sense. Am I missing something?
Ernie Medina, Jr
Oh I’ve been on both the receiving and giving end of a Nasty Nelson. I only do it to a select few friends who have done it to me first (payback) or are heavy trash talkers. It’s all I’m good fun, of course, and I’ve never done it in tournament play.
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