Just the name itself can stir up quite some chaos on the pickleball court. A Nasty Nelson is the kind of shot that can flip the momentum of a game, leaving opponents flustered and teammates grinning at the well-executed disruption. But what exactly is a Nasty Nelson, and why does it carry such a mischievous reputation?

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Just ask Mariana Paredes, who famously pulled off a Nasty Nelson at 10-4 match point to clinch a gold medal at the US Open. In her post-match interview with The Dink, she said, “I saw an opportunity and took it. Nothing wrong with that!” Bold? Definitely. Controversial? Maybe. But moments like that are exactly why the Nasty Nelson continues to spark debate on pickleball courts everywhere.

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The rudest shot in pickleball?

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In pickleball, the serve is your first chance to set the tone, control the pace, and occasionally catch your opponents off guard. A Nasty Nelson does exactly that—it’s a serve aimed intentionally at the non-receiving partner, trying to hit them before the ball bounces. If it hits the non-receiver player, it results in an immediate fault on the receiving team—one of the few ways to score outright off a serve. 

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It’s not illegal under the official pickleball rules, but it’s definitely unconventional—and depending on who you ask, maybe even a little unsportsmanlike. If you’re chasing better pickleball ratings, a well-timed Nasty Nelson might score you a point… but it could also cost you a friend.

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When to execute a Nasty Nelson?

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Some players use the Nasty Nelson strategically, especially in official pickleball tournaments where every point counts. If the opposing partner isn’t paying attention or stands too close to the kitchen, they’re a prime target. Others argue that it goes against the spirit of the game, preferring serves that challenge the receiver through placement and spin rather than deception.

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Why is it called Nasty Nelson? 

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Tim “The Puppet Master” Nelson is the guy behind the shot everyone loves to argue about—the Nasty Nelson. He’s a top-level pickleball player known for his bold (and sometimes sneaky) style of play. The shot was named after him for a reason—he used it often, and with zero shame. He’s also famous for doing a little puppeteer hand motion after pulling it off, just to rub it in a bit more.

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Should you use it?

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Like any shot in pickleball—whether it’s a third shot drop, ATP, or Erne—the Nasty Nelson is a tool. Whether you use it or avoid it depends on your style of play.

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One thing’s for sure: if you're serious about climbing the pickleball ratings ladder or competing in Minor League Pickleball events, understanding shots like this gives you an edge—even if it’s just to defend yourself against the opponent trying to pull one over on you.

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So next time you’re on the court, stay alert during the serve. You never know when a little bit of “nasty” might be headed your way.

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