If you’re new to pickleball, there’s no doubt you’ve heard players mention the two-bounce rule. The two-bounce rule in pickleball means each team must let the ball bounce once on each side of the court before any player is allowed to hit the ball out of the air.
Players might also refer to this as the double-bounce rule; however, that is technically a different rule. We’ll break it down below.
The two-bounce rule applies to both singles and doubles. It prevents players from gaining an unfair advantage by volleying too early. Understanding this rule will help you avoid faults.
What is the Two Bounce Rule?
- The receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning the serve
- The serving team must also let the ball bounce once before hitting it out of the air
- After the ball has bounced once on each side, players can volley or play the ball off a bounce
If you’re the serving team, don’t creep up after the serve. Wait to let the ball bounce. Think of it as giving each team a chance to set up their shot before speeding up the game with fast volleys.
Why the Two Bounce Rule Exists
- Prevents serve-and-volley domination
- Extends rallies
- Gives players a fair chance to react to serves
How It Works in a Game
- Server hits the ball diagonally over the net into the receiver’s service box → first bounce
- Receiver returns the ball back into the server’s court
- Server must let the ball bounce on their side before hitting the ball out of the air → second bounce
- After the second bounce, the rally continues with whatever shot a player chooses
Example
- Serve → bounce
- Return → bounce
- Third shot → drop, volley, or groundstroke
Common Mistakes
- The serving team hits the ball out of the air before the second bounce → results in a fault
- The returning team doesn’t begin to move up after returning the first shot
Tips for Beginners
- Always remember: two bounces before volleys
- Return and Run
- Serve and Stay
What is the Difference Between the Two Bounce and the Double Bounce Rule?
While the terms two-bounce and double-bounce are sometimes used interchangeably by players, there is a difference between the two according to the official rules from USA Pickleball.
Two-Bounce Rule
The two-bounce rule happens at the beginning of every game. As explained above, the two-bounce rule makes sure the ball bounces once on each side of the court before any player can hit the ball out of the air.
Double-Bounce Rule
The double-bounce rule applies any time a ball is hit over the net. The ball can bounce only once on the same side of the court. The ball can never bounce twice on your side of the court before you hit it. A hit after a double bounce is considered a fault.
Learn More About Pickleball Rules
The two-bounce rule, although significant, is just one of many pickleball rules. For the full guide, including serving, scoring, kitchen rules, and faults, visit: Pickleball Rules.
FAQs
What is the pickleball two bounce rule?
Each team must let the ball bounce once on each side of the court before any player is allowed to hit the ball out of the air.
What does the double bounce rule mean in pickleball?
The ball can bounce only one time on the same side of the court before being hit.
Why is there a two bounce rule in pickleball?
The rule prevents serve-and-volley domination. It also allows the rally to be extended.
Can you volley a serve in pickleball?
No, the serve must bounce before the receiving team can hit it.
About Teresa
Teresa is the idea-maker behind PickleballMAX. Teresa joins Todd to manage and market PickleballMAX. She creates pickleball content and assists with pickleball tournaments. In 2023, she wrote a pickleball devotional book titled Pickleball Is [Not] Life.
