The Double Bounce Rule in Pickleball: Understanding and Application

Pickleball is a fast-paced, enjoyable game that appeals to players of all ages and skill levels. It has become incredibly popular and fastest-growing in the racquet sports. One of the most crucial rules of the game, is the “double bounce rule,” in pickleball. It’s a clever rule for this paddle sport that can be a little challenging to understand at first.

The double bounce rule in pickleball has been a part of the game since the game’s founders and will be explained in detail in this blog post, along with its importance and its practical applications on the pickleball court. This is another aspect that would differ from what a pickleball player would do versus a tennis player.

First off, the phrase “double bounce rule” was replaced with “two bounce rule” in 2018. The official USA Pickleball Association rule book’s edition now refers to the “Two-Bounce Rule” instead of the “Double Bounce Rule.” However, you may still hear people refer to it as the “double bounce rule” occasionally.

What precisely is the Double Bounce Rule In Pickleball (two bounce rule)?

In the 2023 version of the USA Pickleball Association rulebook, it simply says, “Two-Bounce Rule. After the ball is served, each side must make one groundstroke prior to volleying the ball.” So, it’s a fairly simple rule but very important to the basics of the game.

When the ball is served, both the serving team and the receiving team are required to allow the ball to bounce before returning it, for a total of two bounces. In other words, on the first shot after the serve, each side is required to play a groundstroke. Following the initial groundstrokes, players may use volleys.

This means that the opposing player cannot hit the ball until it has bounced on the receiving player’s side of the court. This rule is in place to keep the game going quickly and to guarantee that both players have an equal opportunity to return the ball.

The two-bounce rule is crucial because it stops players from unfairly gaining an advantage by hitting the ball before it has landed on their side of the court. If players were allowed to volley (hit the ball in mid-air before the bounce) it would drastically alter the game of pickleball.

This makes the two-bounce rule in pickleball one of the fundamental foundations of the game. It eliminates the serve-and-volley advantage and allows for longer, more drawn-out rallies, which increases the game’s excitement and competitiveness for all players.

Please be aware that in accordance with this rule at any competition level, the ball may not bounce twice on either side of the court. When serving or returning the ball, the player is required to abide by this guideline. Before volleying, they must execute one groundstroke, which means they must let the ball bounce before striking it with their racquet.

You can utilize this rule to your advantage on the pickleball court and improve your game by fully grasping and mastering it.

How to Make the Double Bounce Rule in Pickleball Work for You (Two Bounce Rule)

One of the best ways to benefit from this rule is to stand with your back to the net when receiving your opponent’s serve. If you can quickly hit the ball once it has bounced onto your side of the court, your opponent will have less time to react.

Another strategy is to go for the deep corners of the court while returning your opponent’s shots. Because it will be more difficult for them to reach the ball before it has bounced twice, you will have more time to be ready for your next stroke.

The pickleball double bounce rule or two bounce rule in pickleball is a fundamental rule that ensures a fair and rapid game. By understanding and mastering this guideline, you can develop as a player and advance in your game. The next time you’re on the pickleball court, use the two-bounce rule by keeping it in mind.

Makes the Game Better

The double bounce rule in pickleball or officially, the two bounce rule in pickleball makes it a much better game. The game can be fast-paced at any rate but the two-bounce rule is a clever little rule that helps makes pickleball one of the best paddle sports in the world