What is the double bounce rule in pickleball? It’s one of the most misunderstood concepts in the game, mainly because people often confuse it with the two-bounce rule. While both involve the ball bouncing, they mean two completely different things in terms of gameplay, strategy, and rules.
The double bounce refers to a fault—when the ball bounces twice on one side before a player hits it. On the other hand, the two-bounce rule is a foundational part of how pickleball is played: It requires the ball to bounce once on each side (after the serve and return) before anyone can hit a volley.
Understanding the difference is more than just learning definitions—it impacts how you play, how you avoid faults, and how you build smarter rallies. If you’re confused by these terms, you’re not alone.
This guide breaks down both rules clearly and explains why getting them right matters more than you might think.
What Is a Double Bounce in Pickleball?
The double bounce rule refers to a situation in which the ball bounces twice on one side before the opponent has a chance to return it. This is considered a fault and results in the immediate end of the rally. To make this clearer: if the ball lands on one side and then bounces again before the player hits it, it’s counted as a double bounce, and they lose their opportunity to return it.
In pickleball, just like in many other racquet sports, a fault ends the point, and this particular violation means the rally is over as soon as it occurs. So, if you were on the receiving end of such a mistake, you win the point.
Rule Reference: This is governed by Rule 7.E in the official pickleball rulebook. It’s a simple yet crucial rule to keep in mind to ensure fair and organized play. Double bounces are not only against the rules in pickleball but are also common violations in other racquet sports like tennis or badminton.
What Is the Two-Bounce Rule in Pickleball
The two-bounce rule in pickleball is often misunderstood, especially by beginners, but it plays a crucial role in keeping the game fair and balanced. Unlike the double bounce (which is a fault), the two-bounce rule refers to a mandatory bounce on each side of the court before players are allowed to volley. Here’s how it works:
- The serve must bounce on the opponent’s side of the court.
- The return shot must bounce on the serving side.
- Only after these two bounces can players start volleying (hitting the ball in the air).
- If anyone volleys before these two bounces happen, it results in a fault.
For Example
Imagine Player A serves the ball to Player B. The ball bounces once on Player B’s side — that’s the first bounce. Player B then returns the shot, and it bounces once on Player A’s side — that’s the second bounce.
Now that the ball has bounced once on each side, both players are free to start volleying. But if Player B had rushed to the net and volleyed the return without letting the serve bounce, it would’ve been a fault, and the point would go to Player A.
Double Bounce vs. Two-Bounce Rule (Clear Comparison)
| Feature | Double Bounce | Two-Bounce Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Ball bounces twice on the same side | Ball must bounce once on each side after the serve |
| Outcome | Considered a fault | A rule that must be followed at the start of each rally |
| Timing | Can happen anytime during the rally | Applies only to the first two shots |
| Effect on Play | Ends the point immediately | Delays volleys until the ball bounces once on each side |
| Purpose | Penalizes delayed returns | Ensures fair and strategic gameplay |
| Rulebook Reference | Section 7.E. | Section 7.A. |
Why the Confusion Between the Two Terms: Two-Bounce or Double Bounce
Before 2018, the rule that we now call the “two-bounce rule” was officially referred to as the double-bounce rule. But here’s the catch: “double bounce” already has a separate meaning in most racquet sports — it means the ball bounced twice on one side, which is a fault. This overlap in terminology caused widespread confusion.
To fix that, the official pickleball rulebook changed the terminology. Now, “double bounce” refers only to the fault (ball bouncing twice on the same side), while the “two-bounce rule” describes the one-bounce-per-side rule at the start of every rally.
Despite the update, many people — even seasoned players — still use “double bounce rule” when they actually mean the two-bounce rule. So, if you hear both terms used interchangeably, just remember: only one is a fault, and the other is a rule that starts every point.
Why the Two-Bounce Rule Exists
The two-bounce rule exists to ensure that every rally in pickleball starts on fair and balanced terms. Without this rule, the serving or receiving team could dominate early with aggressive volleys, making it nearly impossible for less experienced or slower players to keep up.
By requiring the ball to bounce once on each side after the serve, the rule slows the pace of the game during the first few shots, giving both teams an equal opportunity to establish their position and strategy.
This rule also encourages smarter, more thoughtful play. Since volleys aren’t allowed right after the serve, players often use a third shot drop—a soft shot designed to land gently in the kitchen—to reset the rally and prevent fast-paced net attacks. This shift toward strategy rather than speed helps level the playing field, especially in mixed-skill games where raw power could otherwise dominate.
In real gameplay, the impact is clear. Imagine a server delivering a powerful, deep serve. Without the two-bounce rule, the receiving team might immediately return it and rush the net to end the point with a smash.
But with the rule in place, both sides must first allow the ball to bounce, which prevents quick, aggressive finishes and fosters longer, more engaging rallies. This not only makes the game more fun and challenging but also reinforces fair play at all levels.
Can the Second Bounce Be in the Kitchen?
Yes, the second bounce can absolutely land in the kitchen. In fact, it’s quite common. The two-bounce rule only requires the ball to bounce once on each side before players are allowed to volley—it doesn’t restrict where that bounce happens.
So, if the return shot lands in the kitchen, it’s still legal and valid under the rules. However, players must be careful not to volley from inside the kitchen unless the ball has bounced, as that would be a fault.
FAQs
No, once the ball bounces twice on the same side, it results in a fault, and the rally ends. This is what’s referred to as a double bounce in the official rulebook (Rule 7.E). Unlike the two-bounce rule, a double bounce is not strategic—it’s a mistake that leads to a lost point or serve.
Technically, no. Since 2018, the term “double bounce rule” has been officially replaced with “two-bounce rule” to avoid confusion. However, many players—especially those who’ve been around for a while—still use the old term casually.
In pickleball, the ball is only allowed to bounce once on each side during a rally. If it bounces twice on the same side, it results in a fault, and the point ends. However, at the start of a point, the two-bounce rule applies, requiring one bounce on the serve and one on the return before players can hit the ball in the air (volley).
Volleys are only allowed after both the serve and the return have bounced once. If a player volleys the ball before these two bounces occur, it’s a fault. Depending on who committed the error, the opposing team either gains the serve or scores a point.
No, even with a drop serve, the ball is only allowed to bounce once on the opponent’s side. If it bounces twice before being returned, it’s a fault, just like in any other play. The two-bounce rule still applies—once on the return side and once on the server’s side, then volleys are allowed.
It doesn’t change how points are scored, but it ensures fair play by requiring the ball to bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed. This helps balance offense and defense at the start of each rally.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between the double bounce and the two-bounce rule in pickleball is more than just learning the lingo — it’s essential for improving your game and avoiding avoidable faults.
The double bounce refers to a fault when the ball hits the ground twice on one side, ending the rally. On the other hand, the two-bounce rule is a foundational part of every point, requiring one bounce on each side after the serve before players can volley.
These two concepts are often confused, especially by beginners, but knowing how and when each applies makes a huge difference in strategy and court performance. Whether you’re a casual player or just stepping into competitive play, mastering these rules will lead to more consistent rallies, fewer faults, and smarter positioning on the court.