The double-bounce or two-bounce rule is a key part of a pickleball game. It helps to keep things moving and makes sure that all players are treated fairly.
The double-bounce rule states that after a serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce, and when returned, the serving team must let the ball bounce – hence, two bounces.
Pickleball Double Bounce Rule – How Does It Work?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that has been around for a while, but it’s only in recent years that it has started to gain popularity.
The game is played on a badminton-sized court with a net slightly lower than a tennis net.
The game can be played as singles or doubles, and the game’s object is to hit the ball over the net and into your opponent’s court.
The ball can be hit off of the ground or after it has bounced once.
The Double Bounce Rules
The double bounce basic rule states that the ball must be allowed to bounce on both the serving and receiving sides of the court after the serve. After that, the ball can be hit on the volley and does not need to bounce before a hit.
In essence, if there is a legal serve, the receiving team must wait until the ball bounces on their side of the court before returning it, and if they do return it, the serving team must do the same, waiting for the ball to bounce before it is hit.
Only one serve attempt is allowed.
This rule stops the serve and volley advantage and allows for both teams to adjust to the play before the point is won.
The serve and volley advantage is when one team serves the ball and the other team volleys it back quickly.
Why Is The Double Bounce Rule Pickleball In Place?
The double bounce rule extends rallies and makes the game more strategic.
In simple words, the double bounce rule is in place to organically extend the game. If players were allowed to hit the ball before it bounced, the game would be over quickly.
The double bounce rule also ensures that all players are treated fairly.
If one player were allowed to hit the ball before it had bounced, they would have a significant advantage over their opponents.
Making players wait to hit the ball until it has bounced twice gives players more time to set up shots and makes the game more challenging.
How Is The Double Bounce Rule Enforced?
The players themselves enforce the double bounce rule. If a player breaks the rule, their opponents can call a fault, and they will lose the point.
It is important to remember that the double bounce rule only applies after serves.
Once the ball has bounced once on each side, players can volley it at any time.
How Does The Double Bounce Rule Affect The Game?
The double-bounce rule affects the game in several ways.
Firstly, it makes the game more strategic as players must wait for the ball to bounce before hitting it.
This gives players more time to set up their shots and makes the game more challenging.
Secondly, it makes the game more exciting as players must be more alert and react quickly to keep the ball in play.
This increases the game’s pace and makes it more thrilling to watch.
When Was The Double Bounce Rule Introduced?
The double bounce rule was introduced when the game was created in 1965. It has been part of the game ever since.
The game’s founder, Joe Pickle, invented the double bounce rule. He designed the rule to make the game more strategic and to extend rallies.
Singles Game – Returner Side Tips
The best way to remember this rule is to stand behind the baseline when you expect the serve.
You will be less tempted to take the ball before it bounces.
Instead, you can wait for the ball to bounce and then return it.
Doubles Game Tips
In doubles games, both players on the serving team must start behind the baseline.
This is because the server’s partner is more likely to get caught by the double bounce rule.
The receiver’s partner can start up at the non-volley zone line.
Knowing When To Use The Double Bounce Rule
The double bounce rule only applies to serves. Once the ball has bounced on each side of the net, you can volley the ball.
This means you should only use the double bounce straight after serving.
Of course, you need to be aware of the “no-volley zone.” This zone extends for 7 feet on either side of the net. While you can hit a volley after the ball has completed two bounces, you still cannot play a volley inside the no-volley zone.
Remember, the double bounce rule is in place to make the game more strategic and to extend rallies. After the first two turns, there is no need to wait for the ball to bounce twice.
What Is The “Two Bounce Rule?”
The “Double Bounce Rule” and the “Two Bounce Rule” are the same terms. This rule was officially changed in the USA Pickleball Association rules manual in 2018.
Can The Ball Bounce More Than Once?
No, the ball can only bounce once before it must be hit. If the ball bounces more than once, it is considered a point for the other team.
It is the same rule for both singles and doubles games.
Is There Any Other Sport That Has A Double-Bounce Rule?
The double bounce rule also applies to the sport of pop tennis, also known as Classic Pop Tennis.
This means that pickleball is not the only sport with a double bounce rule – classic pop tennis has the same rule!
Final Thoughts
The double-bounce rule is an important part of pickleball. It makes the game more strategic and exciting to watch.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you comply with the rule and extend rallies to improve your game.
