Understand the double-bounce rule

The double-bounce rule (also called the two-bounce rule) is one of pickleball's most fundamental rules. After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce before returning it. Then the serving team must also let the return bounce before hitting it.

Why It Matters

• Eliminates serve-and-volley advantages that dominate tennis
• Extends rallies and makes the game more accessible
• After both bounces have occurred, either team may volley or play off the bounce

Tips

• Violating this rule is an automatic fault
• Think of it as "bounce, bounce, then anything goes"
• This rule is the single biggest reason pickleball rallies last longer than tennis rallies