I’ll admit it—I used to charge the net like I was in a tennis match… only to hear “FAULT!” from across the court. Oof. That’s when I learned about the pickleball double bounce rule—the hard way.
Quick version of the rule?
Each team must let the ball bounce once before hitting it. That means:
- Serve – must bounce once on the returner’s side.
- Return – must bounce once on the server’s side.
Only after those two bounces can players start volleying (hitting without letting it bounce).
It’s literally just two bounces—not a thousand—so no, your ball doesn’t need to bounce like it’s auditioning for Cirque du Soleil. 😄
At first, I forgot this rule constantly (and gave my opponents free points 😅). But once it clicked, my indoor game leveled up big time—and yours will too.
Let’s dive into some tips, common mistakes, and fun drills to master it fast!
What Exactly Is the Double Bounce Rule?
Alright, so let’s keep it simple. The Double Bounce Rule is all about making sure the first two shots after the serve get a fair chance to bounce on each side of the court before anyone can volley (hit it out of the air).
It’s called the Double Bounce Rule because—guess what?—the ball has to bounce twice, once on each side.
So, here’s how it works:
- The ball is served.
- The receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it.
- The serving team then has to let the ball bounce once before hitting it back.
After that? Go nuts! Volley, smash, dink—whatever your heart desires. Just remember, no volleys before those first two bounces.
And to make it super easy to remember, I like to think: “Bounce once, bounce twice, THEN attack!” If you’re still getting used to how indoor gameplay works, check out this quick guide to common indoor court rules—it ties everything together nicely.
Example: The Double Bounce Rule in Action
Imagine you’re playing a casual doubles game of indoor pickleball with your friends. You and your partner, Team A, are up against Team B.
The Serve:
You’re on Team A, and you’re serving the ball from the right side of the court. You hit the ball with a nice underhand stroke, and it goes diagonally across the net to Team B’s court, landing near their baseline.
First Bounce:
One of the players on Team B, standing near the baseline, watches the ball carefully and lets it bounce once (this is the first required bounce). After it bounces, they return the ball back to your side with a strong shot.
Second Bounce:
Now, the ball is flying back to your side of the court. You can’t rush in and hit it out of the air yet! You and your partner must allow the ball to bounce once before you can hit it back (this is the second required bounce).
The ball lands near your baseline and takes a quick bounce on the smooth indoor surface.
After the Two Bounces:
Once that second bounce happens, the Double Bounce Rule has been satisfied. Now, you’re free to volley! You step up, hit the ball out of the air with a smooth forehand, and the rally is on! Both teams can now hit volleys (without waiting for the ball to bounce) or let it bounce first—whatever feels right for the moment.
Game Continues:
The point continues with a great back-and-forth rally. You and your partner are communicating well, keeping the ball in play. Team B makes a mistake, sending the ball into the net, and your team scores the point. Nice!
Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Double Bounce Rule
While the Double Bounce Rule is the same indoors and outdoors, the way the ball bounces is different. Indoor courts (like gym floors) are slicker, making the ball bounce faster and lower, so you’ll need quicker reactions. Outdoor courts (like concrete) often create higher, slower bounces, giving you more time to react.
Indoors, stay sharp and give yourself extra space—those fast bounces can catch you off guard if you’re too close to the net!
Why Does the Double Bounce Rule Exist (And Why You’ll Come to Love It)?
The Double Bounce Rule isn’t just about slowing the game down—it’s about making pickleball more strategic and fun! Without it, points would end too quickly with rushed smashes right after the serve.
The rule gives both teams time to set up their shots, leading to longer rallies, more exciting back-and-forth play, and the chance to show off your dinks and smashes. Once you get used to it, you’ll see how it keeps the game balanced and enjoyable!
Avoid These Indoor Pickleball Double Bounce Rule Mistakes
Now that you’re getting the hang of it, let’s talk about some common mistakes people (including myself!) make when playing indoors with the Double Bounce Rule.
- Rushing to the Net Too Soon
We’ve all been there—rushing to the net, thinking you’ve got the perfect shot, only to realize the ball hasn’t bounced on your side yet. Remember, patience is key! Indoors, where the game moves faster, it’s even more tempting to rush in. But stay calm and give that second bounce a chance to happen. - Standing Too Close Indoors
Indoor courts can feel smaller, and that sometimes makes players want to stand closer to the action. Don’t do it! The faster bounces indoors mean you need a bit more space to react. Stand a few steps behind the baseline when receiving serves. Trust me, you’ll thank me later. - Partner Miscommunication in Doubles
If you’re playing doubles, communication is everything! One of you needs to hang back to handle that second bounce. If both of you rush the net too soon, you’re breaking the rule and likely losing the rally. So, talk to each other. A quick “I got it!” or “Let it bounce!” can save the day.
Tips for Mastering the Double Bounce Rule
Now, let’s dive into some quick tips that will help you get comfortable with the Double Bounce Rule when playing indoors.
Tip 1: Stay Back and Ready
When you’re receiving a serve, start a few feet behind the baseline. This gives you time to react to the faster bounces on an indoor court. You’ll be less likely to jump the gun and rush the net too soon.
Tip 2: Watch That Second Bounce Like a Hawk
Keep your eyes locked on that second bounce. I know it’s tempting to charge the net right away, but trust me—if you focus on watching the ball bounce on your side first, you’ll set yourself up for more control (and fewer faults!).
Tip 3: Communicate in Doubles
Talk to your partner! Indoors, the game moves quickly, so a quick shout like “Stay back!” or “Bounce first!” can make all the difference. This way, you won’t both rush forward and forget about that second bounce.
Fun Drills to Nail the Double Bounce Rule
Ready to practice? Here are a couple of easy and fun drills that’ll help you master the Double Bounce Rule for your next indoor pickleball game.
Drill 1: The “Bounce and Volley” Game
Grab a friend and practice this drill where you focus on letting the ball bounce twice before hitting any volleys. Turn it into a game by giving yourself a point every time you follow the rule. It’s a fun way to train your brain to wait for that second bounce.
Drill 2: “Bounce Reaction Challenge”
This one’s all about reflexes. Have a partner serve the ball deep and fast—your job is to let the ball bounce once before returning it. It’s perfect for getting used to those fast indoor bounces while keeping your eye on the ball.
Ready to Master the Double Bounce Rule?
Now that we’ve broken down the Double Bounce Rule, you’ve got everything you need to hit the indoor court with confidence. Give yourself space, watch those bounces, and enjoy the game—it’s all about having fun, staying sharp, and keeping those rallies going!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your paddle, call a friend, and try out those tips. I’d love to hear how your indoor game goes—drop a comment below and let’s talk pickleball!
Top 10 FAQs: The Double Bounce Rule in Pickleball
When does the Double Bounce Rule start and end?
It starts with the serve and ends after the ball has bounced once on each side.
Can I hit the ball out of the air after the return?
Only after both the serve and return have bounced—then you can volley.
What happens if I volley before the second bounce?
It’s a fault, and your opponent gets the point or the serve.
Why is the Double Bounce Rule important?
It slows down the game just enough to make rallies longer and more fun!
How can I remember to wait for the second bounce?
Practice counting aloud—“One… Two… GO!”—until it becomes second nature.
Is the rule different in singles vs. doubles?
Nope! The Double Bounce Rule is the same in both formats.
What’s a good drill to practice the Double Bounce Rule?
Try “Serve–Return–Drop” drills: serve, return with a bounce, then a soft third shot.
What’s the most common mistake with this rule?
Rushing the net too early and volleying before the second bounce. Don’t do it! 😅
