What is the 2 bounce rule in pickleball –  A detailed explanation [Begginers Guide] 

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Pickleball is a fun game for all ages and all like it. Pickleball is a unique blend of table tennis, badminton, and volleyball. But its unique rules distinguish it from other games. It is a rapidly growing game throughout the globe. As we all know it is a paddle game and is played both outdoors and indoors. Here are some basic rules of the pickleball game.  In this blog, our main concern is 2 bounce rules but before forwarding ahead we should look at the following rules. 

Common rules of pickleball

Before digging into the main question of the blog, it’s necessary to check some background, for I am going to let you know some common rules of the pickleball game: 

Rule 1: Court areas

 The court of a pickleball is about 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. It includes both the non-volley and service zones.  A net hung in the center of the court is about 36 inches wide at the end and 34 inches long at the center. 

Rule 2: Equipment  

In Pickleball players mostly use a solid paddle made of wood. The ball is somewhat similar to a wiffleball but is specifically designed for pickleball.

Here you can get the best pickleball paddle:

Here you can get the best pickleball ball:

Rule 3: Serving

The underhand serve must be made. With the server keeping one foot positioned behind the baseline throughout the serve. Both feet must remain behind the baseline until contact with the ball occurs. The serve should be directly diagonally cross-court, ensuring it clears the non-volley zone, commonly referred to as the kitchen.

Rule 4: Scoring 

The serving team scores points, the game is typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least two points. 

Rule 5: Non-volley zone 

The non-volley zone is extended to 7 feet on either of the net which is a restriction point for the players. Players are restricted to hitting the ball in the air while positioned in the non-volley zone, except during the serve. However, players are allowed to step into the non-volley zone once the ball has bounced within that area. 

Rule 6: Faults 

Stepping into the non-volley zone and hitting the ball out of bounds are common faults in Pickleball. 

Rule 7: Switching sides 

In a pickle, all game players switch sides after each game.

What is the 2 bounce rule in pickleball?

After serving the ball, each team has to hit it once on the ground before they can start volleying the ball. It is  2 2-bounce rule in pickleball.  What is the 2 bounce rule is one of the most common questions that arise in every pickleball player. And it is the most basic rule of the pickleball game.  So to understand the rule, continue reading. 

In a pickleball game, it is a rule that before hitting the ball each team must let the ball bounce. So, after the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce before returning it. So the serving team does. Let the ball bounce before hitting it. Once the ball has bounced on both sides of the net, players from either team are free to either hit directly volley (in the air) or play it off the bounce. This rule ensures that both teams have a fair opportunity to make their starter shots during each point. 

Why two-bounce rule in a pickleball game is important?

The 2 bounce rule in pickleball brings a unique dynamic to the game which promotes long rallies compared to ping pong and table tennis where the 2-bounce rule does not apply. The 2 bounce rule prevents the server from charging the net after serving and their partners from doing so in pickleball. This 2-bounce rule helps level the playing field and discourages an immediate aggressive approach after the serve making the game more balanced and allowing both teams a fair chance to engage in longer and strategic rallies. 

The change of wording Double bounce or 2 bounce rule 

In the newest version from 2018, it is known as the 2 bounce rule rather than the “Double bounce rule”  It was changed to avoid confusion with a “double Bounce in pickleball” 

The official rule book of pickleball 

Here I’m providing you the link to the official rule book which explains the 2 bounce rule click the link to know more: 

https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/ifp-official-rules/rules-summary/

Final thoughts about What is the 2 bounce rule in pickleball

The 2 bounce rule in pickleball, officially introduced after the serve, mandates that each team must allow the ball to bounce once before volleying. This fundamental rule is crucial in ensuring fair play and equal opportunities for both sides. The rule prevents immediate net charges after the serve, promoting longer rallies and strategic gameplay. Joe Pritchard and Bill Bell, in 1965, initially discovered pickleball as a means of entertaining their children during the summer. The game has since evolved, gaining popularity and adopting the 2 bounce rule. This rule distinguishes pickleball from ping pong and table tennis, contributing to extended and engaging rallies.

The importance of the 2 bounce rule lies in its ability to level the playing field. By discouraging an aggressive net approach right after the serve, it fosters balance and allows both teams a fair chance to participate in longer more strategic rallies. The change in terminology from “Double bounce rule” to “2 bounce rule” in the 2018 version aimed to eliminate confusion and ensure clarity in the rules.

FAQs for What is the 2 bounce rule in pickleball

What is the 2 bounce rule in pickleball?

The Two-Bounce Rule in pickleball ensures that players cannot volley the ball in the initial two hits following a serve. Upon serving, the receiving team is required to allow the ball to bounce once before returning it. Subsequently, the serving team must let the return bounce once before delivering their shot. Only after this initial exchange, on the third shot, are both teams permitted to engage in volleys.

Is Pickleball the Only Sport with the Two-Bounce Rule?

Pickleball stands out as the sole paddle game under the broader paddle/racket category that incorporates the two-bounce rule, adding an element of excitement and competitiveness to its rallies.

Are the Two-Bounce and Double-Bounce Rule Identical?

Indeed, these terms refer to the same rule in pickleball. The official rule book for pickleball, in 2018, standardized the terminology from “double bounce rule” to “two-bounce rule.”

Hence, the rule remains consistent, regardless of the terminology used.

Does This Allow the Ball to Bounce Twice?

Yes and no. The ball bounces once on each courtside, both on the receiving and serving side, totaling two bounces. However, it’s essential to note that the ball cannot bounce twice on the same side of the court. Doing so would result in a fault, leading to the team that allowed it to lose the rally (point).

Who introduced the 2 bounce rule in pickleball? 

The pickleball game was first discovered by Joe Pritchard and Bill Bell in 1965. They invented it in summer just to entertain their children in long summer days. They created paddle sports and played it in their backyard, a badminton court-sized court.