Why do you have to let the ball bounce in pickleball?
B · Beginner · Serving and rallies · 4 of 5After the serve, the receiver must let the ball bounce before hitting it, and the serving side must then let the return bounce before hitting it. After those two bounces, players may volley, though never from the non-volley zone. A ball that bounces twice on one side is a fault, except for wheelchair and eligible adaptive players.
How it works
- First bounce: receiver's side.
- Second bounce: server's side.
- Then: volleys allowed.
- Not from: the non-volley zone.
- Breach: fault.
- Double bounce: fault.
- Wheelchair: two bounces allowed.
- Adaptive: if declared.
The glossary has the two-bounce rule, the double bounce, the volley, the rally, the fault and the wheelchair play.
Tricky cases
Can the receiver volley the serve?
No.
Can the serving team volley the return?
No. It must bounce first.
After two bounces, can players volley anywhere?
Outside the non-volley zone.
Is this the same as the double bounce fault?
No. That is two bounces on one side.
Why the rule exists
It stops the serving side rushing the net, which balances serving and receiving.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Serve | Must bounce | L 10.A |
| Return | Must bounce | L 10.A |
| Wheelchair | Two bounces | L 25.A |
From the rule book
USA Pickleball, Official Rulebook (2026), Rules 10 and 25. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: USA Pickleball Official Rulebook 2026.