Two-bounce rule

The two bounce rule, sometimes called the double bounce rule, requires that the return of serve and the serving team's next shot, the third shot, each bounce once before either side is allowed to volley. After those two bounces have happened, either team can choose to volley the ball out of the air or let it bounce again.

This rule is why pickleball has a distinct rhythm compared to tennis or badminton. It stops the serving team from serving and immediately rushing the net to smash a volley, and it stops the returner from doing the same. Both sides are forced to let the ball bounce twice, which slows the start of the point and gives everyone a fair chance to get into position near the kitchen line.

A frequent mistake among beginners is volleying the return of serve out of the air before it bounces, which is an automatic fault. Another is forgetting that only the first two shots of a rally are affected. Once the two bounces have happened, normal volleying rules, including the kitchen restriction, apply for the rest of the point.