❓ RULE OF THE WEEK
4 MIN READ
4 MIN READ
The Double Bounce Rule —
The double bounce rule is one of the most misunderstood rules in pickleball. Players either forget it exists, apply it incorrectly, or confuse it with another rule entirely. Here is a clear, definitive explanation. USA Pickleball’s official rulebook now uses “two-bounce rule” to reduce confusion — some players interpreted “double bounce” as the ball bouncing twice, which is not what the rule means. Both names are used in Phnom Penh sessions. They mean exactly the same thing.
BOUNCE
THE RULE — ONE SENTENCE
Both teams must let the ball bounce once each before volleying at the start of every rally.
The serve must bounce before the receiving team returns it. The return of serve must bounce before the serving team hits it. After those two bounces — volleys are permitted.
Step-by-Step: How It Plays Out Every Rally
1
Server serves the ball cross-court
Ball travels diagonally into the service box.
2
Receiving team must let it bounce — Bounce 1
Volleying the serve is an immediate fault. This is where most beginners go wrong.
3
Receiving team returns the serve
Ball goes back over the net to the serving team.
4
Serving team must let it bounce — Bounce 2
The serving team cannot volley the return of serve either.
✓
Rule complete — volleys now allowed for both teams
From the third shot onward, both teams can volley freely — subject to the kitchen zone rule.
Quick Reference Table
Shot
Must it bounce?
Serve (received by receiving team)
✅ Yes — Bounce 1
Return of serve (received by serving team)
✅ Yes — Bounce 2
Third shot and beyond
❌ No — volley allowed
Any shot in the kitchen zone
Volley = fault regardless of bounce rule
NOTE ON NAMING
LEARN ALL THE RULES
Full pickleball rules for Cambodia players
