If you’re new to pickleball or just trying to sharpen your skills, one of the most common questions is: When do I have to let the pickleball bounce? Knowing the answer can improve your game, help you avoid faults, and keep your rallies strong and legal.
Let’s break it down in simple terms and cover the key moments when you must let the ball bounce during a pickleball game.
1. The Double Bounce Rule: Serve and Return Must Bounce
The double bounce rule is one of the most important foundational rules in pickleball. Here’s how it works:
- First bounce: When the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce once before returning it.
- Second bounce: Then, the serving team must also let it bounce once before hitting it back.
Only after these two bounces can either team begin volleying (hitting the ball in the air without a bounce).
🚫 Common Mistake:
Trying to volley the return of serve. That’s a fault!
Why this matters:
This rule encourages longer rallies and discourages players from rushing the net too early. It’s part of what makes pickleball accessible and strategic.
2. Hitting While Standing in the Kitchen (or on the Kitchen Line)? You Must Let It Bounce First
The kitchen, also known as the non-volley zone (NVZ), is the 7-foot area on both sides of the net. You’re not allowed to volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in this zone or even outside of the kitchen if your momentum takes you into it afterwards.
Additionally related to our bounce question:
If you can’t volley the ball without being in the kitchen or falling into the kitchen after volleying it, then you must let it bounce before hitting it. No exceptions.
Examples:
- Your opponent hits a soft dink that you can’t reach out of the air without stepping or falling into the kitchen? Let it bounce before your shot.
- You are running towards the kitchen fast and volley the ball outside of the kitchen but continue running/falling into the kitchen afterwards. That’s a fault.
Fun tip: You can be to the SIDE of the kitchen and hit the ball out of the air. This is considered “outside of the kitchen” and is known as an Erne.
Why this matters:
This rule prevents overly aggressive net play and keeps the game balanced and safe.
Quick Recap: When You Have to Let the Pickleball Bounce
| Situation | Do You Have to Let It Bounce? |
|---|---|
| 1st shot of point (Serve) | ✅ Yes |
| 2nd shot of point (Return of serve) | ✅ Yes |
| You are in or on Kitchen line | ✅ Yes |
| Ball lands elsewhere (mid-court, baseline) | ❌ No (unless you want to) |
Other Times You May Want to Let It Bounce
Even when not required by the rules, letting the ball bounce can sometimes be a smart move:
- When you’re defending against a powerful shot.
- To give yourself more time to position.
- To execute a soft third-shot drop more effectively.
Final Thoughts: Mastering the Bounce for Better Pickleball
Understanding when you must let the pickleball bounce is a game-changer—literally. Between the double bounce rule and the non-volley zone (kitchen) rule, you’ll need to keep your eye on where the ball lands and where your feet are.
Whether you’re just getting started or coaching others, mastering these bouncing rules will help you avoid avoidable faults and play smarter points.
👉 Looking to level up your game with the right gear? Check out my custom paddle, The Brute Pickleball Paddle — designed for power, precision, and control.
FAQs: Pickleball Bounce Rules
Q: Can I hit a ball while standing in the kitchen without it bouncing first?
A: No, that’s a fault. While standing in the non-volley zone, the ball must bounce before you hit it.
Q: Can I hit a volley if I’m standing behind the kitchen line?
A: Yes, as long as you don’t step into the kitchen (or touch the line) during or after the volley.
Q: Do both the serve and return have to bounce?
A: Yes! That’s the double bounce rule. After that, volleys are allowed.
Q: Is the Kitchen Line in or out of the Kitchen?
A: In! The Kitchen line counts as being inside the Kitchen. So standing on this line would be a fault if volleying the ball out of the air.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.