What Is the Two Bounce Rule in Pickleball? The Ins and Outs of the Two Bounce Rule

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America. Part of pickleball’s popularity comes from its easy to learn rules that make it accessible for players of all ages and skill levels.

However, understanding and properly executing the two bounce rule is essential for playing correct and competitive pickleball. This foundational rule drastically impacts gameplay strategy and dynamics. Let’s analyze why the two bounce rule was created, how it works, its strategic implications, and debate whether modifications should be made.

A Brief History of Pickleball and the Birth of the Two Bounce Rule

Pickleball traces its origins back to 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Washington. That summer, Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell sought to entertain their bored children. They cobbled together a makeshift badminton court and used ping pong paddles to invent a new game.

To slow down the pace of play for their family, Pritchard and Bell instituted a rule requiring the ball to bounce once on each side before volleys could be hit. And thus, the foundational two bounce rule of pickleball was born. This modification allowed their families to play together despite varying ages and athletic abilities.

Over 50 years later, the two bounce rule remains a core component of pickleball. Let’s break down exactly how it works and its tactical implications.

What Is the Two Bounce Rule in Pickleball?

The two bounce rule mandates that the ball must bounce once on each side of the net before players are permitted to hit a volley shot.

This applies to both the serve and return of serve. On the serve, the ball must land inside the service court and bounce before the receiving team can volley it. On the return, the ball must bounce inside the receiving team’s court before they volley it back.

The two bounce rule substantially slows down the speed of play compared to similar racquet sports like tennis. It gifts players additional reaction time both on the serve return and in subsequent rallies.

When Can Players Violate the Two Bounce Rule?

While nearly all rallies begin with two bounces, certain scenarios allow volleys on the first bounce:

Let Serves: If a serve lands outside the service court but is still playable.
Dink Shots: Gentle underhand shots landing close to the net.
Balls Blocked by Net: If a ball bounces back into the player’s court after hitting the net.
Advanced Tournament Play: Skilled players may violate the rule with quick volleys to shorten points, although this remains uncommon even at high levels.

Understanding these exceptions is key to both playing by the rules and strategically bending them when permitted.

What Are the Benefits of the Two Bounce Rule in Pickleball?

The two bounce rule may seem overly strict at first. However, it provides several advantages that have made pickleball one of the most popular lifetime sports.

Slows pace of play – More time to react and set feet and shoulders on both serve return and rallies.
Accessible for all ages – Levels playing field regardless of athleticism and reflexes.
Prioritizes strategy over reflexes – Winning is less about fast reactions and more about shot selection and placement.
Encourages longer rallies – Point play out over multiple shots rather than quick volleys. More exciting to play and watch!
Reduces serve dominance – Limits aces and service winners, as the receiver has time to return effectively.

Beginner and intermediate players tend to follow the two bounce rule exactly. At advanced levels, it may be strategically violated but still drastically impacts the style of play.

How Does the Two Bounce Rule Affect Pickleball Strategy?

The two bounce rule encourages a more thoughtful, strategic style of play focused on shot placement rather than fast reflexes. Here are some of the tactical implications:

Servicers aim for deep placement – Forcing opponent back to increase likelihood of bouncing twice. Drop shots are less effective.
Returning deep is advisable – Allows time to approach the non-volley zone for following shots.
Dinking at the net is critical – Dropping shots close to net pressures opponents and limits their options.
Mixed up pacing is effective – Slow balls dragged deep, followed by quick volleys when permitted.
Defense and consistency rewarded – Players can retrieve wide balls by having time to get in position.

Mastering both patience on two bounce rallies and opportunistic volley striking maximizes your competitive edge.

Should Modifications Be Made to the Two Bounce Rule?

Given its central role, debate continues around potential modifications to the two bounce rule, especially at upper competitive levels.

Arguments for Preserving It

Maintains accessibility for recreational and amateur players of all ages.
Distinguishes pickleball from other similar racquet sports.
Promotes rallying, long points, and strategic play.

Arguments for Modification

Could increase excitement at professional tournaments.
Allows greater showcasing of athleticism and reflex skill.
Brings rules closer in line with other racquet sports as popularity grows.

Despite lively discussion, most experts advocate keeping the two bounce foundation intact even as pickleball evolves. Minor tweaks could be introduced in pro divisions to enable more volleying while preserving the rule for amateur play.

Conclusion

The two bounce rule represents a core principle of pickleball since its invention that crucially shapes gameplay and strategy. By requiring patience and rewarding consistency, it opens up pickleball to participants of all backgrounds and abilities.

Strict adherence teaches beginners proper fundamentals while advanced intricacies emerge at higher levels of play. Efforts to drastically modify or remove this foundational rule could negatively impact the sport’s continued growth.

Love it or hate it, the two bounce rule is interwoven into the DNA of pickleball.

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