Two-Bounce Rule
The serve and the return must each bounce once before either team can volley.
The two-bounce rule (also called the double-bounce rule) states that the serve and the return of serve must each bounce once before being played. After those two bounces, either team can volley or play the ball off the bounce.
In practice: the server hits the ball, it bounces on the receiver's side (bounce 1). The receiver returns it, and it bounces on the server's side (bounce 2). After that, all bets are off — anyone can volley.
Why Does This Rule Exist?
Without the two-bounce rule, the serving team could rush the net immediately after serving and dominate with volleys — just like in tennis's serve-and-volley style. The rule eliminates this advantage by forcing both teams to play a groundstroke before anyone can volley.
It also makes the return of serve more strategic. The receiver doesn't have to worry about the server charging the net, so they can hit a deep, deliberate return. And the serving team has to be patient — they can't volley the return, which is why the third shot drop is so important.
Common Mistakes
Watch Out For
- The server's partner volleying the return — this is a fault because the return hasn't bounced yet
- The receiver rushing the net and volleying the third shot — legal only if the third shot has already been hit (the rule only covers the first two shots)
- Confusing “two bounces” with “the ball can bounce twice” — it means one bounce per side on the first two shots, not two bounces on the same side
Pro Tip
As the returning team, use the two-bounce rule to your advantage: hit a deep return and immediately move to the kitchen line. The serving team can't volley your return, so you have plenty of time to take the net position.
Related Terms
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