Yes, the ball must bounce in pickleball before players can hit it during the serve and the return of serve. It means that when you serve, the ball has to land in the opponent’s service area and then bounce once before they can strike it back. Similarly, after receiving the serve, players are required to let the ball bounce once before they can hit it. This rule is part of what makes pickleball unique and helps to create a more strategic game.
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Serving Rules:
- No Bounce on Serve: The ball must be hit out of the air during a traditional volley serve without bouncing.
- Drop Serve: In the drop serve, introduced in 2021, the ball is allowed to bounce once before being struck.
The Double-Bounce Rule:
A unique feature of pickleball is the double-bounce rule:
- First Bounce: After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning it.
- Second Bounce: The serving team must let the ball bounce once before hitting it.
- After Two Bounces: Once the ball has bounced once on each side, players can volley the ball (hit it out of the air) or let it bounce.
Volleys:
- Volleying: After the double-bounce rule is satisfied, players can volley the ball, except in the non-volley zone (the kitchen).
- Kitchen Rules: Players cannot step into the kitchen to hit a volley. They must stay outside this zone to avoid faults.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the rules about whether the ball must bounce in pickleball can vary depending on the situation. Understanding these rules helps players make better decisions during a game. Remember, when serving, the ball must bounce once before it’s hit back. However, after the serve, players can choose to hit it out of the air or let it bounce. So next time you play, follow these rules and enjoy the game!
