SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pb-double-bounce-fault

How many times may the ball bounce on your side before you must hit it?

Once. A second bounce is a fault.

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  1. Once ✔
  2. Twice
  3. As many as you need

Why: You must return the ball before it bounces a second time on your side. If it bounces twice, you lose the rally.

Huh, didn't know that: Wheelchair players get a special allowance of two bounces.

The dad joke
The ball bounced twice. It was just double checking.
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References

Answer: Once. You must return the ball before it bounces a second time on your side. If it bounces twice, you lose the rally.

  1. 2026 USA Pickleball Official Rulebook usapickleball.org/docs/rules/USAP-Official-Rulebook.pdf
    A player must return the ball before a second bounce.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessDuring a rally, your shot touches the top of the net and goes over. What happens?Sports & FitnessThe ball hits your paddle hand, below the wrist, while you are holding the paddle. Is it a fault?Sports & FitnessIn regular scoring, what happens when the receiving team commits a fault?

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