SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/tennis-two-bounces-lose-point

The ball bounces twice on your side before you hit it. What happens?

You lose the point. You must hit it before the second bounce.

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  1. You lose the point ✔
  2. Play goes on if you return it
  3. The point is replayed

Why: You can let the ball bounce once, or hit it in the air, but you lose the point if you do not return it before it bounces twice.

Huh, didn't know that: Wheelchair tennis is the big exception: players there are allowed two bounces.

The dad joke
Why did the tennis ball bounce twice? It was trying to make a good second impression.
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References

Answer: You lose the point. You can let the ball bounce once, or hit it in the air, but you lose the point if you do not return it before it bounces twice.

  1. ITF 2026 Rules of Tennis, Rule 24 Player Loses Point www.itftennis.com/media/7221/2026-rules-of-tennis-english.pdf
    does not return the ball in play before it bounces twice consecutively
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. ITF 2026 Rules of Tennis, Appendix Rules of Wheelchair Tennis www.itftennis.com/media/7221/2026-rules-of-tennis-english.pdf
    The wheelchair tennis player is allowed two bounces of the ball.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessCan the receiver volley the serve, hitting it before it bounces?Sports & FitnessDuring a rally, your racket brushes the net. What happens?Sports & FitnessCan you reach over the net and hit the ball before it crosses to your side?

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