The USAP Two-Bounce Rule: In pickleball, the USAP (USA Pickleball Association) enforces a rule that changes the way the game begins. The two-bounce rule dictates that after the ball is served, the receiving team must allow it to bounce before returning it. Once the receiving team has made their return, the serving team must also let the ball bounce once before hitting it back. This ensures that both teams play a bounce on their initial returns.
Why the Two-Bounce Rule Matters
After the ball has bounced once in each team’s court, the dynamics of the game shift. From this point onward, both teams are allowed to either volley the ball—hitting it before it bounces—or play it off a bounce with a groundstroke.
The implementation of the two-bounce rule eliminates the advantage typically given to the serving team in the form of a serve-and-volley strategy. As a result, rallies are extended, and players have a greater opportunity to engage in longer exchanges, making the game more balanced and strategic.
News in Brief: The USAP Two-Bounce Rule
The USAP’s two-bounce rule changes the way pickleball is played by requiring both teams to let the ball bounce once before returning it. This pickleball rule reduces the serving team’s advantage and results in longer rallies, offering a more balanced and strategic gameplay experience for players.
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