After the Serve (3rd Shot)
You’ve served. Now give the return room to bounce before you hit the next shot.
Stay back with your partner after the serve. Move to the ball as needed, let it bounce, then aim for a comfortable shot over the net.
Builds your control
Before the serve Step 1 of 7
The serving team starts back. The returner gives the ball room to bounce.
Figures and ball enlarged for clarity. Movement is a coaching cue; the two bounces are required.
Same rally. Different jobs.
Serving team: give the return space to bounce. Returning team: after the return, work toward the kitchen line. Staying back is a positioning cue; letting the return bounce is the rule.
Serve. Wait. Bounce. Hit.
Practice just the start of the rally. The goal is a comfortable third shot, with time to let the return bounce. Try five repetitions with a practice partner, then swap.
Start with a gentle serve.
Serve diagonally. Your practice partner lets it bounce and returns it at an easy pace.
Give yourself room.
After serving, stay back and watch the return. Adjust your feet to reach the ball comfortably.
Let it bounce, then hit.
Say “bounce” when it lands. Send the third shot over the net and inside the court. Stop, reset, and repeat.
Check your understanding
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Your partner served. Can you hit the return before it bounces?
Before you move on
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Practice answers are for learning, not certification.
Learn from a real player
Another explanation can help things click. These videos belong to their creators.
The 2 Bounce Rule-A Critical Pickleball Rule (opens in a new tab)
On YouTube, by Better Pickleball (opens in a new tab)
Suggested companion video. Watch the original explanation from its creator.
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