Reasons Tennis Players Bounce the Ball Before Each Serve

If you have ever watched a tennis match, you will have seen players bouncing the ball before they serve. It looks simple, yet it appears in every match, from a quick hit with friends to centre court at Wimbledon.

This familiar routine is part of how a player gets set for the point. Understanding why it happens can make the match feel a little clearer, whether you play yourself or simply enjoy watching.

We are going to look at what those pre-serve bounces do, how the rules shape them, and why the ball itself matters more than you might think.

Why Do Tennis Players Bounce the Ball Before Serving?

Bouncing the ball is a small ritual that helps players settle into the serve. Those few seconds allow them to fine tune grip pressure, feel how the ball sits in the hand, and line up the toss. It acts as a short reset after the last rally, giving space to focus on the target and commit to the type of serve they want to hit.

There is a rhythm to it as well. Some players keep it brief with two or three bounces, which suits a faster tempo. Others take longer, especially at key moments, using the routine to slow things down, manage nerves, and make a clear decision about placement. The aim is consistency, so the motion leading into the serve feels the same each time.

Bounces can also be used for small tactical cues. A player might use that pause to note the returner’s position, adjust the plan from a flat serve to a slice, or choose a safer option if the previous point was tight. None of this guarantees a perfect delivery, but it supports a repeatable process that players trust.

Is There a Rule on How Many Times Players Can Bounce the Ball?

There is no official limit on bounce count. What the rules control is how long a server has between points. In most professional events, the server has up to 25 seconds to start the next point, and the umpire can issue a time violation if that limit is exceeded.

You will often see a visible countdown on court, which keeps both players and crowd aware of the pace. The umpire manages the timing so one player cannot slow the match down unreasonably, and so the returner is not left waiting too long.

Within that window, players can bounce the ball as often as they like. Some keep it to a couple of quick taps, others take several more, particularly before a big serve or after a long rally. The key is staying within the time allowed.

What Makes Tennis Balls Lose Their Bounce?

A new tennis ball is pressurised, which is what gives it that lively, high bounce at the start. As soon as the can is opened, tiny amounts of air begin to escape through the rubber. Every strike compresses the ball again, and over time the pressure drops.

The felt matters too. With play, the fibres fluff up and wear away. A fluffier ball grips the air a little more, which can slow it down and lower the bounce. Court surface, temperature and humidity also play a part. On a hot day the ball can feel springier, while cooler conditions tend to make it feel heavier.

Professional tournaments manage this by changing balls at set intervals. Typically, new balls are introduced after the first seven games, then every nine games after that. You will often hear the umpire call new balls, because it can change how the next few games are played. Servers might aim for extra pace with fresh balls, while returners prepare for a slightly quicker response off the court.

Why Players Sometimes Reject Tennis Balls

Before a serve, the player is usually offered a few balls to choose from. They will glance at the felt, give each ball a light squeeze, and send one or two back. The point is to pick the option that best suits the serve they have in mind.

If the player wants a fast first serve, they might choose a ball with tighter, smoother felt. For a second serve, some prefer a slightly fluffier ball that can bite the strings and enhance spin. If a ball looks scuffed or picks up clay or grass, it may be rejected because it could move differently through the air.

There is a psychological side as well. Selecting the ball gives the server a sense of control and continuity, especially in tense moments. It is a small choice, but in a sport defined by fine margins, small choices add up.

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