  We study the background conditions for a bounce uniquely driven by a single
scalar field model with a generalized kinetic term $K(X)$, without any
additional matter field. At the background level we impose the existence of two
turning points where the derivative of the Hubble parameter $H$ changes sign
and of a bounce point where the Hubble parameter vanishes. We find the
conditions for $K(X)$ and the potential which ensure the above requirements. We
then give the examples of two models constructed according to these conditions.
One is based on a quadratic $K(X)$, and the other a $K(X)$ which is avoiding
divergences of the second time derivative of the scalar field, which may
otherwise occur. An appropriate choice of the initial conditions can lead to a
sequence of consecutive bounces, or oscillations of $H$. In the region where
these models have a constant potential they are adiabatic on any scale and
because of this they may not conserve curvature perturbations on super-horizon
scales. While at the perturbation level one class of models is free from ghosts
and singularities of the classical equations of motion, in general gradient
instabilities are present around the bounce time, because the sign of the
squared speed of sound is opposite to the sign of the time derivative of $H$.
We discuss how this kind of instabilities could be avoided by modifying the
Lagrangian by introducing Galileion terms in order to prevent a negative
squared speed of sound around the bounce.
