Scoring can be one of those tricky things when you’re just starting out. I remember my first game—I was so caught up in trying to remember the rules that I had no idea what the score was half the time! But guess what? Once you understand the basics, it all clicks, and keeping score becomes second nature.
Today, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about scoring in pickleball—from the basics to some advanced tips to give you an edge on the court.
If you’re just starting out, this pickleball beginner’s guide is packed with helpful info on rules, tournaments, and what gear you need.
Let’s dive in and make sure you’re ready to own that scoreboard!
The Basics of Pickleball Scoring Rules
Alright, let’s start with the basics. Pickleball uses a system called side-out scoring. Here’s what that means: only the team that’s serving can score points.
If your team wins a rally while serving, you get a point. If your team loses the rally, the serve switches to the other team, and they get a chance to score.
Most games are played to 11 points, but here’s the catch: you have to win by at least 2 points. So, if you’re at 10-10, the game keeps going until one team is up by 2. In tournaments, games can go up to 15 or even 21 points, but the win-by-2 rule still applies.
Quick Tip for Newbies: Don’t stress too much about the score at first. Focus on playing and having fun, and the score will come naturally as you get more experience.
Singles vs. Doubles Scoring
Scoring works a little differently between singles and doubles, so let’s break it down.
Singles Scoring
Singles scoring is pretty straightforward. The score is just two numbers—your score and your opponent’s score. If you’re serving, you call your score first, then your opponent’s score.
Here’s an easy way to remember where to stand:
- If your score is even, you serve from the right
- If your score is odd, you serve from the left
Doubles Scoring
Doubles scoring involves three numbers: the serving team’s score, the receiving team’s score, and the server number. If you’re calling the score, it might sound like, “3-2-1.” This means your team has 3 points, the other team has 2 points, and you’re the first server for your team.
Remember: Both players on a team get to serve before the other team gets a chance to serve. So, if the first server loses a rally, the second player on the team gets to serve. If the second server loses the rally, it’s a side-out, and the serve goes to the other team.
My Trick for Remembering the Score Order
A simple way I remember the order in doubles is to think of it as “Me, You, Who.”
- Me (your team’s score)
- You (opposing team’s score)
- Who (server number)
It’s like a little chant that helps you remember the sequence, so you won’t get mixed up. Give it a try during your next game!
Calling the Score (And Why It Matters)
Calling the score might sound like a small thing, but it’s actually super important. By calling the score clearly, everyone knows exactly where the game stands, which helps avoid any confusion or disagreements. Plus, it gives you a chance to reset and focus before each serve.
When you’re serving, say the score loud and clear. I always call the score a little louder than I think I need to—just to make sure my partner and the other team hear it.
Pro Tip: If you’re in a tournament, you’re required to call the score before each serve. So, it’s a good habit to get into, even when you’re just playing for fun!
The Starting Serve Rule and Why 0-0-2?
Here’s a rule that might seem weird at first: the game always starts with the score called as 0-0-2. That last “2” means that it’s the second server. This is to make sure that both teams get an equal chance to serve right from the start, keeping things fair.
It might feel a bit strange at first, but it’s only for the first serve of the game. After that, you go back to the regular rotation with server #1 and server #2 on each team.
Fun Fact: When I first started, I thought I was making a mistake by calling out “2” at the beginning. But nope, it’s just one of those quirky pickleball things that make the game fun!
Positioning and Switching Sides
Now let’s talk about positioning—because knowing where to stand is just as important as knowing the score.
Doubles Positioning
In doubles, the serving team switches sides every time they score a point. So, if you’re serving and score a point, you and your partner swap places, and you serve again. If you lose the rally, your partner becomes the server. If your team loses the rally again, it’s a side-out, and the other team gets to serve.
The receiving team, however, never switches sides. They stay put until it’s their turn to serve.
Singles Positioning
In singles, it’s all about your score. Like I mentioned earlier:
- Even score = Right side
- Odd score = Left side
If you get a point while serving, switch to the other side. If you lose the rally, your opponent gets to serve, starting from their own right side if their score is even, or left side if it’s odd.
Pro Tip for Beginners: Take a moment between serves to double-check that you’re on the right side based on the score. It’s easy to forget in the heat of the game!
Common Pickleball Scoring Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Even seasoned players mess up sometimes! Here are some common mistakes and how you can dodge them.
Mixing Up Server Numbers
It’s super common for doubles players to forget whether they’re server #1 or #2. I always remind myself at the beginning of each serve. If I start the game serving, I know I’m server #1 and can just remember from there.
Forgetting to Switch Sides
Sometimes, players forget to switch sides after scoring a point. This can mess up the whole rotation, so make a habit of switching right away when you score.
Not Calling the Score
This one’s simple but important. I’ve seen so many games where players argue over the score just because no one called it. Make sure you’re calling the score every single time, and you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle.
Advanced Scoring Techniques and Strategies
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can start thinking about how scoring affects strategy.
The Two-Serve Rule in Doubles
Remember that each team has two serves before a side-out. Use this to your advantage! If your partner’s a stronger server, they might want to go first. Or, if you’re better at closing out points, you could serve second to maximize your team’s chances of staying in control.
Strategic Stacking
In doubles, advanced players sometimes use a strategy called stacking. This is when you position yourself in a way that keeps your stronger forehands or backhands in the middle of the court. It takes practice, but stacking can really pay off, especially against tough opponents.
Calling a Timeout
When the score starts feeling confusing or you need a moment to regroup, don’t be afraid to call a timeout. It’s a great way to reset and refocus, especially if the game is getting intense.
Wrapping Up: Practice Makes Perfect!
There you have it—everything you need to know about pickleball scoring, from the basics to some pro tips. The more you play, the easier it gets, I promise. So get out there, call those scores loud and clear, and have fun with it!
And hey, if you’ve got any funny scoring mix-up stories or tips, drop them in the comments. I’d love to hear them! Until next time, happy pickling!
FAQs: Pickleball Scoring Rules
No worries! Ask the other team to confirm. Just remember to keep track better next time by calling it out loud before each serve.
How do I know who serves next?
If you’re the first server and you lost the rally, it’s your partner’s turn. If both of you have served, it’s a side-out, and the other team serves.
Can I correct the score after the serve?
Yes, but only before the third shot of the rally. If you realize there’s a mistake, stop the play immediately and clarify before continuing.
Does the receiving team ever switch sides?
Nope! Only the serving team switches after scoring points.
What is the difference between Server 1 and Server 2 in doubles?
Each player on a team gets a turn to serve. Server 1 serves first, and if they lose the rally, Server 2 gets their chance before the serve goes to the opposing team.
What is the USA Pickleball scoring rule?
USA Pickleball uses side-out scoring as the official rule. Rally scoring is optional in select 2025 tournaments.
