How Does Scoring Work in Pickleball? A Complete Guide

Pickleball is a fun, fast-paced sport that’s easy to learn, but understanding its scoring system can take a little practice, especially for newcomers. Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, knowing how points are earned and the rules for serving and winning will help you play confidently. This guide will explain everything you need to know about how scoring works in pickleball.

‍

Basic Overview of Pickleball Scoring

Pickleball games are typically played to 11 points, but some games, especially in tournaments, may go to 15 or 21 points. In all cases, a team must win by at least 2 points.

‍

Key Features of Pickleball Scoring

1. Only the Serving Team Scores Points:
   • Unlike rally scoring in other sports, pickleball uses a system where only the serving team can score points.
2. Games Are Won by a Two-Point Margin:
   • If the score is tied (e.g., 10-10 in a game to 11), play continues until one side wins by two points (e.g., 12-10 or 14-12).
3. Singles vs. Doubles:
   • While the core scoring rules are the same, the serving sequence differs slightly between singles and doubles.

‍

Scoring in Doubles Pickleball

In doubles, scoring includes a unique “two-serve rule”, where each team gets two opportunities to serve before the serve rotates to the opposing team. Here’s how it works:

1. Starting the Game:
   • At the start of the game, only one player on the first serving team serves (this prevents an early advantage). The initial serve begins with the score 0-0-2.
2. Announcing the Score:
   • The score is called in three parts: Serving team’s score – Receiving team’s score – Server number.
   • Example: If the serving team has 3 points, the receiving team has 2, and it’s the second server, the score is called as 3-2-2.
3. Rotating the Serve:
   • Each player on a team serves until they lose a rally. When both players have served and lost the rally, the serve rotates to the opposing team (this is called a side-out).
4. Switching Sides:
   • Players on the serving team switch sides of the court only after scoring a point. The receiving team never switches sides during the serve.

‍

Example of Doubles Scoring:

• Team A starts serving:
  • Player 1 serves but faults. The serve moves to Player 2.
  • Player 2 serves and scores a point. The team’s score is now 1-0.
  • Player 2 serves again but loses the rally. A side-out occurs, and the serve moves to Team B.
• Team B now serves:
  • Player 1 serves and loses the rally. The serve moves to Player 2.
  • Player 2 serves and scores two points, bringing the score to 2-1.

This back-and-forth continues until one team reaches the winning score.

‍

Scoring in Singles Pickleball

In singles, scoring is simpler because there’s only one player per side. The main rules are:

1. Score Determines the Server’s Position:
   • If your score is even, you serve from the right-hand side of the court.
   • If your score is odd, you serve from the left-hand side of the court.
2. No Second Server:
   • Unlike doubles, there’s only one serve per side. When the server loses a rally, the serve rotates to the opponent.

‍

Winning the Game

• The standard game is played to 11 points (win by 2).
• Some tournaments use games to 15 or 21 points, with the same “win by 2” rule.

‍

Common Scoring Formats

1. Standard Format:
   • Games to 11 points (win by 2), only the serving team scores.
2. Rally Scoring Format:
   • Points are awarded on every rally, regardless of which team is serving. Games typically go to 15 or 21 points.
3. Timed Matches:
   • A set time is given (e.g., 20 minutes), and the team with the most points at the end wins.

‍

Tips for Keeping Track of the Score

1. Announce the Score Clearly:
   • Always call the score loudly before serving to avoid confusion.
2. Focus on Rotation:
   • In doubles, remember which player served last and the serving sequence.
3. Practice Court Awareness:
   • Keep track of your position on the court, as it determines whether you serve from the right or left side.

‍

Common Scoring Mistakes

1. Forgetting the Server Number:
   • In doubles, it’s important to keep track of whether you’re the first or second server.
2. Incorrect Side Switching:
   • Players only switch sides after scoring a point while serving.
3. Miscalling the Score:
   • Always announce the correct score to prevent disputes.

‍

Conclusion

Understanding how scoring works in pickleball is essential for enjoying the game and playing competitively. The key takeaways are that only the serving team can score, games are played to 11 (win by 2), and the scoring sequence is slightly different between singles and doubles. With practice, keeping track of the score and serving rotations will become second nature. Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge, it’s time to hit the court and play!