Pickleball is a fast-paced, exciting sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. One of the first things new players need to understand is how scoring works, as it differs from traditional sports like tennis. This guide breaks down the rules of pickleball scoring, explaining both singles and doubles formats so you can play confidently and enjoy the game.
Basic Overview of Pickleball Scoring
Pickleball scoring can initially seem complex, but it becomes easier once you get the hang of it. Here are the key points:
- Points are scored only by the serving team or player.
- Games are typically played to 11 points, but some matches may be played to 15 or 21 points, depending on tournament rules.
- A team or player must win by at least 2 points to secure the victory.
Understanding Pickleball Scoring in Doubles
Doubles play is the most common format in pickleball. Here’s how scoring works in a doubles game:
- Serving Sequence: In doubles, each team has two chances to serve (one for each player) before the serve moves to the opposing team. The only exception is at the beginning of the game when the first serving team starts with just one serve to avoid giving an initial advantage.
- Score Announcement: The server announces the score before serving, using the format: “Serving team’s score – Receiving team’s score – Server number.” For example, if the serving team has 3 points, the opposing team has 2 points, and the first server is serving, the score will be called “3-2-1.”
- Server Number: In doubles, server number 1 refers to the player who serves first on the serving team, and server number 2 is their partner. If server number 2 loses the serve, it is called a “side out,” and the serve moves to the opposing team.
- Changing Sides: Teams switch sides of the court after the first server loses their serve and after each subsequent side out. This rotation helps ensure fairness and keeps the game dynamic.
How Scoring Works in Singles Pickleball
Scoring in singles pickleball follows a similar format to doubles but is simpler due to having only one player on each side. Here’s what you need to know:
- Serving and Points: Just like in doubles, only the server can score points in singles. The server continues to serve until they commit a fault or lose a rally.
- Serving Position: The server serves from the right side of the court when their score is even (0, 2, 4, etc.) and from the left side when their score is odd (1, 3, 5, etc.). This helps players keep track of their serving positions.
- Score Announcement: The score is announced using only two numbers: “Server’s score – Receiver’s score.” For example, if the server has 4 points and the opponent has 3, the server will announce “4-3” before serving.
Key Rules to Remember in Pickleball Scoring
- Win by 2 Points: Whether playing to 11, 15, or 21 points, a player or team must win by at least 2 points. For example, if the game is played to 11, the final score could be 13-11 or 15-13.
- Faults: Points are lost when a serving team commits a fault. Faults include hitting the ball out of bounds, serving into the net, stepping into the non-volley zone (the “kitchen”) during a volley, or hitting the ball before it bounces once on each side during the serve and return sequence.
- Side Outs: In doubles, a side out occurs when both players on the serving team lose their serve, and the serve moves to the opposing team. In singles, a side out happens when the server commits a fault or loses a rally.
Tips for Keeping Track of the Score
- Use the Three-Part Score System: In doubles, always announce the score as “Serving team’s score – Receiving team’s score – Server number” to keep track of who’s serving and the current score. This helps all players stay aware of the game’s status.
- Remember the Server’s Position: In singles, use the server’s score to determine where you should serve from (right or left side). This ensures you’re following the serving sequence correctly.
- Practice Announcing the Score: Announcing the score clearly before each serve helps reinforce the scoring sequence and minimizes confusion during gameplay.
Example of Doubles Scoring in Action
Imagine Team A is serving to Team B, and the game has just started:
- The first server on Team A serves, and they score a point. The server calls out “1-0-1.”
- The same server serves again, but Team B wins the rally. The score does not change, but the serve moves to the second player on Team A.
- The second server calls out “1-0-2” and serves. Team A wins another point, making the score “2-0-2.”
- Team B wins the next rally, resulting in a side out. Team B now has the serve, and their first server will call out “0-2-1.”
This process continues until one team reaches the designated winning score (e.g., 11 points) and is at least 2 points ahead of the other team.
Common Questions About Pickleball Scoring
Q: Can you score on a serve that your opponent fails to return?
A: Yes, if the serving team wins the rally due to the opponent’s fault or inability to return the ball, the serving team scores a point.
Q: What happens if I forget to call out the score?
A: Forgetting to call out the score can disrupt the game. It’s a good habit to call out the score clearly before every serve to ensure everyone knows the current score and server.
Q: Do I switch sides if I’m serving and I score a point in singles?
A: Yes, the server switches sides after scoring a point in singles to follow the even/odd rule of serving from the right or left side.
Conclusion: Mastering Pickleball Scoring
Understanding pickleball scoring can take some practice, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. Whether playing singles or doubles, the key is to remember that only the serving team can score points and that games are typically played to 11 points, with a win-by-2 rule in effect.
Keep these rules in mind, practice announcing the score, and enjoy the game with confidence. With a clear understanding of pickleball scoring, you’ll be ready to hit the court and have fun playing this fast-growing sport!
