Scoring in doubles pickleball is one of the most important parts of the game to understand. While the basic rules of pickleball are straightforward, the scoring system in doubles play introduces a few unique elements that can confuse beginners. This guide will explain how scoring works in doubles pickleball, step by step, so you can confidently play and enjoy the game.
Overview of Doubles Pickleball Scoring
In doubles pickleball, the game is played to 11 points (sometimes 15 or 21 in tournaments), and a team must win by at least 2 points. Points can only be scored by the serving team, and the unique “two-serve system” adds a layer of strategy and teamwork.
Key Terms to Know
- Serving Team: The team that initiates the rally and has the opportunity to score.
- Receiving Team: The team that attempts to defend and gain the serve.
- Side-Out: When the serving team loses the rally and the serve moves to the opposing team.
- First Server and Second Server: Each team has two chances to serve before a side-out, with one player serving first and the other serving second.
How Doubles Scoring Works
- Starting the Game:
- At the beginning of the game, only one player from the first serving team serves before a side-out. This is known as the "2nd server rule" to prevent an unfair advantage at the start.
- Example: The serving team begins with 0-0-2 (score is 0-0, and the “2” indicates the second server).
- Basic Scoring Format:
- The score in doubles pickleball is announced in the following order: Serving team’s score – Receiving team’s score – Server number.
- Example: If the serving team has 3 points, the receiving team has 5 points, and it’s the second server, the score is announced as 3-5-2.
- Rotation of Serves:
- Each player on a team gets to serve before a side-out.
- After a side-out, the opposing team gains the serve, starting with their first server.
- Switching Sides:
- Players only switch sides with their partner after scoring a point on their serve.
- The receiving team does not switch sides.
Example of a Rally in Doubles Pickleball
Let’s say Team A (Alice and Alex) and Team B (Bob and Bella) are playing a doubles match. Here’s how the scoring might unfold:
- Team A starts serving:
- Alice serves at 0-0-2 and loses the rally. A side-out occurs.
- Now, it’s Team B’s turn to serve.
- Team B begins their serve:
- Bob serves first at 0-0-1 and wins the rally, earning a point. The score is now 1-0-1.
- Bob serves again but loses the rally. The serve passes to Bella, the second server.
- Bella serves at 1-0-2 but loses the rally. Another side-out occurs.
- Team A regains the serve:
- Alex now serves first at 0-1-1. Team A wins the rally, earning a point. The score is now 1-1-1.
- Alex serves again but loses the rally. The serve passes to Alice, the second server.
- Alice serves at 1-1-2 but loses the rally. The serve goes back to Team B.
This back-and-forth continues until one team reaches the required number of points to win.
Winning the Game
- Games are typically played to 11 points, with a requirement to win by at least 2 points.
- In some tournaments, games may go to 15 or 21 points, especially in the rally scoring format.
Common Doubles Scoring Mistakes
- Forgetting the Server Number:
- Always announce the correct server number (1 or 2) to avoid confusion.
- This ensures players know whose turn it is to serve.
- Incorrect Side Switching:
- Players only switch sides after their team scores a point. Switching incorrectly can disrupt gameplay and result in a fault.
- Misunderstanding Side-Outs:
- Both players on a team must lose their serve before the opposing team gains the serve.
Tips for Keeping Track of the Score
- Repeat the Score Often:
- Announce the score clearly before every serve to keep everyone on the same page.
- Focus on Rotation:
- Always pay attention to who served last and their position on the court to avoid serving out of turn.
- Use a Cheat Sheet:
- Beginners can use a scoring guide or visual aid to remember the sequence of serves and scoring rules.
Advanced Doubles Scoring Rules
- Faults: If the serving team commits a fault (e.g., hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net), the serve moves to the next player or the opposing team after a side-out.
- Tie-Breaker Scoring: In tournaments, tie-breaker games may be played to 15 points instead of the usual 11.
Conclusion
Doubles scoring in pickleball may seem complicated at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Remember the key elements: only the serving team scores points, players take turns serving, and the score is announced as serving team’s score – receiving team’s score – server number. By mastering the scoring system, you’ll be able to focus more on enjoying the game and less on keeping track of the score. Grab a partner, hit the court, and start scoring!
