Pickleball Scoring: Master Every Point for a Winning Edge
Pickleball Scoring: Everything You Need to Know for a Winning Game
Keeping track of “pickleball scoring” can feel confusing at first, especially when you see three numbers being announced in doubles. Yet accurate scoring is key to playing with confidence and winning more rallies. This guide will explain why you only score points when serving, how to announce the score in singles vs. doubles, and why “win by 2” is standard across most pickleball matches. By following this roadmap, you’ll become the go-to person on the court for all things scoring.
- Games typically go to 11 points, with a required 2-point margin.
- Only the serving team can score under traditional side-out rules.
- In doubles, you call three numbers: serving team’s score–receiving team’s score–server number.
- Singles scoring has just two numbers: server’s score–receiver’s score.
- Tournament matches may go to 15 or 21, but the fundamentals stay the same.
1. What Are the Basic Rules of Pickleball Scoring?
Traditional pickleball scoring is simple once you understand the concept of “side-out.” A team or player can only earn points while serving. If the serving side commits a fault, no point is awarded; the serve shifts to the opponent. This format rewards consistent serving and strategy, as you must win the serve back to earn your chance at points.
Most recreational games go to 11 points (win by 2). If the score reaches 10-10, play continues until one side leads by 2. Some advanced formats or tournament rules extend games to 15 or 21 points, but the 2-point margin requirement remains.
2. Why Do You Need to Win by Two Points?
The “win by 2” rule ensures that final rallies remain competitive and free of flukes. When you and your opponent reach a close score (like 10-10), the game doesn’t end on a single rally. You must prove your skill by establishing a 2-point lead. This is a universal rule for both casual and tournament play in pickleball.
3. Points Are Scored Only by the Serving Team: Here’s Why
Pickleball traditionally follows side-out scoring, which means the serving side controls the pace of the game. If you’re not serving, you defend and try to steal the serve. This approach adds an extra layer of strategy. Players often focus on a strong serve or targeted return to regain the serve, since that’s the only way to gain points.
If you or your partner commits a fault, you either lose your serve (in singles) or move to the other server (in doubles) before the serve eventually shifts to the opposing team. Only when you are on serve can you increase your score.
4. How to Keep Score in Doubles Pickleball
Doubles pickleball introduces the “third number” concept. The standard call is “serving team’s score – receiving team’s score – server number.” For example, “3-2-1” means the serving team has 3 points, the opponents have 2, and the current server is #1.
Each side gets two serves per rotation, except the very first serving team of the match, which starts at “0-0-2.” This odd notation ensures you don’t automatically gain a big advantage just by serving first. After you lose two consecutive serves, or “server #1” and “server #2” both lose a rally, your opponents claim the serve. This transition is called a “side-out.”
Example of Doubles Score Calling
Suppose your team has 6 points, and the other side has 4. You’re on your first serve. You call out “6-4-1,” then serve. If you win that rally, you switch places with your partner, but you remain the server. You now call “7-4-1.” If you lose a rally at that point, your partner becomes server #2. The call becomes “7-4-2.”
If you lose again, it’s side-out, and the other team begins serving from their side with “4-7-1.”
A simple, 5-step guide to properly keeping score in doubles pickleball, including handling first serve, server numbers, and side-outs.
- Call the Correct Score
Announce your team’s points, then your opponents’, then the server number. Example: 4-2-1.
- Start on the Right
If you’re Server #1, serve from the right side if your team’s score is even. Switch sides and service boxes if you score a point.
- Use Server #2
When Server #1 loses a rally, Server #2 takes over. The score might become 4-2-2 if no point was earned.
- Side-Out Occurs
If Server #2 also loses a rally, the opponents become the serving team. They begin with Server #1 on their right.
- Repeat Until 11 (Win by 2)
Continue until one team reaches at least 11 points with a 2-point lead. In tournaments, you might play to 15 or 21.
5. How to Keep Score in Singles Pickleball
In singles, you only track two numbers: server’s score – receiver’s score. For example, if you have 3 points and your opponent has 5, you’d say “3-5” when you serve. If you lose the rally, it’s a side-out, and your opponent takes over the serve. You continue until someone reaches at least 11 with a 2-point lead.
The positioning is straightforward but can be tricky mid-game: If your score is even, you serve from the right side (the “even” court). If your score is odd, you serve from the left side (the “odd” court). Master this pattern, and you’ll rarely serve from the wrong spot.
6. What Is the Server Number in Doubles Pickleball?
The server number—1 or 2—helps keep track of how many serves your team has left before a side-out. Think of it as “first server” and “second server.” You begin each rotation with the right-side player as Server #1. If that person loses a rally, it becomes Server #2’s turn (the partner). Once Server #2 also loses a rally, you shift to side-out, and the other team gets a chance to serve.
This system ensures both partners in doubles get equal opportunities to serve before relinquishing control to the opponents.
7. How Does Serving Rotation Work in Doubles?
The serving rotation starts with whoever is on the right side of the court, known as Server #1. That player serves diagonally across the net. If the serving team scores a point, the same server switches to the left side. If you lose the rally, your partner becomes Server #2. The cycle continues until both servers lose a rally. Then, the serve goes to your opponents, who follow the same procedure.
In the opening round of the game, you start at “0-0-2.” This arrangement forces a side-out after just one fault from the starting team, preventing an early advantage.
8. What Causes a Side-Out?
A “side-out” means the serve transitions to the opposing team. In doubles, this occurs after Server #1 and Server #2 both lose the rally. In singles, a side-out happens when you lose your serve. Common reasons for losing a rally include:
- Hitting the ball into the net
- Hitting the ball out of bounds
- Touching the non-volley zone on a volley (known as a fault)
- Volleying the ball before it bounces after the serve, violating the two-bounce rule
- Serving out of position or calling the score incorrectly
Once a side-out happens, the ball switches to the opponents, and they begin their serve rotation.
9. What Are Common Pickleball Faults?
Faults stop play and can cost you the serve or even a point if you’re rally scoring. Key examples:
- Serving Fault: Missing the correct service court, foot fault on the baseline, or contacting the ball above the waist.
- Non-Volley Zone Violation: Stepping into the kitchen to volley.
- Double Bounce: If the serving team or receiving team fails to let the ball bounce once on each side before a volley.
- Out of Position: Serving from the wrong side of the court or returning serve from the wrong area in doubles.
Avoiding faults comes down to practicing consistent serves, understanding your footwork, and remembering your correct position on the court.
10. Tournament Games: Scoring to 15 or 21
Tournament matches often extend games to 15 or 21 points, but the “win by 2” rule remains. In many tournaments, you might play the best two out of three games to 11 in early rounds, then switch to 15 or 21 for finals. Regardless of the target score, side-out scoring rarely changes. This consistency helps you keep your approach the same, focusing on strong serves and consistent returns.
For more official rules, visit USA Pickleball’s Rule Summary . They provide an authoritative breakdown of how top-level matches handle scoring and gameplay specifics.
11. Tips for Mastering the “Pickleball Scoring” Mindset
Call the Score Loudly
Announce the score before you serve. This helps everyone track the game and reduces disputes. In tournaments, calling the score is mandatory; failing to do so can result in a fault.
Remember the Even/Odd Rule
If your team’s total is even, you stand on the right. If odd, you stand on the left. This tip is vital for both singles and doubles, though doubles also uses the server number.
Adapt for Tournament Formats
If you move from casual to tournament play, practice extended games so you’re comfortable going beyond 11. Stay calm in deuce situations (like 10-10) because you can’t clinch victory without a 2-point lead.
Track Your Partner
In doubles, confirm who is Server #1 and who is Server #2 before each serve rotation. This habit prevents confusion and wasted time on the court.
Check out our in-depth serving tactics to ensure you start rallies with an advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pickleball Scoring
Most games go to 11, but you must win by 2. Tournaments often run games to 15 or 21, but the 2-point cushion remains essential.
Under side-out scoring, the serving side controls point opportunities. If you lose a rally, you lose your serve. The receiving side needs to win back the serve before they can score.
Call three numbers: serving team’s score, receiving team’s score, and the server number (1 or 2). Each team has two serves per side-out, except the first serve of the match (“0-0-2”).
The server number designates which partner is serving. Once server #1 loses a rally, server #2 takes over. If server #2 also loses, it’s side-out.
Singles uses two numbers: server’s score–receiver’s score. You only get one serve each rotation, switching sides of the court based on your score being even or odd.
Bonus: What Is Rally Scoring in Pickleball?
While traditional pickleball scoring only awards points to the serving team, some tournaments and recreational groups test rally scoring, where every rally results in a point—regardless of who serves. This alternative method speeds up gameplay and simplifies tracking. For more details on rules, strategies, and pros/cons, check out our Rally Scoring in Pickleball article.
By following these steps and practicing regularly, you’ll master pickleball scoring. Focus on clear communication, consistent serves, and smart positioning. Each game becomes more exciting once you’re confident in the scoring process.
For more expert insights and advanced strategies, visit the Strategies section on PickleTip.com and dive deeper into our resources. Share this article with your fellow pickleball players, and follow us on social media for ongoing tips to elevate your game!
