Whether you’re new to the game or looking to refine your understanding, mastering pickleball scoring is essential. We’ll cover both traditional side-out scoring (for singles and doubles) and rally scoring (singles and doubles), so you can step onto the court with confidence.
Understanding Traditional Side-Out Scoring
Side-Out Singles Scoring
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Points for the Server Only
In side-out singles, only the server scores points. If the receiver wins the rally, it results in a side-out (change of serve), but no points are awarded to the receiver. -
Switching Sides Based on Score
The server’s score determines the serving position. If the server’s score is even, they serve from the right (even) side; if it’s odd, they serve from the left (odd) side. -
Score Calling
The score is called as server score, receiver score (e.g., “0-0” at the start). -
Win by Two
Games are typically played to 11, 15, or 21 points, but you must always win by 2. -
Side Out
When the server loses a rally, a side out occurs, and the opponent becomes the new server, aligning according to their own score (even = right side, odd = left side).
Side-Out Doubles Scoring
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Only the Serving Team Scores
In doubles, as in singles, points are awarded only to the team that is serving. -
Two Servers per Team
Each team has two chances to serve (server 1 and server 2) before the serve switches to the opposing team (a side out). -
Initial Serving Exception
To reduce the advantage of serving first, the first service turn of the game starts at “0-0-2.” That “2” signals that if that server loses the rally, the serve switches immediately to the opposing team, rather than going to a second server. -
Score Called with Three Numbers
For doubles, call the score as serving team’s score, receiving team’s score, server number (e.g., “5-3-1”). The server number refers to the team’s current server (1 or 2) for that service turn only. -
Server Positioning
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In doubles, the person who is currently in the right position will start the serve regardless of the score or who started first last time.
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Rotating the Serve
The first server serves until they lose a rally. Then the serve passes to their partner (the second server). If the second server also loses a rally, it’s a side out, and the other team takes over the serve. -
Win by Two
As with singles, games typically go to 11 (or sometimes 15 or 21), and a team must win by 2 points.
Rally Scoring Explained
Rally scoring is an alternative system where a point is awarded at the end of each rally, regardless of who served. The difference at the end of the game is that the game-winning point must be won on your serve.
Rally Scoring Singles
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Point on Every Rally
A point is earned by whoever wins the rally—the server or the receiver. -
Server Position
The server continues to align with the score (even = right side, odd = left side). -
Win by Two, Win on Serve
The game still requires a 2-point margin, but you can only close out the match on your serve. -
If the receiver is at game point and wins a rally, no point is awarded; instead, it’s simply a side out, and now they serve.
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Score Calling
Typically called as server score, receiver score (e.g., “7-5”).
Rally Scoring Doubles
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Point on Every Rally
Each rally results in a point for either the serving team or the receiving team. -
No Second Server
In rally scoring doubles, there is no “server 1” and “server 2” concept. A side out immediately passes serve to the other team, which also earns a point. (More info on who serves when in #3) -
Starting Server Alignment
The team that starts serving designates a “starting server,” who will be on the right (even) side when their team’s score is even and on the left (odd) side when their score is odd. -
Players Switch Sides on Their Team’s Serve
If the serving team wins the rally, the server and partner switch sides so the server can continue from the correct side that matches the new score. -
Must Win by Two and on Serve
As in singles, you must earn your winning point while serving and win by 2.
Common Scoring Mistakes
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Forgetting the First-Serve Exception in Doubles
Remember that the very first service turn of a doubles match is “0-0-2,” meaning only one serve chance before a side out. -
Mixing Up Server and Receiver Positions
In side-out scoring, rely on your team’s score (even or odd) to determine your correct court position. -
Incorrectly Calling the Score
For doubles side-out scoring, always use three numbers: the serving team’s score, the receiving team’s score, and which server (1 or 2). -
Not Realizing No Points Are Awarded When the Receiving Team Is at Game Point (Rally Scoring)
In official rally scoring, if the receiving team is at game point and wins a rally, no point is awarded; it’s simply a side out.
Tips for Keeping Score Without Confusion
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Announce the Score Clearly
Develop the habit of calling out the score before every serve, especially in doubles. -
Positioning
Use the rule that if your team’s score is even, the player who started on the right side in that game should be on the right side. If it’s odd, they should be on the left. -
Stay Alert
If you’re unsure, ask your partner or the opposing team to confirm the score before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do singles and doubles share the same basic scoring rules?
A: Both follow the side-out principle, where only the serving side scores a point (in traditional scoring). However, in doubles, there are two servers per team per service turn. In rally scoring, singles and doubles both award a point on each rally, but doubles has unique positioning rules and only one server per side-out.
Q: How do I know if I’m server 1 or server 2 in side-out doubles?
A: At the beginning of your team’s service turn, whoever is on the right side is server 1. After losing a rally, your partner becomes server 2. Once server 2 loses a rally, you side out.
Q: Why does the first serve of a doubles match start at “0-0-2”?
A: This is a special rule designed to minimize the advantage of serving first. The “2” indicates it’s effectively the second serve of that initial sequence.
Q: Can I win a rally while receiving in rally scoring to close out the game?
A: Under official rally scoring, no—you can only win a game on your serve. If you’re the receiver at game point, winning that rally results in a side out (your serve), not a point.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the nuances of pickleball scoring—whether in traditional side-out or rally scoring formats—will significantly enhance your enjoyment of the game. Make sure to keep track of your position, call the score accurately, and understand when points are actually awarded. With these fundamentals and official rules in mind, you’ll be ready to step onto any pickleball court with confidence.
Remember: The key to success in pickleball is not just scoring—it’s practicing consistently, communicating with your partner (in doubles), and having fun along the way. Now that you’re clear on the scoring rules, you can focus on strategy, shot selection, and winning those crucial points at the right time. Game on!
