PICKLEBALL SCORING EXPLAINED

INTRODUCTION

If you're new to pickleball, scoring is often the part of the game that feels the most confusing.

The good news is that once you understand a few simple concepts, pickleball scoring becomes surprisingly straightforward.

Most beginners pick it up after only a few games.

This guide explains how scoring works in both doubles and singles so you can step onto the court with confidence.

HOW DOES PICKLEBALL SCORING WORK?

In traditional pickleball scoring:

• Only the serving team can score points

• Games are usually played to 11 points

• Teams must win by at least 2 points

If the receiving team wins a rally, they do not score a point. Instead, they gain the opportunity to serve.

This is one of the biggest differences between pickleball and many other sports.

UNDERSTANDING THE SCORE CALL

Before every serve, the server announces the score.

In doubles, three numbers are called.

For example:

5 - 3 - 1

This means:

• Serving team has 5 points

• Receiving team has 3 points

• The first server is serving

The third number identifies which player on the serving team is serving.

This is the part that often confuses new players initially.

HOW DOUBLES SCORING WORKS

Doubles is the most common format in pickleball.

At the start of the game:

• One player serves first

• Each side gets opportunities to serve

• Players continue serving until their team commits a fault

When the first server loses a rally, the serve passes to their partner.

When the second server loses a rally, the serve passes to the opposing team.

This is known as a side out.

The process then repeats throughout the match.

WHAT IS A SIDE OUT?

A side out occurs when the serving team loses its right to serve and the serve moves to the opposing team.

For example:

• Team A serves

• Both Team A players lose their serving turns

• Team B now serves

This transfer of serving rights is called a side out.

You'll hear this term regularly during matches.

HOW SINGLES SCORING WORKS

Singles scoring is much simpler.

There is only one server on each side.

The server continues serving until they lose a rally.

When they lose a rally:

• No point is awarded to the receiving player

• The serve simply changes sides

The same basic principle applies:

Only the serving player can score points.

HOW DO YOU WIN A PICKLEBALL GAME?

Most recreational games are played to 11 points.

However, players must win by at least two points.

Examples:

• 11 – 4 = Win

• 11 – 8 = Win

• 11 – 10 = Not a win

• 12 – 10 = Win

Tournament matches may sometimes be played to:

• 15 points

• 21 points

depending on the format.

COMMON BEGINNER SCORING MISTAKES

FORGETTING WHO IS SERVING

This is extremely common when starting out.

Many new players focus on the score but forget which player should be serving.

AWARDING POINTS TO THE RECEIVING TEAM

Remember:

Only the serving team can score under traditional pickleball scoring.

FORGETTING THE SERVER NUMBER

In doubles, the third number matters because it identifies whether the first or second server is serving.

CALLING THE WRONG SCORE

Don't worry if this happens.

Even experienced players occasionally lose track of the score during long games.

TIPS FOR LEARNING PICKLEBALL SCORING FASTER

The easiest way to learn scoring is by playing.

As you play:

• Listen carefully to score calls

• Focus on who is serving

• Learn the side out process

• Don't stress about making mistakes

Most players become comfortable with scoring after a few sessions.

IS RALLY SCORING USED IN PICKLEBALL?

Sometimes.

While traditional scoring remains the most common format, some competitions and social events use rally scoring.

With rally scoring:

• Every rally results in a point

• Both teams can score

• Games often move faster

However, traditional scoring is still the format most beginners should learn first.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHY ARE THERE THREE NUMBERS IN PICKLEBALL SCORING?

In doubles, the third number identifies whether the first or second server is serving.

CAN THE RECEIVING TEAM SCORE POINTS?

Not under traditional scoring. Only the serving team can score.

WHAT IS A SIDE OUT?

A side out occurs when the serving team loses the right to serve and the serve passes to the opposing team.

WHAT SCORE DO YOU PLAY TO IN PICKLEBALL?

Most games are played to 11 points and must be won by at least 2 points.

IS PICKLEBALL SCORING DIFFICULT?

It can feel confusing initially, but most players understand it after only a few games once they learn the serving sequence and side out system.