Pickleball Scoring: Complete Rules Guide for Beginners (With Doubles Explained)

Introduction to Pickleball Scoring

Pickleball scoring can seem confusing at first, but once you understand the basics, it becomes second nature. As one of the fastest-growing sports in America, pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, but with its own unique scoring system. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your knowledge, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about pickleball scoring rules.

Basic Pickleball Scoring Rules

Before diving into the specifics, let’s cover the fundamentals of how to keep score in pickleball:

Games are typically played to 11 points (must win by 2)
Points can only be scored by the serving team
Each player gets one serve per side-out (except for the first server of the game)
The score is called out before each serve

Unlike tennis or badminton, pickleball has a unique feature: you can only score points when your team is serving. This makes the pickleball scoring system distinct and creates interesting strategic dynamics during play.

How Does the Pickleball Starting Score Work?

What is the starting score in pickleball? At the beginning of a game, the score is 0-0-2. This three-number sequence might seem strange, but here’s what each number represents:

First number: Serving team’s score
Second number: Receiving team’s score
Third number: Server number (1 or 2)

The starting score of 0-0-2 indicates that it’s the second server’s turn to serve first. This rule was implemented to balance the advantage of serving first.

Pickleball Scoring for Singles

In singles play, pickleball scoring explained is more straightforward:

The score consists of just two numbers: server’s score followed by receiver’s score
The server always serves from the right side when their score is even and from the left when their score is odd
The starting score is 0-0
There’s no third number since there’s only one server per side

For example, if you’re serving and the score is 5-3, you would serve from the left side because your score (5) is odd.

How to Keep Score in Pickleball Doubles

How does scoring work in pickleball doubles? This is where many beginners get confused. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

Double’s Scoring Sequence

At the start of the game, only the first player on the starting team serves
When they lose the rally, the serve passes to the first server on the opposing team
When that server loses a rally, the serve passes to their partner
This pattern continues throughout the game

The three-number calling system (serving team score-receiving team score-server number) helps players keep track of who should be serving and from which position.

Common Pickleball Scoring Questions

Can You Score in Pickleball If You’re Not Serving?

No, one of the most distinctive aspects of the pickleball scoring system is that only the serving team can score points. When the receiving team wins a rally, they gain the serve but don’t earn a point.

How Many Points to Win a Pickleball Game?

Traditional pickleball games are played to 11 points, and you must win by at least 2 points. In tournament play, games are sometimes played to 15 or 21 points, but the “win by 2” rule still applies.

Pickleball Scoring Cheat Sheet

For quick reference, here’s a pickleball scoring cheat sheet to help you remember the key rules:

Aspect	Singles	Doubles
Score Calling	Two numbers	Three numbers
Starting Score	0-0	0-0-2
Serving Position	Right side (even score)<br>Left side (odd score)	Right side (even score)<br>Left side (odd score)
Winning Score	11 points (win by 2)	11 points (win by 2)
Point Scoring	Server only	Serving team only

Common Mistakes in Pickleball Scoring

When learning how to keep score in pickleball, be aware of these common mistakes:

Forgetting the server number: In doubles, keep track of whether you’re server #1 or #2.
Serving from the wrong side: Remember, even score means right side, odd score means left side.
Calling the score incorrectly: Always announce the score before serving, with the serving team’s score first.
Thinking both teams can score: Only the serving team can earn points.
Forgetting side switches: Teams switch sides when the first team reaches 6 points (in an 11-point game).

Pickleball Scoring vs. Other Racket Sports

Many newcomers to pickleball come from tennis, badminton, or table tennis backgrounds, which can lead to confusion. Here’s how pickleball scoring differs:

Tennis: Both teams can score points regardless of who serves
Badminton: Uses a rally scoring system where either team can score on any rally
Pickleball: Only the serving team can score points

This side-out scoring system (similar to old-school volleyball) is a key reason why pickleball matches can have dramatic comebacks and shifts in momentum.

Advanced Pickleball Scoring Strategies

Once you’ve mastered basic pickleball scoring rules, consider these strategic implications:

Service rotation: Since only servers score, getting and maintaining the serve becomes crucial
Side selection: The even/odd serving positions can create favorable matchups
Score management: Sometimes it’s advantageous to lose a rally intentionally to change server rotation
Psychological advantage: Calling the score confidently can intimidate opponents and reduce confusion

How to Explain Pickleball Scoring to Beginners

If you’re teaching someone the pickleball scoring system for new players, try this simplified approach:

Start by explaining that only servers can score points
Teach the even/odd court positions
For doubles, introduce the three-number sequence gradually
Use visual aids or demonstrations on court
Practice calling scores before each serve during casual play

Conclusion: Mastering Pickleball Scoring

Understanding how to keep score in pickleball is essential to enjoying this fantastic sport. While it may seem complicated at first, the scoring system becomes second nature with a bit of practice. Remember these key points:

Only the serving team can score
The score is called as: serving team’s score, receiving team’s score, server number (in doubles)
You serve from the right side with an even score and left side with an odd score
Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by 2

With this complete guide to pickleball scoring, you’re ready to hit the courts with confidence. Share this article with your pickleball partners, and soon you’ll all be tracking the score like pros!

FAQs About Pickleball Scoring

Q: What is the correct way to announce the score in pickleball? A: In doubles, announce three numbers: serving team’s score, receiving team’s score, and server number (1 or 2). In singles, just announce server’s score followed by receiver’s score.

Q: Why does pickleball start at 0-0-2? A: This rule was implemented to balance the advantage of serving first. It means the second server on the starting team serves first.

Q: Can the receiving team score points in pickleball? A: No, only the serving team can score points. When the receiving team wins a rally, they gain the serve but don’t earn a point.

Q: How many points do you need to win a pickleball game? A: Traditional games are played to 11 points, but you must win by 2 points. Tournament games sometimes go to 15 or 21 points.

Q: What happens if you forget the score in pickleball? A: If players disagree on the score, revert to the last agreed-upon score. In tournament play, the referee’s score is final.

Q: Is pickleball scored like tennis? A: No, pickleball scoring differs significantly from tennis. In pickleball, only the serving team can score points, whereas in tennis, either team can score regardless of who serves.

Q: How do you know which side to serve from in pickleball? A: Serve from the right side when your score is even (0, 2, 4, etc.) and from the left side when your score is odd (1, 3, 5, etc.).

Do you have any questions about pickleball scoring that weren’t covered in this guide? Leave a comment below, and we’ll help clarify any confusion you might have about this exciting sport! < Learn the official pickleball scoring rules and system in this comprehensive guide. Perfect for beginners with step-by-step explanations for singles and doubles play. –> <!– Keywords: pickleball scoring, pickleball scoring rules, how to keep score in pickleball, pickleball scoring system, pickleball scoring for beginners, pickleball scoring explained, pickleball rules and scoring, pickleball doubles scoring –>