Quick answer: Pickleball games usually go to 11 points and you must win by 2. In traditional scoring only the serving team scores. In doubles the server calls three numbers: serving team's score, receiving team's score, and server number (1 or 2).
Pickleball scoring confuses almost every new player, so if you are scratching your head, welcome to the club. Once you see the pattern, you will feel like a genius. Here is how to keep score in pickleball for doubles and singles.
The basics
In traditional side-out scoring, a rally won by the serving team earns a point, and the same server serves again from the other side. If the receiving team wins, no point is scored. In doubles, service passes to the partner when appropriate; after the second server loses the rally, it passes to the opponents. The opening service turn is the exception: the starting team has only one server.
The three-number score in doubles
Before each serve in doubles, the server calls three numbers: the serving team's score, the receiving team's score, and the server number, 1 or 2. "4-2-1" means the serving team has 4, the other team has 2, and the first server is up.
Who serves when
At the very start of the game, the first serving team only gets one server, which is why the opening call is "0-0-2." After that, each team gets two servers. When the first server loses a rally, the partner serves. When the second server loses one, the serve goes to the other team.
Where to stand
In traditional doubles, the first serve after each side-out starts from the right-hand court. A server switches sides after winning a point. If the first server loses the rally, their partner serves from the correct position. Team score alone does not tell you every doubles server's side. The player who started the game serving for that team is on the right when the team's score is even and on the left when it is odd.
Scoring in singles
Singles uses a two-number call: your score, then your opponent's. Serve from the right when your own score is even and the left when it is odd. No second server. Simple, as it should be.
A quick example
Your team starts at "0-0-2." You win the rally: "1-0-2." You win again: "2-0-2." You lose the next one, so the serve goes to the other team, and they call "0-2-1." See? You are practically a referee.
What about rally scoring?
Some leagues and rec groups use rally scoring, where every rally gives a point to the winner no matter who served. Ask your group which one they use before the first serve. Rules get updated from time to time, so check the current USA Pickleball rulebook for tournament play.
Pickleball scoring FAQ
How many points do you play to in pickleball?
Usually 11, and you must win by 2.
Why do you say three numbers in doubles?
So everyone knows the score and who is serving: your score, their score, and server 1 or 2.
Why is the first call 0-0-2?
The starting team only gets one server in the first service turn.
Can you score when you are not serving?
Not in traditional scoring. Only the serving team can score, unless your group plays rally scoring.
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