If you’re new to pickleball, scoring can seem a little tricky at first, especially since it changes slightly depending on whether you’re playing singles or doubles. In this guide, we’ll break down the scoring rules so you can keep track confidently, whether you’re just playing for fun or in a competitive setting.
The Basics of Pickleball Scoring
Pickleball games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by at least 2 points. Unlike some other racket sports, only the serving team can score points in pickleball. This means that understanding how to serve, keep score, and rotate is crucial for playing the game properly.
The score is always announced before the serve in both singles and doubles. The server should clearly call out the server’s score first, followed by the opponent’s score. You also announce the server number in doubles—either “1” or “2.” This helps everyone know where they are in the sequence.
How to Keep Score in Singles
In singles pickleball, scoring is more straightforward compared to doubles. Here’s how it works:
- Only the Server Scores: You can only score points if you’re serving. If you fail to win the rally, the serve goes to your opponent.
- Winning Points: When you win a point, you retain the serve and continue to serve until you lose a rally.
- Switching Sides: The server switches sides after every point. If the server’s score is even, they serve from the right-hand side of the court. If the score is odd, they serve from the left-hand side.
For example, if the score is 3-2 in favor of the server, they would serve from the left-hand side of the court since their score is odd. This alternating pattern helps ensure that both players experience serves from both sides of the court.
How to Keep Score in Doubles
Scoring in doubles is a bit more involved because each team gets two opportunities to serve before handing over the serve to the opponents. Here’s how doubles scoring works:
- Two Servers Per Team: Each team has two servers. The player on the right serves first. If they lose the rally, the serve passes to their partner. When the second server loses the rally, the serve is handed over to the opposing team.
- Announcing the Score: In doubles, the score is called in three parts: the serving team’s score, the receiving team’s score, and the server number (either 1 or 2). For example, “4-3-1” means the serving team has 4 points, the receiving team has 3, and it’s the first server’s turn.
- Starting the Game: At the beginning of the game, only one player from the first-serving team gets to serve. This is called the “first server exception” and helps balance the advantage between teams. After this initial serve, both teammates will have opportunities to serve for the remainder of the game.
- Switching Sides: Just like in singles, the serving team switches sides of the court after scoring a point. The server always serves diagonally to the opponent’s court.
Doubles Scoring Breakdown
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Serving Sequence | Each team has two servers per turn, starting from the right side of the court. |
| First Server Exception | Only one player from the initial serving team serves in the game’s first turn. |
| Announcing the Score | Call out the serving team’s score, the opponent’s score, and the server number (e.g., “4-2-1”). |
Understanding the First Server Exception in Doubles
One unique aspect of doubles pickleball is the first server exception. At the beginning of the game, only one player from the first-serving team serves. This means if they lose the rally, the serve immediately passes to the other team, rather than giving the second teammate a chance to serve. This exception helps balance out the advantage of starting with the serve.
After the first round, the serving team always gets two serves—one for each teammate—before the serve is passed to the opponents. This alternating serve pattern helps ensure fairness and keeps the game moving smoothly.
Scoring Examples
Let’s look at a few examples to make it more straightforward:
Example 1: Singles Play
- The score is 6-4. Since the server’s score is even, they serve from the right-hand side of the court.
- The server wins the rally, making the score 7-4. The server continues to serve, now from the left-hand side since their score is odd.
Example 2: Doubles Play
- The score is 3-2-1. The serving team has 3 points, the opponents have 2, and it’s the first server serving.
- The first server loses the rally. The score is now 3-2-2, and the second teammate takes over the serve.
- The second server wins the rally, making the score 4-2-2. The serving team switches sides, and the second server serves again from the new position.
Tips for Keeping Score
- Announce the Score Clearly: Always announce the score loudly and clearly before each serve to avoid confusion. This is especially important in doubles, where the server number must also be called.
- Use Wristbands or Markers: Some players use wristbands or other markers to help remember who the first and second servers are. This can be very helpful in doubles matches.
- Practice: Keeping score in pickleball gets easier with practice. If you’re new, don’t be afraid to ask your opponents or teammates for a quick reminder during the game.
Common Mistakes in Scoring
- Incorrectly Announcing the Score: It’s easy to mix up the score, especially in doubles. Always double-check before serving to avoid confusion.
- Forgetting the First Server Exception: In doubles, many beginners forget that only one player serves during the first round of the game. Keep this rule in mind to avoid unnecessary faults.
- Not Switching Sides: After scoring a point, the server must switch sides of the court. Forgetting to do so can result in a fault or lost point.
FAQs About Pickleball Scoring
1. Can both teammates serve in doubles pickleball?
Yes, both teammates get a chance to serve before the serve is handed over to the opposing team. The first server serves until they lose a rally, and then their partner takes over. If they also lose, the serve goes to the opponents.
2. What happens if I forget to announce the score before serving?
Technically, failing to announce the score is considered a fault, though in casual play, most players will simply remind you to call it out next time. In competitive matches, you may be asked to replay the serve.
3. Why does only one player serve at the start of a doubles game?
This is called the first server exception. It helps balance the advantage of being the first team to serve. After the first round, both players on each team get a chance to serve.
4. How do I know which side to serve from in singles?
If your score is even, you serve from the right-hand side of the court. If your score is odd, you serve from the left-hand side.
5. How do I keep track of the server order in doubles?
It can be helpful to use wristbands or visual markers to remember the serving order. Typically, players develop a routine that helps them remember who serves first and second.
Final Thoughts
Scoring in pickleball may take a little time to get used to, but once you understand the basics, it becomes second nature. Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, keeping track of the score, serving order, and court positioning is key to enjoying the game to its fullest. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn as you go!
