Pickleball Scoring: How To Keep Score

Welcome to Pickleball Scoring!

Understanding how to keep score in pickleball is crucial for both casual and competitive play. Whether you're a beginner or looking to brush up on the rules, this guide will explain everything you need to know about pickleball scoring, including the basic rules, the unique elements of the scoring system, and tips to keep track of the score during a game.

The Basics of Pickleball Scoring

1. Game Format:

   • Pickleball games are typically played to 11 points, but can also be played to 15 or 21 points in tournaments.
   • To win, a team must lead by at least 2 points (e.g., 11-9, 15-13, etc.).

2. Serving and Scoring:

   • Points can only be scored by the serving team.
   • The score is announced before each serve, with the serving team’s score first, followed by the receiving team’s score, and then the server number (either 1 or 2).

3. The Serve:

   • At the start of the game, the first serving team is allowed only one fault before passing the serve to the opponents.
   • After the initial serve, each team gets two faults (one per player) before the serve is passed to the opponents.

Detailed Scoring Rules

1. Announcing the Score:

   • The server calls out the score before serving: their team's score first, the opponent's score second, and the server number third.
   • For example, if the serving team has 3 points and the receiving team has 2, and the first server is serving, the score is announced as “3-2-1.”

2. Service Sequence:

   • In doubles, the player on the right-hand court always serves first.
   • After a point is scored, the server switches sides with their partner, and the same server continues to serve.
   • When the serving team commits a fault, the serve passes to the second server on their team.
   • After the second server commits a fault, the serve passes to the opponents.

3. Singles Play:

   • The serving rules are similar to doubles, but each player only has one serve.
   • The server serves from the right-hand court when their score is even and from the left-hand court when their score is odd.

Common Scenarios in Pickleball Scoring

1. First Server Sequence:

   • At the beginning of the game, only one player serves. For example, if the starting team serves and commits a fault, the serve goes to the opponents without the second player serving.
   • After this initial sequence, both players on each team will serve before the serve is passed to the opponents.

2. Side-Out:

   • A side-out occurs when the serving team loses the serve after both players have served and committed a fault. The opponents then get the serve.

3. Winning the Game:

   • To win, a team must reach the designated point total (usually 11, 15, or 21) and be ahead by at least 2 points.

Tips for Keeping Score

1. Communicate: Always announce the score loudly and clearly before serving. This ensures both teams are aware of the current score and helps avoid disputes.

2. Use a Scoreboard: In competitive matches, use a scoreboard or scorekeeper to keep track of the score. This can help prevent confusion and ensure accuracy.

3. Practice: Keeping score can be challenging for beginners. Practice scoring during casual games to become more comfortable with the system.

4. Understand the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the official rules and scoring system of pickleball. The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) provides detailed rules and guidelines that can be helpful.

Conclusion

Keeping score in pickleball is straightforward once you understand the basic rules and flow of the game. Whether you're playing doubles or singles, accurate scoring is essential for fair and enjoyable play. By following this guide and practicing regularly, you'll become proficient in pickleball scoring and enhance your overall game experience.

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