Pickleball is a fun sport played by many people. It mixes tennis, badminton, and ping pong.
Knowing how to score in pickleball helps you enjoy the game more. This guide shows you simple steps to keep score.
What is Pickleball Scoring?
In pickleball, only the team that serves can get points. If the serving team wins a rally, they get a point.
If the serving team loses a rally, no points are given. The serve goes to the other team. This is called a side out.
Basic Terms You Should Know
- Rally: A sequence of plays between the serve and when the ball goes out or a point is won.
- Side out: When the serving team loses the right to serve, and the other team gets to serve.
- Serve: The action that starts a point by hitting the ball to the other side.
How to Keep Score Step by Step
Pickleball has some special rules to keep score. Follow these easy steps:
1. Starting The Game
The first serve of the game always comes from the right side of the court.
At the start, only one player serves to start the match.
2. Serving And Scoring
When the serving team wins a rally, they get a point.
After scoring a point, the serving team changes sides. The server moves to the other side of the court.
If the serving team loses a rally, they lose the serve. The other team then serves. No points are given to the other team on a side out.
3. Serving In Doubles
In doubles, each team has two players. After the first serve in the game, each player on the serving team gets to serve before the serve goes to the other team.
Each player serves from the correct side of the court based on the score.
4. Even And Odd Rule
If the serving team’s score is even, the server serves from the right side of the court.
If the score is odd, the server serves from the left side.
Using the Score Call
When calling the score, say three numbers:
- Serving team’s score
- Receiving team’s score
- Server number (only in doubles)
For example, if the serving team has 4 points, the other team has 2 points, and it is the first server’s turn, say: 4-2-1.
Example of Scoring in a Doubles Game
| Score | Server | Side | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-0-1 | Player A1 | Right | First serve of the game from right side. |
| 1-0-1 | Player A1 | Left | Serve again from the left side after scoring a point. |
| 2-0-2 | Player A2 | Right | Next server starts from right side after partner’s turn. |
| 2-0-2 | Player A2 | Left | Serve from left side after scoring a point. |
| 2-1-1 | Player B1 | Right | Side out. Serve goes to opposing team. |
Winning the Game
Games usually go to 11 points. You must win by 2 points.
If the score is 10-10, keep playing until one team leads by 2 points.
Tips to Remember When Scoring
- Only the serving team can score points.
- The serve starts from the right side if the score is even.
- The serve starts from the left side if the score is odd.
- After scoring, the serving team switches sides.
- When the serving team loses the rally, the serve goes to the other team.
Credit: impactpaddle.com
Credit: pickleballkitchen.com
Why Is Scoring Important?
Keeping score helps you know who is winning. It makes the game fair and fun.
Without clear scoring, players might get confused and stop enjoying the game.
Practice Scoring to Get Better
Practice makes it easier to keep score during games.
Play with friends and focus on calling the score out loud.
This will help you learn the rules and feel more confident.
Summary
Pickleball scoring is simple when you follow the rules.
- Only the serving team can score.
- The serve starts on the right side when the score is even.
- The serve starts on the left side when the score is odd.
- Each player in doubles gets two serves after the first serve.
- You must win by 2 points to finish the game.
Remember these tips, and your pickleball games will be more fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is Scoring Done In Pickleball?
In pickleball, only the serving team scores points. They score by winning a rally and switch sides after each point. If the serving team loses a rally, the serve passes to the opponents, but no point is scored. The game continues until a team reaches 11 points with a 2-point lead.
How To Keep Score In Pickleball For Beginners?
In pickleball, only the serving team scores points. Serve from the right if your score is even, left if odd. Score a point by winning a rally and switch sides after scoring. If you lose the rally, the serve passes to the opponent without scoring.
What Are The 5 Rules Of Serving In Pickleball?
The 5 rules of serving in pickleball are: Serve underhand below the waist. Serve diagonally to the opposite court. Keep both feet behind the baseline. Serve from the right if score is even, left if odd. Only one serve attempt per point in singles.
What Does The 2 Mean In Pickleball If The Score Is 5 4 2?
The “2” in the score 5-4-2 shows which server is serving. It indicates the second server in the serving team.