Pickleball is a fun sport played by many people worldwide. It is easy to learn and fun to play. But one of the most common questions is, how do you score in pickleball?
In this article, we will explain the scoring rules in simple words. You will learn how to count points and understand the game better.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport. It is similar to tennis but played on a smaller court. You can play singles (one player on each side) or doubles (two players on each side).
The goal is to hit the ball over the net and make the other team miss. When they miss, you get points.
Credit: betterpickleball.com
Basic Idea of Scoring
In pickleball, only the serving team can score points. This means if your team is serving and wins the rally, you get a point.
If the serving team loses the rally, no points are given. The serve then passes to the other team. This is called a “side out.”
What Is A Rally?
A rally is the time when the ball is in play. It starts when one player serves the ball. It ends when the ball goes out or a team misses it.
How Does Serving Work?
Serving is important in pickleball scoring. The serving team tries to win points. Let’s look at the serving rules.
- The player on the right side serves first for a team.
- If the server wins the rally, they switch sides and serve again from the left.
- If the server loses the rally, the serve goes to their partner.
- After both partners lose their serve, the serve goes to the other team (side out).
How to Call the Score
In pickleball, the score is said in a special way. You say three numbers:
- The serving team’s score.
- The receiving team’s score.
- The server number.
For example, if the serving team has 3 points, the receiving team has 2 points, and the first server is serving, you say:
This helps players know who is serving and the current score.
Understanding Server Number
In doubles, each team has two servers. The first server is called server 1, and the second server is server 2.
If server 1 loses the rally, then server 2 serves. If server 2 also loses, the serve goes to the other team.
This rotation keeps the game fair and fun.
Scoring in Singles Pickleball
Singles pickleball is a little different from doubles. Here’s how it works:
- Only one server per side.
- You serve from the right side when your score is even.
- You serve from the left side when your score is odd.
- Each player gets only one serve per rally.
The score is called with two numbers only. For example, “5 – 3” means the server has 5 points and the opponent has 3.
When Does the Game End?
Pickleball is usually played to 11 points. But sometimes, it can be played to 15 or 21 points in tournaments.
You must win by two points. So, if the score is 10-10, the game continues until one team leads by two points.
Credit: impactpaddle.com
Summary Table of Pickleball Scoring
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Who can score? | Only the serving team can score points. |
| Serve order in doubles | Right side server starts. If they lose, partner serves. |
| Side out | When both servers lose, serve goes to other team. |
| Score call format | Serving team score – Receiving team score – Server number. |
| Singles serving | Serve right side if even score, left if odd. |
| Game winning score | Usually first to 11 points, win by 2. |
Common Questions About Pickleball Scoring
Can the receiving team score points? No. Only the serving team scores.
What happens if the ball hits the net on serve? It is a fault. The other team gets the serve.
What if the score is tied at the end? Play continues until one team leads by two points.
Why Is Scoring Important?
Scoring helps you know who is winning. It keeps the game fair and fun.
If you understand scoring, you can play better. You also enjoy the game more.
Tips for Beginners
- Practice calling the score out loud during practice.
- Remember only the serving team scores points.
- Keep track of who is serving and where.
- Start with games to 11 points.
- Watch games or videos to see scoring in action.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Pickleball Scoring Work?
Pickleball scoring allows only the serving team to score points. Players serve from the right when even, left when odd. Each player serves until losing a rally. After both lose serve, the other team serves. Games usually play to 11 points, winning by 2.
What Are The 5 Rules Of Pickleball?
The 5 rules of pickleball are: Serve underhand, serve diagonally, keep the ball out of the non-volley zone, score only when serving, and win by 2 points. Players must switch sides after scoring and follow the double bounce rule for fair play.
How To Keep Track Of Score In Pickleball?
Keep track of pickleball score by calling the serving team’s score first. Only the serving team can earn points. Switch servers after losing a rally. When both teammates lose serve, the opposing team serves. Use side-out scoring to monitor game progress accurately.
What Does The 2 Mean In Pickleball If The Score Is 5 4 2?
The “2” in pickleball score 5-4-2 shows the serving player number. It indicates the second server is serving.
Conclusion
Now you know how to score in pickleball. Remember, only the serving team scores points. The serve moves between players after losing a rally.
Call the score clearly using the right numbers. Play to 11 points and win by two.
With this knowledge, you can enjoy pickleball with friends. Try playing and keep score. It will make the game more fun.