Pickleball is a fun and popular sport. Many people enjoy playing it. But new players often ask, “How do you score points in pickleball?” This article will explain the basic rules of scoring. You will learn how to keep score in both singles and doubles games.
What Is Pickleball Scoring?
In pickleball, scoring is simple but different from some other sports. Only the team or player who is serving can earn points. If the server wins a rally, they get one point and keep serving. If the server loses the rally, the other team or player gets the serve. But they do not get a point at that time.
Basic Terms You Should Know
- Serve: The act of starting a rally by hitting the ball to the other side.
- Rally: The period when the ball is in play, from serve to when a point ends.
- Side-out: When the serving team loses the serve to the other team.
- Score: The number of points a player or team has earned.
How to Keep Score in Pickleball Singles
Singles means one player plays against one player. The server calls out the score before each serve. The way to say the score is: “your score – opponent’s score.” For example, if you have 3 points and your opponent has 2 points, you say “3-2.”
Serving Rules For Singles
You serve from the right side of the court if your score is even. You serve from the left side if your score is odd. This helps players know where to stand and where to serve from.
What Happens When You Score A Point?
- You keep serving the next point.
- You switch sides on the court. If your new score is odd, serve from the left side. If even, serve from the right side.
What Happens When You Lose A Rally?
- Your opponent gets the serve.
- Your opponent always starts serving from the right side, no matter their score.
- After that, your opponent switches sides based on their score (right for even, left for odd).
Credit: impactpaddle.com
How to Keep Score in Pickleball Doubles
Doubles means two players on each team. Scoring in doubles is a bit different. Each team gets two chances to serve before the serve goes to the other team. This is called “two-bounce rule.” But only the serving team can get points.
Calling The Score In Doubles
In doubles, the server calls the score with three numbers:
- Serving team’s score
- Receiving team’s score
- Server number (either 1 or 2)
For example, if the serving team has 4 points, the receiving team has 2 points, and the first server is serving, the score is called “4-2-1.”
Who Serves First In Doubles?
At the start of the game, only one player from the first serving team serves. If they lose the rally, the serve goes to the other team.
What Happens When You Score A Point In Doubles?
- The serving team keeps serving.
- The server switches sides with their partner for the next serve.
What Happens When You Lose A Rally In Doubles?
- If it was the first server, the serve goes to the second server on the same team.
- If it was the second server, the serve goes to the other team.
How Many Points to Win a Pickleball Game?
Usually, a game is played to 11 points. But you must win by at least 2 points. So if the score is 10-10, the game continues until one team leads by 2 points. Sometimes, games go to 15 or 21 points. This depends on the tournament or players’ choice.
Summary of Pickleball Scoring Rules
| Rule | Singles | Doubles |
|---|---|---|
| Who can score points? | Only the server | Only the serving team |
| Number of servers per turn | One server | Two servers per team |
| Serving side | Right if even score, left if odd score | Same as singles for each server |
| Points to win | 11 points (win by 2) | 11 points (win by 2) |
| Score call format | “Your score – Opponent’s score” | “Serving team score – Receiving team score – Server number” |
Tips for Beginners to Keep Score Easily
- Always call the score loudly before you serve.
- Remember, only the serving side can score points.
- Keep track of who is serving and which side they serve from.
- Use the even-odd rule to decide serving side.
- Practice with a friend to get used to the rules.
Credit: pickleballkitchen.com
Why Is Scoring Important in Pickleball?
Keeping score helps players know who is winning. It also helps to follow the rules and keep the game fair. Good scorekeeping makes the game more fun for everyone. When you know the score, you can plan your next move better.
Final Thoughts
Pickleball scoring may seem tricky at first. But with practice, it becomes easy. Remember, only the serving player or team can score points. Learn the side rules for serving. Keep track of the score before each serve. This will help you enjoy the game more. Whether you play singles or doubles, these rules will guide you well.
Try playing a few games with friends. Focus on calling the score clearly. Soon, scoring will feel natural. Pickleball is a great sport for all ages. Now, you know how to keep score and play with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Keep Score In Pickleball Singles?
To keep score in pickleball singles, call your score first, then the opponent’s before each serve. Serve from the right if your score is even, left if odd. Only the server scores points. Switch serve sides after scoring. Losing a rally hands serve to your opponent.
What Are The 5 Rules Of Pickleball?
The 5 rules of pickleball are: serve underhand, serve diagonally, keep both feet behind the baseline, double bounce before volleys, and no volleys in the non-volley zone.
How Many Sets Do You Need To Win In Pickleball?
You need to win two out of three sets to win a pickleball match. Each set is played to 11 points. You must win by at least two points. Winning two sets secures the match victory.
What Is A Nasty Nelson In Pickleball?
A Nasty Nelson in pickleball is a rare, illegal move where a player traps an opponent’s arm under their own during play.