Pickleball, a fun and fast-paced sport, blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. While it’s easy to pick up, understanding how to score can be tricky, especially for newcomers. This guide will walk you through the essentials of pickleball scoring, ensuring you can play with confidence and accuracy.
Basic Rules of Scoring
In pickleball, only the serving team can score points, following what’s known as the “side-out” scoring system. This means that if the serving team wins a rally, they earn a point and continue serving. If the receiving team wins the rally, they don’t score but gain the serve—this is called a “sideout.” A typical game is played to 11 points, and you must win by a margin of at least two points.
Serving and Score Calling in Doubles
Pickleball is often played in doubles, where each team has two players. The serving sequence is crucial in doubles and follows a specific order to maintain fairness and consistency. At the start of the game, the server always begins on the right side of the court. Before each serve, the server must call out three numbers: their team’s score, the opponent’s score, and their serving position (either 1 or 2).
For example, if the score is 4-3, and you are the first server, you would call out “4-3-1.” After scoring a point, the server switches to the left side, and the sequence continues until a sideout occurs, giving the opposing team the opportunity to serve.
Unique Aspects of Doubles Scoring
In doubles play, each team has two opportunities to serve before a sideout occurs. The first server serves until they lose a rally, at which point the second server on the team takes over. If the second server also loses a rally, the serve goes to the opposing team.
An interesting quirk in pickleball is the “start of game” exception. At the beginning of a game, the first serving team only has one serve, so when they lose the rally, the serve immediately goes to the opposing team.
Singles Scoring: Simplified but Similar
Scoring in singles pickleball mirrors doubles but with simpler mechanics since there’s only one player on each side. The server starts on the right and serves diagonally. Points are scored in the same manner, but the server switches sides after every point. The game is played to 11 points, with the win-by-two rule still in effect.
Alternative Scoring: Rally Scoring
While the traditional scoring system is the most common, some games use rally scoring, where either team can earn a point regardless of who served. This method speeds up the game and adds a different layer of strategy. Rally scoring is often used in recreational games or specific tournament settings. It’s crucial to know the rules of the game you’re playing, as the scoring method can significantly impact strategies and outcomes.
Winning the Game and Matches
A standard pickleball game is played to 11 points, and players must win by two points. In some tournaments or informal settings, games may be extended to 15 or 21 points, but the win-by-two rule still applies. Matches are usually best-of-three games, meaning the first team to win two games takes the match.
Tips for Remembering the Scoring Order
Keeping track of the score and serving sequence can be daunting, especially in doubles. A helpful mnemonic is “Me-You-Who.” “Me” stands for your team’s score, “You” is the opponent’s score, and “Who” indicates whether you are the first or second server. Repeating this sequence each time you serve can help prevent confusion and keep the game running smoothly.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
New players often forget to switch sides after scoring a point or mix up the score calling sequence. To avoid these errors, focus on developing a rhythm when serving and calling the score. Regular practice and playing more games will naturally improve your scoring fluency.
