How to Keep Score in Pickleball

Pickleball is fast, social, and easy to learn. But if you are new, pickleball scoring can feel tricky at first. The good news, once you learn a few rules for singles and doubles, the game flows and your confidence jumps. This guide covers the basics, how to call the score, and simple examples so you can spend more time playing and less time guessing.

Understanding the Basics of Pickleball Scoring

Most recreational games play to 11 points, win by 2. Traditional pickleball uses side-out scoring, which means only the serving player or team can score. If the receiver wins a rally, they do not get a point. They simply take the serve.

In 2025, some events may use optional rally scoring in certain formats, but it is not the everyday standard. For the official wording and the latest updates, see the 2025 USA Pickleball Rulebook.

Before every serve, call the entire score clearly. In doubles, you announce three numbers. In singles, you announce two. If you are unsure, pause, talk with your partner or opponent, and reset. A quick check prevents messy arguments and keeps games fun. For a deeper refresher, the USA Pickleball scoring and positioning guide is excellent.

How Points Are Won and Games End

• A point is scored when the serving side wins the rally.
• Games are to 11, and you must win by 2.
• Common faults that end rallies:
  • Hitting the ball out of bounds
  • Hitting into the kitchen on a volley
  • Double bounce or missed contact
  • Foot faults on the serve

Example: The server wins a rally at 10-9. The score becomes 11-9, and the game ends, because the lead is 2.

Keeping Score in Doubles Pickleball

Doubles pickleball scoring uses a three-number call: server’s score, receiver’s score, server number (1 or 2). Teams start at 0-0-2. That opening “2” simply means the first team only gets one server for the first turn, then it side-outs to the other team.

Serving sequence:

• Only the serving team scores.
• The first server starts on the right.
• After winning a point, partners switch sides and the same server continues.
• When that server loses a rally, the second server serves. After the second server loses a rally, it is a side out to the other team.

Simple example:

• Start: 0-0-2. Team A serves and loses. Side out.
• Team B begins with 0-0-1 on the right. They win two points, calling 2-0-1, then switch to the left to serve again.

The Serving Order and Side Switches

• First serve starts on the right.
• Within a team, you switch sides after each point you win.
• Only the serving team scores until a side out returns the serve to opponents.

Example sequence:

1. Call: 0-0-1, serve from right, win rally, score is 1-0-1.
2. Server switches to left and serves again, wins, score is 2-0-1.
3. Server faults, second server takes over, call is 2-0-2 from right.

Calling the Score in Doubles Matches

Say the score loudly before the serve: server’s score, receiver’s score, server number. Example: “6-4-2.” Common mistakes include forgetting the server number or flipping scores. Practice with a pattern, like a short pause before the last number, to lock it in. If a call is wrong, stop play before the return to correct it.

Mastering Scorekeeping in Singles Pickleball

Singles pickleball scoring is simpler. You call two numbers: server’s score, receiver’s score. Only the server scores points. Serve from the right when your score is even, and from the left when your score is odd. This mirrors doubles positions without the third number.

Quick comparison to doubles:

• Doubles uses three numbers and two servers per team.
• Singles uses two numbers and one server per turn.
• Both use side-out scoring for standard play.

For another overview with examples, check the PPA scoring guide.

Serving Positions and Sequence in Singles

• Serve diagonally into the opposite service box.
• You keep serving until you fault.
• Even score, serve from the right; odd score, serve from the left.

Example progression:

• Start 0-0, serve from right, win rally, score is 1-0. Next serve from left.
• Win again, score is 2-0. Next serve from right.
• Fault on the next rally. Side out to your opponent, score stays 2-0.

Tips to Avoid Scoring Mistakes in Pickleball

• Always call the score clearly before serving.
• Use a portable scoreboard or an app if your group has one.
• Practice calling scores out loud during warmups.
• Know that some 2025 events may try rally scoring, but most casual play sticks to side-out. When in doubt, agree on format before you start.
• Review official rules to stay current.

Conclusion

Pickleball scoring gets easy with a few reps. Learn the calls, track server order, and use even or odd to find your side. Now grab a paddle, keep score with confidence, and play your next singles or doubles game like a pro. Ready to serve first?

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