Pickleball Scoring | What You Need to Know to Get Started

Introduction

Pickleball is gaining popularity fast, and there's a good reason—it’s a blast to play, easy to pick up, and a fantastic way to stay active. However, figuring out how pickleball scoring works might seem a bit confusing if you're just starting. 

With this guide, we will cover different areas of all the essentials and know-how steps about how scoring works, pickleball scoring singles, doubles pickleball scoring and the serving rules in pickleball​. By the end, the game will make a lot more sense, and you'll be ready to confidently step onto the court without a fear of acting numbing and taking command with the word go.

We will start from the basics explaining to you what are the rules of pickleball​ and then towards the end we will share some pickleball scoring tricks and pickleball scoring rules for beginners. 

Let's break down how the pickleball scoring system works step by step.

Pickleball Scoring Explained: What Are The Rules Of Pickleball​?

To start, remember one thing, the scoring points will always be earned first by the team who made the first serve. This is the difference between pickleball and other games. There is a specialized term given to it and that is sideout scoring. Each rally starts when the ball is served diagonally to the opponent, with both teams returning the backhand, providing a fault for one of them.

You score 1 point when your team serves and wins the rally. Otherwise, if the rally is lost, then no points are awarded to either of the teams and it is the turn of the other team to serve. Most games are played at 11 points, but there is more to it-you have to be leading by at least 2 points to win it. So if the count is 11-10, the game continues until the team leads by 2 points such as 13-11. 

Competitive matches will go as high as 15 or even 21, but the "win by two" rule is always in place. Only the serving team will score points. The scoring system always keeps the game exciting; the "win by two" ensures a fair and clear victory and thus adds a fun challenge to every match!

Pickleball Scoring Rules For Beginners

Scoring in pickleball may seem complex at first, but don't worry; it's simple, exciting, and easy to learn! Whether it is your first game or you're just starting to serve, learning the rules of scoring will make you love the game even more. 

If you’re new to pickleball, there are a few key rules that help understand the scoring process better as a beginner.

Basic 5 Serving Rules In Pickleball​

Pickleball scoring begins from the serve itself, and it is not similar to what people are used to playing when they play tennis. Serving in pickleball comes with some specific requirements. Here are the 5 serving rules in pickleball every player should know:

  • Serve Underhand: The ball must be struck underhand, which means that the paddle should be below the waist at the point of contact.
  • Diagonal Serve: Serve the ball diagonally across the court into the opponent's service box. No straight serves are permitted.
  • Feet Placement: While playing you have to make sure that at least one foot is inside the baseline at the point of serve. Feet cannot step over or across the baseline until they have hit the ball.
  • One-Bounce Rule: After serving, the ball must bounce once on the service court before being returned by the opponent.
  • Non-Volley Zone Rule: The served ball must clear the non-volley zone (also known as the kitchen). Any serve that ends up in the kitchen is considered a fault.

First Serve Exception in Doubles

There's a special exception for the first serve in a pickleball doubles game! 

At the start of the game, just one player from the serving team gets to serve before the serve switches to the other team. This is very different from the rest of the game, where both players on a team usually get a chance to serve before the serve goes to the opponents.

For instance, if Team A serves first and the rally is lost, the serve immediately goes to Team B. After that, the usual rule applies: both players of each team will get a chance to serve before a sideout occurs. This exception only applies to the game's first serve and helps to balance the game straight from the beginning!

The Starting Score in Doubles and Singles

In a doubles game of pickleball, it starts out at 0-0-2. 

Now, the "2" in the score is confusing to most people at first. It's just there to acknowledge the special rule for the first serve. At the beginning of a game, only one of the serving teams can serve. 

If the other team loses the rally, the serve goes directly to the other team, bypassing the second server. 

This makes the "2" a kind of placeholder reminding players that only one serve is allowed for the first team at the start of the game. After that, the score is called normally, with each team using both servers in turn.

Faults and Kitchen Rules

Faults happen when a mistake is made, like hitting the ball out of bounds or not clearing the net. Here are some common faults:

  • Faults on Serve: If the serve doesn’t clear the net or lands in the non-volley zone, it's a fault.
  • Double Hits: If a player accidentally hits the ball twice, it’s also a fault—unless it happens during a continuous stroke, in which case it’s allowed.
  • Non-Volley Zone Faults: The non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, extends 7 feet from the net on both sides. 

The Pickleball Scoring System

Pickleball uses a unique scoring system that changes slightly depending on the format of play.

Let’s go over the main variations.

Sideout Scoring Pickleball

Sideout scoring in pickleball simply means that only the serving team scores points. If the serving team wins the rally, it would gain a point. Otherwise, the rally is lost, and no points are scored; the ball is passed to the other team. This is called a sideout because the serve is switched to the opposite side.

For example: 

Team A serves and loses the rally. No points are added, and now Team B gets to serve.

Team B serves and wins the rally. They score 1 point and keep serving until they lose a rally.

This system maintains the game because only the serving team has a prospect of scoring while maintaining a strategic nature of the game!

Rally Scoring Pickleball

A rally in pickleball refers to the play when the ball is being volleyed back and forth between players. Starting with a serve from one team, a rally continues until one fails to make a valid hit on their side by hitting the ball out of bounds, into the net, or allowing it to bounce twice on their side. 

A rally ends either when a point is scored or another team gets a serve. Think of it as the action in the game-every time the ball is moving between players, that's a rally!

This is still a method in experimental phases and is not officially used as a rule in most games according to the USAPA rules, although it can be used in some casual play settings where one wants to speed up the game.

Pickleball Court Rules Sign

  1. Court Etiquette
  • It is essential that all players respect others on and around the courts. This courtesy means that everyone gets full enjoyment from playing time.
  • If there are other players waiting, warm-ups should be held as briefly as possible. This allows all to take their turn to share the court in a timely fashion.
  • When the game is finished, players must exit the court as soon as possible so that others may start their game.
  1. Safety Measures
  • To protect the court surface and reduce the likelihood of an injury, athletes need to wear non-marking athletic shoes during play.
  • All personal items, including bags and bottles of water, should also be kept off the playing surface in case they prove dangerous.
  • Any court and equipment problem must be reported immediately to address it promptly.
  1. Game Play Guidelines
  • Games are played to 11 points. To win, players must have a 2-point difference at the end to conclude the match.
  • No volleying is allowed in the no-volley zone, which is sometimes called the "kitchen." When hitting the ball in the air, a player should not step into the kitchen.
  • Serves must be made diagonally, from behind the baseline.
  1. General Conduct
  • Only water is allowed in the playing court. All other food and drinks must remain out for a clean and safe playing environment.
  • Pets are strictly prohibited on courts as they can be a danger to all players.
  • Noise level should be kept appropriate and respect the enjoyment of all individuals nearby. Encouragement and enthusiasm are always welcome, but not disruptive behavior.

Scoring Rules for Singles & Doubles In Pickleball

The scoring for singles pickleball and doubles pickleball scoring mainly varies in the way in which the scores are announced and the serving sequence.

Doubles Scoring Explained

In doubles pickleball, the score is called using three numbers:

  1. Team score on your side.
  2. Opponent's score.
  3. The serving number (1 or 2).

For example, if the serving team has 5 points, the opponents have 3, and the server is the first server, the score would be called as "5-3-1".

After winning a point, the server continues serving from the opposite side. When a fault occurs, the serve passes to the teammate, who continues serving until another fault ends the team's service turn.

Singles Scoring

In singles play, the score is called with only two numbers—the server’s score first, followed by the receiver’s. For instance, if you have 4 points and your opponent has 2, you would call "4-2" before serving.

Winning In Pickleball Game

To win a game, a player or team needs to score 11 points and must be ahead by at least 2 points. For example, a score of 11-10 is not enough to win; you would need to reach 12-10 or better.

For those looking to boost their game, a paddle that offers precision can be key.

Consider trying the Gaia Paddle—it helps achieve the perfect blend of balance and control, perfect for reaching those crucial winning points.

Scoring Tips for Beginners

  • Call the Score Out Loud: The score should be announced clearly before each serve. This keeps everyone informed and ensures the game flows smoothly.
  • Alternating Serve Sides: When serving, switch sides after each point. For even scores, serve from the right side of the court. For odd scores, serve from the left.
  • Positioning and Control: Good positioning helps control the pace of the game. Utilize a Kevlar paddle for accuracy in your serves and shots, making it easier to score points consistently.

The Selene Paddle provides the power and comfort needed, helping place the ball precisely where your opponent least expects it.

Conclusion

Pickleball scoring might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but once you understand the core principles, it becomes second nature. The pickleball scoring system makes every serve count, and whether playing singles or doubles, tracking both points and serving rotations is key to smooth gameplay.

For those aiming to improve their game, having the right paddle can make all the difference. The Helios Paddle Collection offers the performance, quality, and craftsmanship needed to elevate skills on the court. Gear up and bring your game to the next level with the right tools in hand.

FAQs

How pickleball scoring works​?

Pickleball is a rally-based scoring system in which points are scored by serving. Typically, games are played to 11 points, with a minimum winning margin of at least 2 points, and the players have to declare the score before serving.

Is pickleball scoring same as tennis​?

No, scoring in pickleball is different. Points are scored only by the serving team; all games are played up to 11, 15, or 21 points. Tennis games have point systems that are games, then sets, and finally matches.

Is pickleball changing to rally scoring​?

There’s been talk about switching to rally scoring, where points can be scored by either team regardless of who serves. However, the traditional system, where only the serving team scores, remains the standard for most games.

What is the starting score of a doubles pickleball game?

In doubles, a game starts 0-0-2. The "2" represents the fact that the second server starts to serve first to balance the advantage between teams. This is specific to pickleball scoring.

What is a double hit in pickleball?

A double hit is a type of hit that involves two hits in one motion, usually by accident. It is allowed if the paddle and ball contact each other continuously. But a deliberate double hit or two separate contacts by different players is an error.


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