Pickleball Scoring Explained

Introduction

Pickleball scoring can seem a bit confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty straightforward. There are two types of scoring in pickleball: “normal” scoring and “rally” scoring. Here’s a breakdown of each type of scoring.

NORMAL SCORING

Basics of Scoring

1. Points: Points are only scored by the serving team.
2. Game to 11 Points: Games are typically played to 11 points, but you must win by 2 points.
3. Announcing the Score: The server announces the score before each serve in the format: server’s score, receiver’s score, and the server number (either 1 or 2).

Serving and the Two-Serve Rule

1. Starting the Game: At the beginning of the game, the team that serves first is allowed only one serve. After that, each team gets two serves.
2. Switching Servers: When the first server loses a point, the serve goes to the second player on their team. When the second server loses a point, the serve switches to the opposing team.

Singles vs. Doubles

• Singles: In singles play, the server always serves from the right side of the court when their score is even and from the left side when their score is odd.
• Doubles: In doubles play, the server's position is based on their team's score:
• If the serving team’s score is even, the player who served first in that game will serve from the right side.
• If the serving team’s score is odd, the player who served first in that game will serve from the left side.

Serving Sequence in Doubles

1. First Server: The first server starts from the right side. If they win the point, they switch to the left side and continue serving.
2. Second Server: When the first server loses a point, the serve goes to their partner (the second server), who starts from the side they are currently on.

Example of Announcing Scores

• Score Announcement: If the server’s team has 3 points, the receiving team has 5 points, and it’s the first server’s turn, the server will announce, “3-5-1.”
• Winning Point: To win the game, a team must reach at least 11 points and be 2 points ahead of the opposing team.

“Normal” Scoring Summary

• Points can only be scored by the serving team.
• Games are typically played to 11 points and must be won by 2.
• In doubles, each team gets two serves (one for each player) except for the very first serve of the game.
• The server’s position is based on their team’s score: right side for even scores, left side for odd scores.
• The server announces the score in the format of their score, opponent’s score, and their server number.

RALLY SCORING 

Rally scoring in pickleball is an alternative scoring method where points can be won by either the serving or receiving team. This contrasts with traditional scoring, where only the serving team can score points. Here’s how rally scoring works:

Basics of Rally Scoring

• Points Per Rally: In rally scoring, a point is awarded after every rally, regardless of which team served.
• Game to 21 Points: Games are typically played to 21 points, but a team must win by at least 2 points.
• Score Announcement: The server announces the score before each serve, stating their team’s score first, followed by the opponent’s score.

Serving Rules in Rally Scoring

• Continuous Serve Rotation: Players serve in a continuous rotation, alternating between teams after each rally, rather than having two serves per side as in traditional scoring.
• Alternating Servers: Teams alternate serves regardless of who won the previous point. This keeps the game fast-paced and ensures constant action.

Court Positioning

• Starting Serve: At the start of the game, the serve begins from the right side of the court.
• Alternating Sides: The server alternates sides after each point. If the server’s team wins a point, they switch sides with their partner and continue serving.

Example of Rally Scoring

• Initial Serve: Team A serves, and the score is 0-0.
• First Rally: Team B wins the rally. Team B scores a point, making it 0-1, and gains the serve.
• Subsequent Rallies: Team B serves, and if they win the rally, the score becomes 0-2. If Team A wins the rally, the score is 1-1, and Team A gains the serve.
• Winning the Game: The game continues until one team reaches 21 points and is at least 2 points ahead of the other team.

Advantages of Rally Scoring

• Faster Games: Rally scoring tends to make games quicker since points are awarded more frequently.
• Increased Engagement: Both teams are constantly engaged and have the opportunity to score on every rally, making the game more dynamic.
• Simplified Tracking: Rally scoring simplifies scorekeeping, as points are added after every rally, reducing confusion.

“Rally” Scoring Summary

• Points per Rally: Points are scored after every rally, regardless of which team served.
• Game to 21 Points: Games are typically played to 21 points, with a team needing to win by 2 points.
• Continuous Serve Rotation: Players alternate serves after each rally, maintaining a fast pace.
• Court Positioning: Servers alternate sides after each point, keeping the game dynamic.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Side-Outs: When the serving team commits a fault, loses a rally, or fails to win a point, it results in a side-out, and the opposing team gains the serve.
• Change of Ends: Players switch ends of the court after the first game and then every subsequent game if the total number of games played is odd. If the match is best of 3 out of 5, or 2 out of 3, the teams will change ends in the last game if when one team gets to 6 points (or 8 points if the game is to 15).
• Tournament Regulations: In tournament play, specific rules and scoring formats may vary depending on the organizing body and event category. Familiarize yourself with tournament regulations and scoring procedures before participating in competitive play.

-Greg Hansen