Learning to keep score in pickleball can be confusing at first, but will become clear as soon as you play your first game. Learn how to keep score in pickleball, in both doubles and singles play.
Basic rules of pickleball serving (Rule 4)
Only the serving team will be awarded points.
The first server on each team is referred to as Server 1 and their partner is Server 2.
When playing singles, since there is only one player on each side of the court there is no first or second server.
When playing doubles, both players on a team will serve before a side out is declared.
Except at the start of each game when only the starting server will serve.
The starting server of each game is therefore designated as Server 2 for scoring purposes.
A side out will occur once a rally is lost or a fault is committed by the serving team and service is awarded to the opposing team.
Keeping score in pickleball (Rule 4.J.)
The score is called as three numbers in doubles matches:
The proper sequence for calling the score is: “serving team’s score – receiving team’s score – the server number: (1 or 2):, e.g., “0 – 3 – 1” or “2 - 1 - 2”.
Example: If your score is 3, your opponent’s score is 1, and you are the second server, your will call the score as: “3 - 1 - 2.” If you lose the rally and the serve goes to your opponent, they will call the score as: “1 - 3 - 1.”
To start each game, the score will always be called as “0 – 0 – 2.”
Calling the pickleball score (Rule 4.D.1.)
The score shall be called after the server and receiver are in position and all players are ready to play.
In non-officiated play, the server normally calls the score, but the server’s partner may call the score if the server is unable to call the score.
Serving sequence (Rule 4)
The first serve from Server 1 will always serve from the right side.
The first serve of the game (Server 2) will also be from the right side.
The same server will serve from the correct position and will alternate serving positions as long as the serving team continues to win points.
After Server 1's team loses a rally, Server 2 will serve.
After Server 2 loses the rally or faults, a side-out will occur and service is awarded to the opponent.
Pickleball scoring rules 101: Everything you need to know to start playing.
If you would like to learn more details about these rules refer to the official rulebook at USAPickleball.org.
Maddie Toren is a pro pickleball official and the first-ever teen-certified referee. This is Episode 3 of “10 Rules All Beginner Pickleball Players Should Know: Part 1.”