Confused by how to score in pickleball? You're not alone! Learn exactly how to call the score before each pickleball rally, what a "side out" means, and how to determine server numbers. Whether you're brand new to the game or just need a refresher, this guide will make scoring in pickleball feel second nature. Learn the right sequence to call the score, why position matters, and how to avoid common scoring mistakes.
Watch the video above for a guide on how to score in pickleball — in under three minutes.
Calling the pickleball score
The current server is responsible for calling the score before every rally. They should call the score out in this order:
- Your score.
- Your opponent's score.
- Your server number (1 or 2).
For instance: 2 (your score) - 1 (your opponent’s score) - 1 (your server number).
Read about the BASICS of pickleball scoring here.
Server #1 & Server #2
Every time the ball changes sides or goes to the other team across the net, it's called a “side-out.”
When a side-out happens or the ball changes sides, the player standing in the right service box is Server #1. The player standing in the left service box is Server #2.
Many beginners think that if they were Server #1 at the beginning of the game, they are Server #1 the whole game. But that's not true. The position you're in when the ball changes sides is the only determination for which server you are: If you're on the right when the ball changes sides, you're Server #1. If you're on the left, you're Server #2.
Watch the video above for a guide on how to score in pickleball — in under three minutes.
Real-game example
Here is an example of what would happen during a real game:
- For this example, the score is currently 2-1.
- Your team has 2 points, your opponents have 1 point.
- You are serving.
- If you are on the right side when your receive the ball back, you will be Server #1.
- You will call out: 2-1-1 (your score - their score - your server number).
- For this example, your team scores and you move to the left service box because you have to alternate boxes after every won point.
- Every time you score, you switch and serve from the other side.
- The score would now be 3-1-1.
- Your team doesn't score on the next point, so you pass the ball to your partner and they would now serve at 3-1-2 (Server #2).
- Your partner serves the ball and the opponents win the rally.
- Now the ball is going to change sides with a side-out.
- Your opponents are going to serve to you from Server #1 on their side.
- They call 1-3-1 (their score - your score - Server #1).
This pattern would repeat until the game is over — when you reach 11 points (win by two).
Read about the BASICS of pickleball scoring here.
Beginner score
The only slight difference in the beginning of the game’s score will be 0-0-2.
The first server of any game will be Server #2 from the right side of their court — only at the beginning of the game. This is to make sure that the starting team doesn't have an unfair advantage and get two service attempts right when the game starts.
Watch the video above for a guide on how to score in pickleball — in under three minutes.