You score only when serving, by winning rallies under side-out scoring rules.
If you have wondered how do you score in pickleball, you are in the right place. I teach new and seasoned players how to track points, rotate, and call the score with ease. This short guide walks you through the essentials. You will see clear steps, real examples, and friendly tips that make how do you score in pickleball simple and fun.
Why Scoring Works The Way It Does
Pickleball uses side-out scoring. That means only the serving team can win a point. Games often go to 11 and you must win by 2. Some formats use 15 or 21 in events.
This rule set keeps games close. It also rewards strong serves and smart returns. The two-bounce rule shapes rallies and cuts quick points. To answer how do you score in pickleball, you must know these basics first.
From my coaching, I see new players relax once they get the flow. It is not hard. It just needs a few reps with clear calls.
The Core Rule: Side-Out Scoring Explained
Here is the heart of how do you score in pickleball. Only the serving side can add a point. If the serving side wins the rally, they get a point and keep serving. If they lose the rally, the serve moves to the next server or the other team.
In doubles, each team has two servers per turn. The odd start is the first exception. At 0-0-2, only one player serves to open the game. This makes both teams’ first service turn equal over time.
To serve, keep both feet behind the baseline. Hit underhand with the paddle below the waist. Serve to the diagonal box past the non-volley zone. Miss the box or hit the net and it is a fault.
The Three-Number Score Call
Many players ask, how do you score in pickleball with three numbers? The call in doubles uses three parts. It goes server score, receiver score, server number. The server number is 1 or 2.
If you hear 4-2-1, it means the serving team has 4. The other team has 2. The server is the first server on that side. At the start of the game, the correct call is 0-0-2. That shows the one-server start rule.
In singles, you call only two numbers. It is server score, then receiver score. No server number is used in singles.
Who Serves When: Doubles Rotation
In doubles, how do you score in pickleball comes down to clean rotation. The right court is the even side. The left court is the odd side. The correct server stands on the right when their team score is even. They stand on the left when their team score is odd.
When the serving team wins a point, the two partners swap sides. The same player keeps serving. If the server loses a rally, the serve moves to their partner. When both partners lose rallies, it is a side-out. The other team now serves, starting with their first server.
Tip from my matches. Say the full call out loud before each serve. It locks the rotation in your mind. It keeps both partners on the same page.
Singles vs Doubles: Key Differences
In singles, how do you score in pickleball changes a bit. You are the only server on your side. Call two numbers only. Serve from the right when your score is even. Serve from the left when your score is odd.
The rest is the same. Only the server can score. You must win by 2. The ball must bounce once on each side at the start of a rally before any volley.
Faults That End a Rally and Affect Points
If you wonder how do you score in pickleball when faults happen, think cause and effect. A fault by the serving team ends the serve. A fault by the receiving team gives the serving team a point.
Common faults include these.
- The serve lands out or hits the net and does not go in.
- The return of serve is out or in the net.
- A volley is hit before each side has let the ball bounce once.
- A player volleys in the kitchen or steps on the line during a volley.
- The ball lands out, is double hit, or a player touches the net.
Call faults fast and fair. Good calls build trust. Good trust builds better games.
Step-by-Step Examples: Calling and Tracking the Score
Let’s walk through how do you score in pickleball, step by step. These cases mirror real play and help you track points with ease.
Example 1: Starting a doubles game
- Start call is 0-0-2.
- The first server serves from the right. They win the rally.
- Call 1-0-2. The same server now stands on the left.
- They lose the next rally. Serve goes to the other side. Call from the new server is 0-1-1.
Example 2: Mid-game with side-out
- Score is 6-4-1. The serving team wins the rally.
- New call is 7-4-1. The server switches sides and serves again.
- They lose the rally. Now it is 7-4-2. The partner serves from the same end position.
- They lose that rally. Side-out. New servers call 4-7-1.
Example 3: Singles even-odd
- Your score is 8. Serve from the right and call 8-6.
- You win. Now it is 9-6. Switch to the left and serve again.
- You lose. Your rival calls 6-9.
Use a simple trick in games. Check your team score. Even score, serve from the right. Odd score, serve from the left. This keeps you set even when you are tired.
Smart Ways to Earn Points
These tips boost how do you score in pickleball during tough games. They are simple and work for most levels.
- Hit deep serves. A deep serve pins the returner. It sets up a short third shot.
- Return deep to the middle. You cut angles and buy time to get to the line.
- Use a safe third shot. A soft third shot drop can reset the rally.
- Aim at feet at the kitchen. Low balls draw pop-ups and errors.
- Win the soft game. Dink to the middle. Change pace, height, and spin.
- Avoid kitchen faults. In close games, one free point can swing a set.
- Call the score loud. It keeps your mind sharp and helps both teams.
- Plan targets by player. If one rival floats returns, test them more.
From my league nights, patience wins more points than power. Pressure may tempt you to swing big. Stay steady. Shape the point. Make them miss.
Frequently Asked Questions of how do you score in pickleball
How do you score in pickleball?
You score only when your team is serving and you win the rally. If you are receiving, you cannot score; you only gain the serve.
What is the starting score in pickleball?
In doubles, the first call is 0-0-2. That shows the one-server start for the first team.
Why does the score have three numbers in doubles?
The call is server score, receiver score, and server number. Server number shows if it is the first or second server for that team’s turn.
Can you score on a fault by the receiving team?
Yes, if the receiving team commits a fault, the serving team gets a point. If the serving team commits a fault, the serve moves on without a point.
What does win by 2 mean?
If the target is 11, you must reach at least 11 and lead by 2. For example, 12-10 works, but 11-10 does not.
How do you score in pickleball in singles?
You call two numbers, server first. You score only when serving, and you serve from right on even points and left on odd points.
Conclusion
You now have a clear, simple map for how do you score in pickleball. Call the score with care, track even and odd sides, and use smart shots to earn points. Small habits add up fast.
Take this guide to the court and test it in a few games. If you found it helpful, share it with a partner, subscribe for more tips, or drop a question so we can help you play with confidence.