You only score on your serve; call server score, receiver score, and server number.
If you want to master how to score in pickleball, you need more than rules. You need a feel for the flow. I’ve taught hundreds of new players, and scoring is the first big unlock. In this guide, I’ll show you how to score in pickleball with clear steps, live examples, and simple tips you can use today. Read on to turn scoring into second nature.
How to score in pickleball: the basics
Pickleball uses side-out scoring. That means only the serving team can score a point. If the receiving team wins a rally, they do not score. They earn the serve instead.
Here is the fast version:
- Only the server’s team can score a point. If the server’s team wins a rally, they add one point.
- When the server’s team loses a rally, they lose the serve. In doubles, the serve moves to the partner first. Then, after another loss, it is a side out.
- Games are usually to 11, win by 2. Some formats go to 15 or 21, win by 2.
When you explain how to score in pickleball to a new partner, start with this: serve, score, switch if you win, and side out if you lose. Keep it that simple at first. Then add the details as you play.
Serving order and court positions: the key to how to score in pickleball
In doubles, the score tells you where to stand. If your team’s score is even, the correct server stands on the right. If your team’s score is odd, the correct server stands on the left.
Important doubles flow:
- The first server of the game starts on the right and calls 0-0-2. Only one serve for the first team to balance the start.
- After the first rally win, the same server switches sides with their partner and serves again.
- If the serving side loses a rally, the second partner serves. If they lose, it is a side out.
When you learn how to score in pickleball, practice calling positions out loud. Say “even score, right side” or “odd score, left side.” It keeps everyone aligned.
How to call the score every time
In doubles, you call three numbers in this order: server score, receiver score, server number. Server number is 1 or 2 for your team’s current service turn.
- Starting a game: 0-0-2. That tells everyone only one server gets a turn to begin the game.
- If your team has 5 points, they have 3 points, and you are the first server: 5-3-1.
- If your team has 8 points, they have 9, and you are the second server: 8-9-2.
In singles, you call only two numbers: server score, receiver score. No server number. The same base rule still applies for how to score in pickleball. Only the server can add a point.
Singles vs doubles: how to score in pickleball in both formats
Singles uses the same side-out scoring. Only the server can score. After each point, the server switches sides to serve from right on even scores and from left on odd scores.
Key differences:
- Singles has no second server. If the server loses the rally, it is a side out to the other player.
- Movement is simpler. The server moves side to side by their own score parity. Even is right, odd is left.
- Calling the score has two numbers only, which makes how to score in pickleball in singles very clean.
If you already know doubles scoring, singles will click fast. The rhythm is the same.
Side-outs, faults, and when points end
A side out happens when the serving team loses the rally and all servers on that side have served. In doubles, server 1 and server 2 each get a turn per side out, except at the start of the game.
Common faults that stop play:
- Ball lands out of bounds or hits the net and fails to go over.
- Foot fault on the serve or a non-volley zone foot fault during a volley.
- Serve lands in the wrong box or on the non-volley zone line. On the serve, that line is out.
- Double bounce mistakes. The return must bounce, and the third shot must bounce before a volley.
Knowing what ends a rally is core to how to score in pickleball. Clean rallies mean clean points.
How to win: game and match formats
Most games go to 11, win by 2. Many social games use one game to 11. Some clubs run to 15 or 21 when courts are open. Tournaments often play best two of three games to 11, win by 2.
A common event format:
- Best two of three games to 11, win by 2.
- Teams switch ends after each game.
- In a deciding game, many events switch ends when the first team reaches 6. This keeps wind and sun fair.
Ask a host or check posted rules before you start. Knowing the format helps you plan how to score in pickleball across a full match.
Strategy tips: how to score in pickleball more often
Points start with a strong serve and return. But the rally after the return is where most points are earned. Use these simple patterns.
High-percentage ways to score:
- Serve deep to the backhand. A deep serve buys you time and a weaker return.
- Hit a soft third shot drop. This lets your team reach the kitchen line under control.
- Aim for the middle. Many teams give free points on balls down the middle.
- Pick on the weaker backhand at the kitchen. Patient dinks force errors.
- Keep returns deep and to the server. Make them hit from behind the baseline.
When I coach beginners on how to score in pickleball, I repeat one rule: get to the kitchen line as soon as you can. That is where points are won.
Drills to lock in scoring, rotation, and calls
You can practice scoring without a full match. Use short reps with clear roles. This builds habits fast.
Try these:
- Call-and-Place Drill. One player calls a live score before each serve. All players point to their spots. This links calls to positions.
- Even-Odd Walkthrough. Start at 0-0-2. Play two-ball mini rallies. After each point, stop and say where each player stands and why.
- Third Shot Ladder. Server only scores if they hit a soft third shot that lands in the kitchen. Race to 7.
- Middle Wins. Point only counts if the winning shot goes through the middle. Trains smart targets.
- Side-Out Challenge. Receiving team earns two balls on each side out. Serving team must hold and score twice to win the round.
Reps like these make how to score in pickleball feel automatic in real games.
Real-game scoring scenarios explained
Scenario 1: Start of game in doubles
- Call is 0-0-2.
- You serve from the right. You win the rally. Score is now 1-0-2. You switch sides and serve again.
Scenario 2: Mid-game, partner rotation
- Score is 5-3-1. You serve and lose the rally. Now it is still your team’s serve, but server 2 takes over.
- Call is 5-3-2. Your partner serves from their current side.
Scenario 3: Side out and reset
- At 8-8-2, your team loses the rally. Side out.
- The other team checks positions. Their correct server is on the right because their score is even. They call 8-8-1 and serve.
Walking through live examples is the fastest way to own how to score in pickleball. Do it out loud with your group.
Common mistakes to avoid when learning how to score in pickleball
I see the same errors in rec play. Catch them early and your games will flow.
Watch for these:
- Calling two numbers in doubles. Always call three: server score, receiver score, server number.
- Serving from the wrong side. Check even or odd before each serve.
- Forgetting the first server rule. The game starts at 0-0-2 for a reason.
- Receiving team switching sides after each rally. Only the serving team switches when they win a point.
- Rushing the call. Slow down, call it clear, then serve.
Small habits fix big headaches. This is the heart of how to score in pickleball without confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions of how to score in pickleball
What is the correct way to call the score in doubles?
Say server score, receiver score, and server number. For example, 6-4-1 means your team has 6, they have 4, and you are server 1.
Why does the game start at 0-0-2 in doubles?
It balances the start so the first team does not get two serves. The side starts as the second server to limit early advantage.
Can the receiving team score a point?
No. Only the serving team can score. If the receiving team wins a rally, they gain the serve in a side out.
In singles, which side do I serve from?
Serve from the right on even scores and from the left on odd scores. You still only score on your serve.
Do I switch sides with my partner after every rally?
Only the serving team switches after winning a point. The receiving team holds their spots until they win the serve.
What score do you play to in most games?
Most games go to 11, win by 2. Some play to 15 or 21, win by 2, especially in events.
Conclusion
Scoring in pickleball is simple once you lock in the flow: only score on your serve, call three numbers in doubles, and move by even and odd. Tie that to deep serves, soft third shots, and smart middle targets, and you will earn points fast. The more you practice the calls out loud, the smoother your games will feel.
Take this guide to the court today. Run two drills, call your scores with confidence, and track how many clean holds you get. Want more tips like this on how to score in pickleball and win with less effort? Subscribe, share this with a partner, or drop your questions in the comments.