Whether you’re just stepping onto the court or you’re an experienced player brushing up on your knowledge, understanding how Pickleball scoring works is essential. Singles and doubles play have slightly different scoring patterns, and knowing the cadence and terminology can give you a major edge.
At My Pickle Drop, we’ve created this comprehensive Pickleball scoring guide to help you master the game. From serving rules to keeping track of the score and understanding the difference between singles and doubles, we’ve got everything you need in one place.
Basic Pickleball Scoring Rules
- Game to 11, Win by 2:
A standard Pickleball game is played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least 2 points. Some tournament formats may play to 15 or 21, but the “win by 2” rule still applies. - Points Only on Serve:
Only the serving team can score points. If your team is receiving the serve and wins the rally, you don’t get a point—you simply gain the opportunity to serve. - Sideouts Matter:
A “sideout” occurs when the serving team fails to win a point and loses the serve to the opposing team.
Also read this blog: How you can serve in Pickle Ball
Pickleball Serve Position and Rotation
- The first server of each team starts on the right side of the court (known as the even court).
- The server must serve underhand and diagonally across the net.
- When a point is scored, the server switches sides (right to left, left to right), and continues to serve.
- The receiving team does not switch sides regardless of the outcome of the point.
Doubles Pickleball Scoring Guide
Doubles introduces a few additional rules that every team must follow:
➤ Initial Serve – The Exception
- At the start of the game, only one player on the first serving team gets to serve. This player is considered the “second server,” and the initial score will be 0-0-2.
- The “2” indicates that this is the second server (even though it’s the first serve of the game).
- This rule helps minimize the advantage of serving first.
➤ Standard Doubles Play
After the initial serve, standard serving rotation applies:
- The player on the right side always serves first.
- If the serving team scores a point, the server switches sides and continues to serve.
- When the first server loses a rally, the serve is passed to the second server on the same team.
- After both teammates have lost their serve, it results in a sideout, and the other team gets the chance to serve.
- The next team to serve starts with the player on the right side, and the cycle repeats.
➤ Keeping Track of Server Numbers
One of the most common beginner mistakes is assuming a player keeps their server number throughout the game. That’s not the case. The server number (1 or 2) only applies for that team’s service turn.
- When your team gets the serve back, whoever is on the right side becomes Server 1.
- If you win points, that server continues until they fault.
- Then, their partner becomes Server 2—only for that service turn.
- On the next changeover, the positions could be reversed.
How to Call the Score in Pickleball (Singles and Doubles)
Understanding how to correctly call the score in pickleball is a fundamental part of learning the game. Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, scorekeeping and announcing it properly is essential for fair play, avoiding confusion, and maintaining the pace of the match.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down how to call the score in both singles and doubles, explain related rules, and help you get fully game-ready.
Calling the Score in Pickleball: The Basics
In doubles pickleball, the player who is serving must always announce the score before putting the ball into play. The score consists of three numbers:
- The serving team’s score
- The receiving team’s score
- The server number (either 1 or 2)
An easy way to remember this order is through the phrase: “Me – You – Who”
- “Me” refers to your team’s score (the server)
- “You” refers to the opposing team’s score
- “Who” refers to which player on the serving team is currently serving (1 or 2)
For example, if your team has 6 points, your opponents have 4, and you are the second server, you would call:
“6 – 4 – 2”
In singles pickleball, only two numbers are called:
- The server’s score
- The receiver’s score
If you are serving and the score is 7–3 in your favor, you would call:
“7 – 3”
Singles Pickleball Scoring Rules
Scoring in singles pickleball is straightforward but follows specific rules:
- You can only win points when serving. If you lose the rally as the server, you lose the serve, and it’s your opponent’s turn.
- The first player to reach 11 points wins the game, but the player must win by a margin of at least 2 points. So if the score is 10–10, the game continues until one player leads by two points.
- When the server’s score is even, they serve from the right side of the court.
- When the server’s score is odd, they serve from the left side of the court.
This right-left rule helps keep track of the server’s score and ensures both sides of the court are equally used throughout the game.
Pickleball Court Dimensions
Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, the court size remains the same:
- The court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long.
- The non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, extends 7 feet from the net on both sides.
- The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high at the center.
This standard layout applies universally across all sanctioned pickleball games.
Pickleball Equipment Essentials
To get started with pickleball, you don’t need much, but quality gear can make a difference in your performance and enjoyment. At My Pickle Drop, we provide everything you need to step confidently onto the court.
A complete beginner-friendly set should include:
- Two high-quality pickleball paddles
- At least three USA Pickleball-approved pickleballs
- A sturdy and comfortable court bag to carry your gear
You can also customize your gear by building your own pickleball paddle set directly on the My Pickle Drop website. Choose your preferred paddle weight, grip, color, and more to match your playing style.
Want to Learn More About Singles Strategy?
If you’re looking to improve your singles gameplay, My Pickle Drop will soon be releasing a detailed guide titled “Top 10 Pickleball Strategies for Playing Singles”, featuring expert tactics on court positioning, shot selection, footwork, and mental focus. Be sure to check the blog regularly for updates and advanced techniques.
Where to Learn More About Official Pickleball Scoring
For those interested in the full details of scoring, fouls, and serving regulations, visit the official USA Pickleball website. Their scoring page covers everything from beginner rules to competitive-level guidelines.
You can find it here: USA Pickleball – Scoring Guide
Final Thoughts from My Pickle Drop
Calling the score correctly in pickleball might seem confusing at first, but with a bit of practice and repetition, it becomes second nature. Always remember: in doubles, it’s your score, their score, and who is serving (1 or 2). In singles, it’s just your score and your opponent’s.
Now that you’re confident in the rules and scoring system, it’s time to hit the court. And when you do, My Pickle Drop has all the gear and guidance you need to play like a pro.
If you need help selecting the right paddle or have any questions about building your own pickleball set, reach out to the My Pickle Drop team today.
