Pickleball scoring rules might seem tricky initially, but they’re easy to grasp once you start playing. This fast-paced sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, making it fun for all ages. You can only score points when your team is serving, and games are typically played to 11 points.
Learning the scoring system is key to enjoying pickleball and keeping track of the game. The rules are designed to keep matches fair and exciting. As you play more, understanding the scoring will become second nature.
Mastering pickleball scoring will help you become a better player and enjoy the game even more. It’s not just about hitting the ball – knowing when to serve and how points are awarded can give you a strategic edge on the court.
Key Takeaways
- Points are only scored by the serving team
- Games are usually played to 11 points; win by 2
- Serves alternate between players on the same team
Basic Principles of Scoring
Pickleball scoring follows a unique system that sets it apart from other racquet sports. Points are only awarded to the serving team, and games are typically played to 11 points.
Points and Winning
You can only score points when your team is serving. The serving team gains a point by winning a rally. If the receiving team wins a rally, they get to serve next but don’t score a point.
To win a game, you need to reach 11 points and have a two-point lead. If the score is tied at 10-10, play continues until one team has a two-point advantage.
In tournament play, games might go up to 15 or 21 points. Always check the specific rules for your game or event.
Keeping Score
When calling out the score in pickleball, you announce three numbers:
- The serving team’s score
- The receiving team’s score
- The server number (1 or 2)
For example, if you call “4-2-1”, it means:
- Your team has 4 points
- The other team has 2 points
- You’re the first server on your side
The server number is important because each team gets two serves before giving up the ball, except at the start of the game. This system helps players keep track of whose turn it is to serve.
Serving Rules and Scoring
Pickleball serving rules are key to starting points and keeping score. You need to follow a specific order when serving and know what counts as a fault.
Service Sequence
You serve diagonally across the court to start a rally. The serving team gets only one chance to serve. If you’re playing doubles, both players on a team serve before the other team gets a turn. The first server of the game only gets one serve before it switches to the other team.
When serving, you must:
- Stand behind the baseline
- Hit the ball underhand
- Make contact below your waist
- Aim diagonally across the court
The ball must clear the non-volley zone, also called the kitchen. If it doesn’t, it’s a fault.
Faults and Dead Balls
A fault means you lose the serve or the other team scores a point. Faults happen when:
- You hit the ball into the net
- The ball lands out of bounds
- You step on or over the baseline when serving
- You hit the ball before it bounces on your side after a serve
A dead ball stops play. This can happen if:
- A ball from another court rolls onto your court
- A player calls a time-out
- There’s a distraction that affects the game
After a dead ball, you replay the point. No one scores, and the same team serves again.
Scoring Format
Pickleball uses a unique scoring system that differs between singles and doubles play. The first player or team to reach 11 points and lead by 2 wins the game.
Singles Scoring
In singles, only the serving player can score points. When you serve, you get a point if you win the rally. If you lose the rally, the serve goes to your opponent.
You serve from the right side of the court when your score is even. Serve from the left side when your score is odd.
The score is called out before each serve. You say your score first, then your opponent’s score. For example, if you’re serving at 5-3, you’d call out “5-3” before serving.
Doubles Scoring
Doubles scoring is a bit more complex. Only the serving team can score points. Both players on a team get to serve before the serve passes to the other team.
The starting server wears a 1 or 2 armband. This player serves first at the start of each game. When your team wins back the serve, the player in the right court serves first.
You call out three numbers before serving in doubles:
- Your team’s score
- Opponent’s score
- Server number (1 or 2)
For example, “4-2-2” means your team has 4 points, opponents have 2, and it’s the second server’s turn.
Special Scoring Situations
Pickleball has unique scoring rules for certain scenarios. These include side outs and points at stake during gameplay.
Side Out
A side-out happens when the serving team fails to win a rally. The serve then moves to the other team. In doubles, both players on a team serve before a side-out occurs. The second server serves until their team loses a rally.
Side-outs don’t affect the score. They only change which team is serving. This keeps games moving and gives both teams chances to score.
Points at Stake
In pickleball, only the serving team can score points. Each serve gives the serving team a chance to earn one point. If they win the rally, they get the point and keep serving.
The receiving team can’t score points directly. They must first win a rally to get the serve. Then they can try to score on their serve.
This scoring system makes each serve important. Teams must play well on both offense and defense to win. It also keeps games close, as teams can catch up quickly by winning several serves in a row.
Gameplay Interruptions and Resuming Play
Pickleball games can be paused for various reasons. Knowing the rules for time-outs and how to handle warnings or fouls is key to smooth gameplay.
Time-Outs
You can call timeouts during a pickleball match. Each team gets two 1-minute timeouts per game. Call it before the server starts its serving motion to request a time-out.
During a time-out, you can:
- Talk to your partner
- Get water or towel off
- Adjust equipment
The referee will give a 15-second warning before play resumes. Be ready to start when the time is up.
Technical Warnings and Fouls
Referees may issue warnings or fouls for rule violations. A warning is a caution, while a foul results in a point for the other team.
Common reasons for warnings:
- Delays in play
- Unsportsmanlike conduct
- Arguing with the referee
If you receive a warning, listen to the referee’s explanation and correct your behavior to avoid a foul.
For serious violations, the referee can give an immediate foul. This means the other team gets a point and serves next.
Remember to stay calm and respectful, even if you disagree with a call. Focus on your game and follow the rules to avoid penalties.