Only the serving team scores. Win by two. Call server score first.
If you have ever been unsure about how to score in pickleball, you are not alone. I coach new and mid-level players, and I still see veterans mix it up on loud courts. This guide breaks it down in simple steps. You will learn how to keep score, avoid common errors, and use smart tactics to earn more points. Stick with me, and how to score in pickleball will feel natural by your next match.
How to score in pickleball: the basics
Pickleball uses side-out scoring. Only the team that serves can score. Games are most often to 11 points, win by 2. In some events, you may play to 15 or 21, win by 2.
In doubles, the server stands in the right or even court to start. The first serve of the game starts at 0-0-2. That gives only one server to start, to balance first-serve edge.
You call the score in this order: server score, receiver score, server number. Server number is 1 or 2. If you wonder how to score in pickleball, learn this pattern first. It keeps teams in the right spots and avoids chaos.
Serving rules that affect the score
The serve must be underhand, below the navel, and hit in an upward motion. The serve must land in the cross-court service box. Do not hit the kitchen on the serve. That is a fault.
The two-bounce rule matters. The serve must bounce once. The return must bounce once. Then you can volley. If you break this flow, you lose the rally. If you were serving, you lose the serve. If you were receiving, the server scores. This simple rule shapes how to score in pickleball because it sets the rhythm of every point.
Keep one foot behind the baseline at contact. A foot fault cancels your serve. Clean serves are the start of clean points.
Calling the score the right way
Your score call guides where you stand and who serves. Say the full score before you start your serve motion.
- Doubles call: server score, receiver score, server number.
- Singles call: server score, receiver score.
If you call the wrong score, stop before the return. Correct it and replay. As a ref once told me, “A loud, clear call saves friendships.” This small habit is key in how to score in pickleball without drama.
Singles vs. doubles: what changes
Singles uses the same side-out system. Only the server scores. You switch sides with your own point total. If your score is even, serve from the right. If odd, serve from the left.
Doubles adds one more idea: server number. Each side has server 1 and server 2 on a side-out, except the first serve of the game which starts on 2. You keep your number for that service turn only. When you win points, you and your partner switch sides. When you lose the serve, the next server on your team takes over. This flow is the heart of how to score in pickleball as a team.
Side-out scoring vs. rally scoring
Standard pickleball uses side-out scoring. That means only the serving team can earn a point. If the receiving team wins a rally, they do not score. They gain the serve instead.
Rally scoring is a test format used in some leagues. In rally scoring, the winner of every rally scores a point. It is not the official base system for most play. When you learn how to score in pickleball, focus on side-out rules first. You will use them in most games.
Common scoring mistakes and how to fix them
Wrong server or wrong position. Mark the first server with a band or hat. I use a bright wristband.
Forgetting 0-0-2 at the start. Say it out loud while you set up. It sticks fast.
Calling the score too late. Call it before the serve. If you have started the swing, it is too late.
Not switching courts after scoring. Remember even score is right court. Odd score is left court.
Not tracking server number. I touch my paddle to my chest when I am server 1. A small cue keeps the flow tight. These small fixes make how to score in pickleball feel easy.
Strategy to score more points
Place your serve deep and safe. Power helps, but depth is king. A deep serve pushes the returner back and buys time.
Hit deep returns to the server’s backhand if possible. This slows their third shot and helps you hold the net.
Win the first three shots. Serve deep. Return deep. Third shot with a drop or a drive at the hips. Get to the kitchen line fast. From there, aim at feet and attack pop-ups.
Target the weaker player in doubles. Keep balls to their backhand or into their body. Make them hit one more ball. In real games, this is how to score in pickleball without big risk.
Use simple patterns. Two cross-court dinks, then a speed-up to the shoulder. Or two drops, then a lob when both press in. Repeat what works.
Drills that lock in scoring
Score-call rapid fire. With a friend, stand at the baseline. One person yells random scores. The server has three seconds to call and serve. This builds a clear voice and fast focus.
Serve plus third-shot ladder. Serve to a target. Partner returns deep. You hit a drop into the kitchen. If it lands, move up one spot. If not, step back. This builds the flow that earns points.
Even-odd walk. Call out scores and move to the correct side without a ball. It is a fast way to learn even is right, odd is left. This drill cements how to score in pickleball with your feet, not just your brain.
Situational play to 5. Start every point with a set score. Work on closing two-point gaps. This trains clutch play.
Tools to keep score with ease
Use a server band. Put a band on server 1. Swap it after a side-out. Simple and cheap.
Try a small clicker counter. Keep it in your pocket for rec games without refs.
Use a scoring app. Many apps let you track 11-point games and server number. Pick one and stick with it.
Build a habit. Call score loud. Point to the right server. Confirm with your partner. Habits protect how to score in pickleball when the court gets loud.
Etiquette and rule updates to watch
Pause if there is a clear score dispute. Talk it out. Replay the point if needed. Good vibes beat one point.
Know the latest serve rules. Grip height, contact point, and the drop serve are common areas of change. Check official rules each season.
Agree on the game format before you start. To 11, to 15, or win by 2? Clear rules help you focus on how to score in pickleball, not on debates.
Frequently Asked Questions of how to score in pickleball
What is the starting score in doubles?
You start at 0-0-2. This gives the first team only one server to begin, which balances the first-serve edge.
Can the receiving team score a point?
Not in standard play. Only the serving team can score, which is the base of how to score in pickleball.
How do I call the score in doubles?
Say server score, receiver score, server number. For example, 5-3-1.
When do players switch sides in doubles?
The serving team switches sides after they win a point. The receiving team does not switch during that rally.
How many points do you need to win?
Most games go to 11, win by 2. Some events use 15 or 21, win by 2.
What is rally scoring in pickleball?
Rally scoring gives a point on every rally. It is used in some trial formats, but side-out scoring is still standard.
Conclusion
Scoring in pickleball is simple once you know the flow. Call the score in order, serve deep, and use the even-right rule to stand in the right spot. Focus on clean serves, deep returns, and smart third shots. That is how to score in pickleball with less stress and more wins.
Now take this to the court. Run the drills, use a server band, and speak the score with confidence. Ready for more tips on how to score in pickleball and level up fast? Subscribe, share this with your partner, and drop your questions in the comments.