You score only while serving; reach 11 points and win by 2.
If you’ve ever asked how do you score in pickle ball, you’re in the right place. I’ve coached new players and guided tournament teams, and I’ll break this down in plain English. By the end, you’ll know the rules, the flow, and simple tricks to keep score like a pro. Stick around to learn how do you score in pickle ball with confidence in both singles and doubles.
How do you score in pickle ball: the basics
Pickleball uses side-out scoring. That means only the serving team can win a point. Games are usually to 11 points, win by 2. In events, some games go to 15 or 21.
If you came here asking how do you score in pickle ball, here’s the core idea: hold your serve, avoid faults, and string points together. When you lose a rally on your serve in doubles, your partner gets a turn to serve. If your partner also loses the rally, it’s a side-out and the other team serves.
Key basics:
- Only the serving side can score a point.
- First server of the game is a single server, and the score starts 0-0-2 in doubles.
- You must win by 2 points, no matter the target score.
Serving rules that control scoring
To answer how do you score in pickle ball, you must know the serve rules. Serve underhand with contact below your waist. Hit diagonally into the opposite service box. Keep both feet behind the baseline until you strike the ball.
Important serving details:
- No let serves. If your serve clips the net and lands in, the ball is live.
- The serve may be a drop serve or a traditional volley serve.
- The serve cannot land in the non-volley zone (the kitchen) or on its line.
For doubles, the starting side has only one server at 0-0-2 to reduce advantage. After that, every side-out gives two servers per team. In singles, you alternate right and left service boxes based on your own score.
The two-bounce rule and why it matters for points
The return of serve must bounce once before you hit it. Then the serving team must also let the next shot bounce. After those two bounces, either team may volley.
This rule shapes how do you score in pickle ball because it slows the start of each point. It gives the returner time to get to the kitchen line. Good servers push the returner back so the third shot is easier.
Practical tips:
- Serve deep to keep returns behind the baseline.
- Return deep to force a tougher third shot.
- Expect the first two shots to bounce and plan footwork early.
Faults, side-outs, and when a point ends
You score when you serve and your team wins the rally. A point or rally ends on a fault. If the receiving team wins the rally, no point is awarded, but possession changes after the serving team’s servers are used.
Common faults:
- Ball out of bounds or into the net.
- Volleying before the two required bounces.
- Foot on the kitchen line during a volley.
- Serve into the wrong box or into the kitchen.
If a serving fault happens, you lose that serve. In doubles, the next server steps in, or it’s a side-out. Clear calls and quick resets help avoid confusion.
Scoring examples you can follow on court
Seeing how do you score in pickle ball in action helps. Here are simple walk-throughs.
Doubles example:
- Start 0-0-2. Team A serves from the right. They win the rally. Score is now 1-0-2. Server stays on the right if the score is even.
- Team A loses the next rally. Now the second server on Team A serves. Call 1-0-1. If Team A loses that rally, it’s a side-out. Team B starts 0-1-2.
- Team B wins two rallies on their first server. Score becomes 2-1-2. They lose the next, so second server calls 2-1-1.
Singles example:
- Server’s score is even, so serve from the right. Win the rally, score 1-0. Switch sides because your score changed.
- Keep serving until you lose a rally. Then your opponent serves.
- Only the server can add points, and you must win by 2.
How to call the score the right way
If you want a fast answer to how do you score in pickle ball, start with score calling. In doubles, call three numbers: server score, receiver score, server number. Example: 4-2-1. In singles, call two numbers: server score, receiver score.
Helpful habits:
- Say the score before every serve, loud and clear.
- In doubles, know who is server 1 and server 2 at each side-out.
- Reset your server numbers after every side-out.
Strategy tips to win more points on serve
The smartest way to master how do you score in pickle ball is to build a plan around your serve. Your goal is to keep control of the net and reduce errors.
Try these:
- Serve deep with safe margins. Aim big targets, not lines.
- Hit a third shot drop into the kitchen to buy time to move up.
- Play high-percentage dinks. Force errors rather than chase winners.
- Target the backhand of the weaker opponent in doubles.
- On returns, go deep and middle to set up your next shot.
Personal note: I once lost three straight points by forcing third shot drives into the net. I switched to a softer drop, moved up, and held serve for five points. Small changes matter.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
People who ask how do you score in pickle ball often struggle with rotation and positions. Wrong server, wrong receiver, or serving from the wrong side can wreck your flow.
Avoid these pitfalls:
- Not tracking even/odd score positions. Even score means right box for the current server.
- Forgetting server numbers in doubles. Assign a “server 1” wristband before each side-out.
- Rushing the serve. Take two seconds to announce the score and confirm positions.
If there is confusion, pause and reset. Both teams should agree on score and who serves before the next point.
Singles vs doubles: how do you score in pickle ball changes
The core rule is the same: only the server scores. But rotation differs. In singles, the server changes sides based on the server’s score. Even means right, odd means left.
In doubles, the serving team has two servers per side-out after the first point of the game. You call three numbers and track server identity. When someone asks how do you score in pickle ball during open play, I show them this side-out flow and it clicks fast.
Keeping track made easy: memory aids for rec play
Here’s how I help new players track score without stress. Tie server identity to the right side at the start of each service turn. The person on the right becomes server 1.
Simple hacks:
- Use a wristband or coin to mark server 1.
- Say the score twice if the courts are loud.
- If lost, ask for a quick audit before the next serve.
These habits cut arguments and keep games fun and fair.
Frequently Asked Questions of how do you score in pickle ball
How do you score in pickle ball in one sentence?
Only the serving side scores, games go to 11, and you must win by 2. In events, some games go to 15 or 21.
What does 0-0-2 mean at the start of doubles?
It means the first server is considered server 2, so only one server starts the game. After that first side-out, both teammates get a turn to serve.
Do let serves exist in pickleball?
No. If the serve touches the net and lands in the correct box, play continues. If it lands out or short, it’s a fault.
How do you know which side to serve from?
If your team’s score is even, serve from the right. If it’s odd, serve from the left.
What is the two-bounce rule?
The return must bounce before the returner hits, and the next shot must bounce before the serving team hits. After those bounces, volleys are allowed.
Can I score when I’m returning serve?
No. You only score on your team’s serve. If you win a rally while receiving, you gain the serve but no point.
How do you score in pickle ball when playing singles versus doubles?
Both use side-out scoring, but singles calls two numbers and doubles calls three. Singles rotation follows the server’s score parity, while doubles tracks server numbers.
Conclusion
You now know how do you score in pickle ball: serve to earn points, win by 2, track positions, and avoid faults. Keep your serves deep, your third shots smart, and your score calls clear. Small, steady habits will help you hold serve and close games.
Ready to put it to work? Grab a friend, play to 11, and practice calling the score before every serve. Want more tips like this? Subscribe, share this guide, or drop your toughest scoring question in the comments.