How to Keep Score in Pickleball: Doubles and Singles Guide

How to keep score in pickleball? In doubles, the score has three numbers: the serving team's score, the receiving team's score, and the server number (1 or 2). Only the serving team can win points, every game starts at 0-0-2, and the server calls the full score out loud before each serve.

Below is a step-by-step guide to doubles and singles scoring, a worked example, how to remember the score, and the most common mistakes. If your group plays in red, white and blue, browse our USA flag pickleball shirts.

How does pickleball scoring work?

Pickleheads, which wrote its scoring guide in collaboration with USA Pickleball, explains the three numbers this way: the first number is "the current score of the serving team," the second is the "score of the opposing team," and the third shows "which server on a team currently has the serve (will always be 1 or 2)" (Pickleheads, Pickleball Scoring).

The same guide adds a key rule: "You can only score points when your team is serving." If the receiving team wins a rally, they do not get a point; the serving team simply loses the serve.

How to keep score in pickleball doubles, step by step

1. Start the game at 0-0-2

Every new game starts at "0-0-2." The first serving team only gets one server before the serve passes to the other team. Pickleheads says this removes the advantage of serving first, and that it "only happens at the very start."

2. Serve from the right side first

Each time a team gets the serve back, the player on the right-hand side serves first.

3. Win the rally, add a point and switch sides

If the serving team wins the rally, it adds one point. Only the two serving players swap sides, and the same server serves again from the other side.

4. Lose the rally, pass the serve

If the serving team loses the rally, no one gets a point and no one switches sides. If it was server 1, the serve passes to the partner (server 2). If it was server 2, the serve goes to the other team, which starts with its server 1.

5. Call the score before every serve

The server calls all three numbers, serving team first. Pickleheads notes that calling the score is customary, and required in competitions.

A worked example

Your team leads 5-3 and just won the serve back. The player on the right calls "5-3-1" and serves. You win the rally: the score becomes 6-3, you and your partner swap sides, and the same server calls "6-3-1." You lose the next rally: the serve passes to your partner, who calls "6-3-2." You lose again: the serve goes to the other team, whose right-side player calls "3-6-1." Notice the first two numbers flip, because the serving team's score is always said first.

How do you keep track of scores in pickleball?

• Use your position. A common habit: when the serving team's score is even, the player who started on the right should be on the right; when it is odd, that player should be on the left. If positions do not match the score, stop and check before serving.
• Say it every time. Calling the score out loud before every serve keeps all four players on the same page.
• Ask before the serve, not after. If you are unsure, sort it out before the ball is in play.
• Use a scorecard or app in league and tournament play if your club allows it.

How do you keep score in pickleball singles?

Singles uses two numbers only: the server's score and the receiver's score. There is no server 1 or 2. The server serves from the right when their own score is even and from the left when it is odd. You still only score on your serve.

How many points win a game?

Most recreational and league games are played to 11, and you must win by 2. Some tournament formats use games to 15 or 21, and rally scoring is used in some formats, so always check the event rules before you play.

Common pickleball scoring mistakes

• Giving the receiving team a point when they win a rally (only the serving team scores).
• Starting the game at 0-0-1 instead of 0-0-2.
• Switching sides after the serve is lost (only the serving team switches, and only after winning a point).
• Calling the receiving team's score first.
• Forgetting the server number, which hands a team an extra serve.

Team shirts make scoring easier to follow

On a busy court, matching shirts make it simple to see who is on which team and who should be serving from where. Our USA flag pickleball shirts can be personalized with your name and team name. The styles vary by design and include T-Shirt UPF, Women T-Shirt UPF and Polo options, from $29.99. See the US Flag Pickleball Ball With Wings Shirt, the White Smoke US Flag Pickleball T-Shirt, the Black and Red Patriotic Pickleball T-Shirt and the Black and Turquoise Patriotic Pickleball T-Shirt. New to the lingo? Read our pickleball terms guide and how a pickleball league works.

FAQ

Why does pickleball start at 0-0-2?

Starting at 0-0-2 gives the first serving team only one server, which removes the advantage of serving first.

Can you score when you are not serving in pickleball?

No. In standard side-out scoring, only the serving team can win points. Winning a rally as the receiving team wins you the serve.

What does the third number in a pickleball score mean?

It shows which player on the serving team is serving: 1 for the first server, 2 for the second server.

What score do you play to in pickleball?

Most games are played to 11 and must be won by 2. Some tournaments use 15 or 21, so check the event rules.