How Pickleball Scoring Works

Scoring confuses almost every new player. Once the three-number call clicks, the rest is easy.

Only the serving team scores

In standard (side-out) scoring, you can only win points when your team is serving. If the receiving team wins the rally, no point is scored — instead the serve passes (a "side out"). This is why rallies feel important even when no point is on the line.

The three-number call

Before each serve in doubles, the server calls three numbers, for example "4 - 2 - 1":

• Server's team score (4)
• Receiving team score (2)
• Server number — 1 or 2 (1)

So "4 - 2 - 1" means the serving team has 4, the other team has 2, and the first server is up.

Two servers per team

Each team gets two server turns before the ball goes to the other side — except for the very first service turn of the game.

• The game starts at 0 - 0 - 2, meaning the first serving team only gets one server to start. This keeps the first team from building a big early lead.
• After that, both servers on a team serve before a side out.

How a turn plays out

• Server 1 serves and keeps serving (switching sides after each point) until the team loses a rally.
• Then Server 2 serves the same way.
• When Server 2 loses a rally, it's a side out and the other team serves.

Switching sides

When the serving team wins a rally, the two partners swap sides of the court, and the same player keeps serving. If you don't swap after a point, you'll lose track of who serves from where.

Winning the game

• Games go to 11 points, win by 2.
• At 10 - 10, play continues until one team leads by two (12 - 10, 13 - 11, and so on).

Quick recap

• Only the serving team scores.
• Call three numbers: your score, their score, server 1 or 2.
• Game starts at 0 - 0 - 2.
• First to 11, win by 2.

Say the score out loud every serve — it keeps everyone honest and helps it stick.