If you’re new to pickleball, one of the first hurdles can be understanding how the scoring system works. Unlike some sports, pickleball has a unique scoring method that might seem confusing at first—but once you get the hang of it, it’s actually quite straightforward. This guide breaks it all down so you can start scoring confidently and focus on improving your game.

How Pickleball Scoring Works

Pickleball is typically played to 11 points, and you must win by 2. In official tournament play, games may also go to 15 or 21 points. But here’s the key part:

You can only score points when your team is serving.

This system is called side-out scoring, and it means that if the serving team loses a rally, no point is awarded—it’s simply the other team’s turn to serve.

Understanding the Score Call

In doubles, the server must call three numbers before each serve:

1. Your team’s score
2. The opponent’s score
3. Your server number (either 1 or 2)

 

So if you hear, “3-2-1,” it means:

• Your team has 3 points
• The opponents have 2 points
• You’re the first server on your team

 

If your team wins the rally, the score increases by one, and you switch positions with your partner. If you lose the rally and you’re the first server, your partner then serves as the second server. After the second server loses a rally, it’s a “side out,” and the other team gets the serve.

In singles, scoring is simpler—just two numbers (your score and your opponent’s), and you switch serving sides depending on whether your score is even or odd.

Tips for Keeping Score in Pickleball

–Call the Score Before Every Serve

This isn’t just a rule—it’s also a great mental reset and helps everyone on the court stay focused and on the same page.

–Use Your Paddle as a Reminder

Hold your paddle on your right side when you’re the first server, and shift it to the left if you’re the second server. It’s a small trick that can save you some confusion.

–Watch the Server’s Position

In doubles, the correct server should always serve from the right side when their team’s score is even and the left when it’s odd.

–Bonus Tip: Practice “Score Situations”

Grab a partner and start a game at different score combinations (like 6-6-2 or 9-8-1). Practice calling the score and figuring out who serves and from where. It’s a great way to get more comfortable with scoring logic without needing a full match.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to score in pickleball can feel like learning a new language—but it’s one that comes quickly with just a bit of practice. Once you understand the flow, it becomes second nature and actually helps improve your focus and teamwork.

So don’t worry if you feel a little lost at first. Stick with it, use the tips above, and you’ll be confidently calling scores—and winning points—in no time!