Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, yet the scoring system is what often confuses new players the most. The good news? Pickleball scoring especially traditional side-out scoring is far simpler than it seems. Once you walk through a game or two, you’ll be calling out scores confidently and probably even helping someone else understand the ropes.
Whether you’re stepping onto the court for the first time or trying to clean up the gaps in your understanding, this guide breaks down exactly how pickleball scoring works for doubles and singles, why it’s different from tennis and badminton, and what you need to know about the rising popularity of rally scoring.
Why Pickleball Scoring Confuses Beginners
Pickleball borrows pieces of scoring logic from sports like volleyball, tennis, and table tennis but ultimately, it has its own set of rules. The mix of switching sides, calling a third number in doubles, and only scoring on the serve can feel unusual at first. But once you know the pattern, it becomes second nature.
Traditional Side-Out Scoring
Traditional scoring also known as side-out scoring is the standard format you’ll encounter in recreational games and most amateur tournaments. It works for both singles and doubles. The idea behind it is quite simple:
Only the serving team can score a point.
If the serving team wins the rally → they score.
If the serving team loses the rally → the serve switches (a “side-out”).
Think of it like baseball: only the team “at bat” can score. In pickleball, the serving team is “at bat.”
Also Read: Types of serves in Pickleball, which are legal and which are not
Starting the Game
Traditionally, the team standing on the court’s northwest side serves first, but many players determine this with a coin toss, paddle spin, or a quick agreement.
- Games are typically played to 11 points, win by 2.
- The first serve of the entire game starts on server #2—so the score begins at 0-0-2.
- The first serve is always hit diagonally from the right (even) side.
How Scoring Works During Play
1. The serving team wins the rally → they earn a point.
Players on the serving team switch sides after earning each point.
The same player continues serving until the team commits a fault.
2. The serving team loses the rally → fault → next server gets the ball.
Once both players on the serving team have served and lost their rally, it becomes a side-out, and the opposing team gets to serve.
3. The receiving team NEVER switches sides.
Only the serving team rotates. The players returning the serve stay put the entire time.
Understanding the Three-Number Score in Doubles
In doubles pickleball, the score is called:
Serving team’s score – Receiving team’s score – Server number
Example:
6-3-2 means…
- Serving team has 6
- Receiving team has 3
- The second server is serving
If you hear “side-out,” it means both servers on the previous team have used their turn, and the serve now goes to the other pair.
Player Positioning in Doubles
Proper positioning is essential—and it’s also where many new players make mistakes.
Rule 1:
If your team’s score is even, the player who started on the right side must be serving from the right.
Rule 2:
If your team’s score is odd, that same starting server will now be on the left side.
Everyone else may stand anywhere on the court or even outside the court as long as the correct server and correct receiver are in the correct boxes.
If you are new to pickleball and have to passion to be a better player then do check our detailed guide on how to play pickleball for tips that will help you in your conquest.
Singles Pickleball Scoring
Singles scoring follows the same side-out rules, but without the third number.
In singles:
- You only call: server’s score – receiver’s score
- You switch sides every time you score a point
- Only one serve per side (no partner = no second server)
Like doubles, games are typically played to 11, win by 2.
What Is Rally Scoring in Pickleball?
Rally scoring is a newer scoring format gaining popularity in leagues, rec play, and Major League Pickleball.
In rally scoring:
A point is awarded on every rally, no matter who served.
This is the biggest difference from traditional pickleball scoring.
Rally scoring basics:
- Games often go to 15 points
- Both teams score, regardless of who served
- Players switch sides based on the score (odd/even) similar to volleyball
- It keeps games shorter and more predictable in length
- Built for fast-paced, spectator-friendly formats
- Ideal for tournaments that aim to complete multiple categories in the same day
Tips for Learning Pickleball Scoring Faster
- Play games instead of studying diagrams
- Say the score out loud before every serve
- Focus on where you started the game i.e. your “even” side
- Remember: only the serving team rotates
- Treat the third number in doubles like a “turn indicator”
Within one or two games, you will already begin to get a feel for the pattern.
When Does a Team Win?
If the match is a service point match then a team wins when:
- They reach 11 points
- AND they lead by at least 2 points
If the score reaches 10-10, you must win 12-10 or higher.
That’s why pickleball is often dramatic—momentum can swing fast.
If a match is a rally point match then the first team to reach 15 points wins, also unless clarified most rally point games end with a golden point incase of a 14-14 score.
Final Thoughts
Pickleball scoring might feel intimidating the first time you hear “0-0-2,” but once you experience a few rotations on the court, it becomes one of the simplest scoring systems in racket sports. Traditional side-out scoring rewards consistency and strategy, while rally scoring is gaining traction as a faster, more dynamic format.
Whether you’re playing casual doubles with friends or preparing for your first tournament, understanding the flow of scoring will instantly make the game feel more natural and more fun.
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