Intro
If there’s one part of the game that confuses new players, it’s the pickleball scoring system. Unlike tennis, only one side can score during a rally, and doubles games include three numbers in the score call. But don’t worry — once you learn the rhythm, scoring becomes second nature. This guide will break down the pickleball scoring rules and show you how to keep track like a seasoned player.
How Traditional Pickleball Scoring Works
There are two types of scoring in pickleball - traditional and rally scoring. This post is about traditional scoring but you can learn more about rally scoring here.
Pickleball games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by two. Points are scored only by the serving team — this keeps rallies fair and encourages strategy over brute force.
Singles Scoring
In singles, the score has only two numbers (your score and your opponent’s). Players serve from the right side when their score is even and the left side when odd. This simple rule helps keep track of sides during fast-paced matches.
If the serving player is winning 4 to 3 you would simply call, "4-3." If the serving player loses that rally and passes the serve to their opponent (side out) the losing player would then call their score first: "3-4."
Doubles Scoring
When calling the score in doubles play, you’ll hear three numbers. The first two are the score of the game, just like in singles, but the third number tells us which player is serving. It's important to know that in doubles, both players on each side serve before turning the serve over to the other team (more on serving here). So, an example of a doubles score would be: “5 – 3 – 1”
Here’s what they mean:
- First number – Serving team’s score.
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Second number – Receiving team’s score
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Third number – Server number (either 1 or 2).
In this example (5-3-1) the serving team is winning 5 to 3 and the first player is serving. If the serving team loses that rally, the serve is passed to their partner (server 2) and the score would then be 5-3-2. Once both players have served and lost, the serve switches to the opposing team — known as a side out.
Common Scoring Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to call the score before serving (required by the rules).
- Serving from the wrong side after an odd/even score mix-up.
- Losing track of who is Server 1 or Server 2 in doubles.
- Assuming both teams can score points (in traditional scoring) — only the serving team can.
Tip: Keep communication open with your partner to avoid confusion.
Montis Tip: Stay Grounded and Focused with Every Serve
Keeping track of points requires focus — and so does every serve and pivot. Montis Pickleball’s Performance Court Shoes are engineered for precision footwork and traction, helping you stay balanced through every serve rotation.
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Final Thoughts
Understanding pickleball scoring rules gives you a huge advantage. It boosts your confidence, sharpens your awareness, and keeps matches smooth and fair. Master the numbers, and soon you’ll spend less time second-guessing — and more time winning.
