One of the biggest complaints for a new pickleball player is that the scoring system is confusing - and adding another type of scoring doesn't exactly help.
If you’ve been hearing about rally scoring vs traditional scoring in pickleball, you’re not alone. As the sport continues to evolve, rally scoring is gaining attention for its faster pace and easier-to-follow format — especially in professional and recreational events looking to streamline play. But what exactly is rally scoring, and how does it differ from the traditional system? Let’s break it down.
What is Rally Scoring in Pickleball?
In rally scoring, a point is awarded on every rally, no matter which team served.
That means both the serving and receiving teams have the chance to score on each point — unlike traditional scoring, where only the serving team can earn points.
How it works:
Each rally (serve or return) results in a point for whichever side wins that rally.
Games often go to 15 or 21 points instead of 11 to balance the quicker scoring pace.
Teams still switch sides when a certain score is reached (commonly 8 or 11 points).
The serving rotation remains, but with simplified transitions since points accumulate continuously.
When Rally Scoring is Used
Rally scoring is not the official USA Pickleball format for standard play, but it’s becoming popular in:
Professional exhibitions and leagues — for example, Major League Pickleball (MLP) uses rally scoring for consistency in match duration.
Recreational clubs — to keep games shorter and more predictable.
Tournaments with limited court time — ensuring matches finish on schedule.
It’s especially useful when multiple matches are being played back-to-back, or when organizers want to keep things moving.
✅ Advantages:
- Faster, more engaging games
- Simpler for beginners to understand
- Predictable match length for organizers
⚠️ Disadvantages:
- Reduces comeback potential
- Changes traditional serving strategies
- Not recognized in official USA Pickleball tournaments
Rally scoring rewards consistency — and that starts from the ground up. Montis Pickleball’s Precision Performance Line is designed for players who need quick lateral movement and control through every rally.
👉 Shop the Montis Precision Collection
