How does pickleball scoring work?

Chances are you’ve heard of pickleball. An outdoor game that has taken the world by storm offering a fun and accessible blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. But while the core gameplay is easy to pick up, pickleball scoring can be a bit tricky for newcomers. This guide will help you unravel the mysteries of pickleball scoring and help you keep track like a pro in no time.

1 people playing a game of Pickleball

Overview: Pickleball Rules & Scoring

The main objective of pickleball is to outscore your opponent by hitting the ball over the net and landing it within their court. Unlike other outdoor racquet sports, only the serving team can score points.

Pickleball Basics

What equipment do I require?

Before hitting the court, make sure you have the essentials:

Paddle: The paddles are smaller than tennis racquets but larger than ping-pong paddles. Choose from wood, graphite, or composite materials to suit your playing style.
Ball: Similar to a wiffle ball, the pickleball features holes for unique air movement.
Net: Dividing the court, the net is 22 feet long and hangs 36 inches at the edges and dips to 34 inches in the center.

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On what court is pickleball played?

A pickleball court seen from above

Pickleball courts resemble doubles badminton courts, typically measuring 44 feet long by 20 feet wide. The net splits the court in half, and each half is further divided into zones:

Service Area: Located near the back of the court, this is where serves originate.
Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen): This 7-foot area on either side of the net prohibits volleying (hitting the ball in mid-air).

Pickleball courts can be found almost anywhere! Be sure to scout out your neighborhoods for converted tennis courts, and dedicated indoor facilities, or you can even create your own backyard court.

How to Serve

Like tennis, pickleball uses a serving-based scoring system, though with some key differences.

Serving is diagonal, meaning you aim for the diagonally opposite service box on the opponent's side. Only the serving team can score points. Here's the serving flow:

Right Side Serves First: The game starts with the player on the right side of the court serving.
Point Won, Serve Moves: If the serving team scores, the server switches to the left service area and continues serving.
Fault? Serve Switches Sides: If a fault occurs (missed serve, ball out of bounds, etc.), the opposing team gets the serve.

When playing doubles, each teammate gets a chance to serve. Here's the standard rotation:

Player 1 Starts: The player on the right side serves first.
After a Point: After the serving team wins a point, both players switch sides.
Loss of Serve: When the serving team loses a point (due to a fault or the opponent returning the serve), the other team gets the serve, and their serving player starts from the right side.

How To Score Pickleball

Pickleball paddles

Points are awarded as follows:

The server successfully lands the ball in the diagonal service box, and the opponent fails to return it.
The serving team continues to score points until a fault is committed by the serving team. Faults include a missed serve, a ball hit out, or volleying in the non-volley zone (except on the serve).
Once a fault occurs, the serve switches to the opposing team, who then has the chance to score.

Games typically go to 11 points but with a two-point lead requirement. So, if the score reaches 10-10 (deuce), the game continues until one team gains a two-point advantage.

Pickleball Scoring (Doubles)

Pickleball scoring in doubles can seem complex at first, but it becomes clear with a breakdown of the key elements. Here's a closer look:

How to Call The Score

Before each serve, the serving player must call the score. This announcement typically follows a three-number format:

Own Team's Score: Announce your team's current point total first.
Opponent's Team Score: Followed by the opposing team's score.
Server Number (1 or 2): Indicate if you're the first or second server on your team (1 for first server, 2 for second server).

For instance, if the score is 7-3 and you're the first server on your team, you would call out "7-3-1."

Pickleball paddles

Faults / Fouls

In doubles, any action that violates the rules can result in a fault. If a fault occurs by the serving team, they lose the serve and the opposing team gains the opportunity to score. Here are some common faults to be aware of:

Serving Faults:
- Serving from the wrong location (outside the designated service area).
- Not hitting the serve diagonally into the opponent's service box.
- Failing to serve underhand (with the paddle below the wrist at contact).
General Fouls:
- Hitting the ball out of bounds.
- Volleying in the non-volley zone (kitchen area).
- Carrying or catching the ball on the paddle.
- Double-hitting the ball (hitting it twice consecutively by the same player).
Double Faults: In doubles, a unique fault is the "double fault." This occurs if both serving players on a team commit a fault during their consecutive serves. In this case, the opposing team scores a point and gets the serve.

Server Number

The server number (1 or 2) indicates which player on your team is currently serving. This is important for keeping track of the serving order.

Serving Rotation

In doubles, each player on your team gets a chance to serve. Here's the serving rotation:

Player 1 Starts: The player on the right side of the court serves first (server number 1).
After a Point: If the serving team wins a point, both players switch sides. The previous server becomes server number 2 and serves from the left service court.
Loss of Serve: When the serving team loses a point (due to a fault or the opponent returning the serve), the other team gets the serve, and their serving player starts from the right side (server number 1).

Remember, understanding these core aspects of pickleball scoring in doubles will allow you to keep track of the game effectively.

Pickleball Scoring (Singles)

Singles pickleball follows the same scoring principles but without the serving rotation. The server remains on the same side throughout the game, switching service courts after each point.

Faults & Fouls: Understanding Common Mistakes

In pickleball, a fault is any action that results in a loss of serve or a point for the opposing team. Here's a breakdown of some common faults:

Service Violations:
- Serving from the incorrect location (outside the designated service area).
- Not hitting the serve diagonally into the opponent's service box.
- Failing to serve underhand (with the paddle below the wrist at contact).
- Double bouncing the ball before serving (in singles).
General Fouls:
- Hitting the ball out of bounds (beyond the court lines or into permanent fixtures).
- Volleying (hitting the ball in mid-air) in the non-volley zone (kitchen area close to the net).
- Carrying or catching the ball on the paddle.
- Double-hitting the ball (hitting it twice consecutively by the same player).
Serving Faults:
- Foot faulting (having your foot fault the line when serving). This can be a complex rule, so refer to the official Pickleball rulebook for details if needed.

By understanding these common faults, you can avoid giving away points and keep the game flowing smoothly. Remember, if you're unsure about a specific action being a fault, it's always best to clarify with your opponent or consult the official rules.

What is Shown in a Pickleball Scoreboard?

Pickleball scoreboards come in various complexities, but most will display:

Team Names/Logos: Easily identify the competing teams.
Points: Keep track of each team's score.
Server Indicator: Shows which team is currently serving.
Faults: Monitor the number of faults each team commits.

Advanced scoreboards might include additional features like:

Games Won: Track the number of games won in a match.
Player/Team Stats: Analyze individual or team performance.
Digital Display: Showcase messages, player photos, replays, or even advertisements.
Additional Scoring Considerations:
- Letting: A courtesy rule where a player allows a technically difficult but playable shot to go in. It doesn't affect the score but promotes sportsmanship.
- Side Out: When the serving team loses a point after their serve, the serve switches to the other team. This is also called a "side out."

With a little practice, understanding pickleball scoring becomes second nature. Remember, only the serving team scores, points go to 11 with a two-point lead, and different rules apply for singles versus doubles.

So, get ready to grab your paddle, hit the court, and have fun keeping score in this exciting and dynamic sport!