Introduction

Pickleball has exploded in popularity over recent years, drawing players of all ages to its fast-paced and fun gameplay. However, while the game itself may be relatively easy to pick up, one of the most confusing aspects for beginners is learning how to count pickleball. Understanding the scoring system is essential for enjoying the game to its fullest and ensuring smooth play. In this blog, we will walk you through how to count points in pickleball, explain the intricacies of the serving system, and highlight key rules that govern scoring in singles and doubles play. Whether you’re new to the game or simply need a refresher, this guide will help you master pickleball scoring with confidence.

Overview of Pickleball

Before we dive into the mechanics of scoring, let’s briefly cover what pickleball is. Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played with a perforated plastic ball (similar to a wiffle ball) and solid paddles on a court with dimensions similar to a doubles badminton court. The net is slightly lower than a tennis net, which makes the game accessible to players of all skill levels.

Pickleball can be played as a singles or doubles game, and the objective is to win points by serving and rallying until one side commits a fault. However, unlike many other racquet sports, points in pickleball are only awarded to the serving team or player, which adds a strategic layer to the scoring system.

How to Count Pickleball Points

The Basic Rules of Scoring

In pickleball, understanding how to count the score begins with knowing the format of the game. Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by at least 2 points. Some variations of the game, especially in competitive play, may use games up to 15 or even 21 points, but the win-by-two rule remains consistent.

Points are only scored by the serving side. If the receiving side wins a rally, they do not score a point but rather gain the right to serve next. This “side-out” scoring system is one of the primary aspects that differentiates pickleball from other racquet sports.

The Three-Part Score Call

One unique aspect of pickleball is how the score is called during a game. The server must announce the score in a three-part format, which consists of:

1. The serving team’s score
2. The receiving team’s score
3. The server number (either server 1 or server 2 in doubles)

For example, if the serving team has 3 points, the receiving team has 5 points, and the first server is serving, the score call would be “3-5-1.” This system helps everyone on the court keep track of the game and ensures that the correct player is serving. Let’s break down how the scoring works for both singles and doubles games.

Scoring in Doubles Pickleball

In doubles pickleball, each side has two servers per service rotation. Once the first server on a team loses their serve (i.e., commits a fault or loses a rally), the second server then takes over. If the second server also loses their serve, the opposing team gains the right to serve, which is called a “side out.”

Example of Doubles Scoring:

Let’s say Team A is serving, and they are leading with 4 points while Team B has 3 points. Team A’s first server loses the rally, so the score is now 4-3-2 (indicating the second server is up). If Team A’s second server loses the next rally, Team B gets the serve, and the score would now be 3-4-1, with Team B’s first server starting the serve.

• Important Note: In doubles pickleball, the first team to serve at the beginning of the game only gets one serve during their initial service turn. This means that if the first server loses the rally at the start of the game, the other team immediately gains the serve. This is a special rule applied only at the start of the game to balance the serving advantage.

Serving in Doubles

• The player on the right-hand side of the court always serves first. If they win the point, they switch sides with their partner, and the same player continues serving.
• If they lose the point, the serve goes to their partner, and no side switch occurs until a point is won.
• Both players serve before the serve switches to the opposing team.

Faults That Lead to Loss of Serve:

• Failing to serve the ball into the correct service box
• The ball bouncing twice on your side before returning it
• Hitting the ball into the net or out of bounds
• Violating the non-volley zone (also known as the “kitchen”)

Scoring in Singles Pickleball

Singles pickleball follows the same basic rules as doubles but with a simpler structure since there is only one server per side. In singles, there is no need to keep track of server numbers because there is only one server at a time. The serving player continues to serve until they commit a fault, at which point the serve goes to the opponent.

Example of Singles Scoring:

Let’s assume Player A is serving and has 6 points, while Player B has 5 points. If Player A wins the rally, they score a point, and the score becomes 7-5. Player A will continue serving until they commit a fault, at which point Player B gets the serve.

• Important Note: In singles, the server serves from the right side of the court when their score is even and from the left side when their score is odd.

Key Rules Impacting Scoring in Pickleball

1. The Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen)

One of the most critical areas in pickleball is the non-volley zone, commonly referred to as the “kitchen.” This is the 7-foot area on either side of the net where players are not allowed to volley the ball (hit it out of the air). If a player steps into the kitchen and volleys the ball, it is considered a fault, and the serve will be lost.

This rule impacts scoring because any violation of the kitchen rule leads to a fault, which can cost a serving team their rally. Understanding this rule is key to minimizing faults and maintaining the serve.

2. Double Bounce Rule

The double bounce rule ensures that the ball must bounce once on each side of the court before players can begin volleying. This rule applies on the serve and return of serve only, after which players can choose to volley or let the ball bounce. A violation of this rule (i.e., volleying too early) results in a fault and can shift the serve to the opposing team.

3. Winning the Game

As previously mentioned, games are generally played to 11 points, and players must win by 2 points. This “win by two” rule can extend games beyond the typical 11-point limit if both teams remain closely matched. For example, if the score is tied at 10-10, the game will continue until one team has a 2-point lead (such as 12-10 or 13-11).

Strategies to Improve Scoring in Pickleball

While knowing how to count pickleball points is essential, having strategies to score more effectively can also improve your game. Here are some tips to help you win more points:

1. Master Your Serve: The serve is one of the most critical aspects of pickleball because it’s the only time you can directly score points. A strong, accurate serve that lands deep in your opponent’s court can immediately put them on the defensive.
2. Control the Kitchen: Since the non-volley zone can be a trap for overzealous players, focus on playing controlled shots near the kitchen. Position yourself close to the kitchen line without stepping into it, and use dinks (soft shots) to keep your opponent off balance.
3. Stay Consistent: Consistency is key in pickleball. Instead of going for risky shots or fast-paced smashes all the time, aim for controlled shots that keep the ball in play and force your opponent to make mistakes.
4. Communicate in Doubles: In doubles pickleball, communication is vital. Make sure you and your partner have clear strategies for who will cover what part of the court, and always call out who is going for each shot to avoid confusion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When learning how to count pickleball or play the game, it’s easy to make simple mistakes that cost points. Some common errors include:

• Forgetting to Call the Score: Not calling the score before serving can result in a fault or confusion about the current score.
• Foot Faults on the Serve: When serving, make sure that at least one foot is behind the baseline until after the ball is struck.
• Violating the Kitchen Rules: Stepping into the kitchen during a volley or misjudging its boundaries can lead to frequent faults. Practice staying just outside the kitchen line and volleying from there.

Conclusion

Learning how to count pickleball is essential to mastering the game and ensuring that matches run smoothly. With its unique three-part scoring system and side-out rules, pickleball offers a fun and strategic twist on traditional racquet sports.

In recent years, the name “Kogonada” has risen to prominence, primarily due to the critically acclaimed work of the filmmaker who adopted it as a pseudonym. Best known for films like Columbus (2017) and After Yang (2021), Kogonada is recognized for his minimalist storytelling, thoughtful use of space, and deliberate attention to detail. However, a recurring question for many new fans is how to say “Kogonada” correctly.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the origins of the name “Kogonada,” how to pronounce it, and its broader cultural significance. We will also analyze why Kogonada, as a filmmaker, chose this name and how it ties into his work’s philosophy. By the end of this blog, you’ll have a deeper understanding of both the name and the artist behind it.

The Origins of the Name “Kogonada”

Before understanding how to say “Kogonada,” it’s essential to explore the origins and meaning behind the name. The filmmaker, of South Korean descent, adopted this pseudonym in homage to the Japanese filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu, one of the most influential directors in cinema history. “Kogonada” refers to Kogo Noda, Ozu’s long-time screenwriting collaborator, who co-wrote many of Ozu’s masterpieces, including Tokyo Story (1953) and Late Spring (1949).

The decision to adopt the name Kogonada reflects the filmmaker’s deep admiration for Ozu’s work and Noda’s contributions to Ozu’s minimalist yet profound storytelling style. Kogonada’s own filmmaking, much like Ozu’s, is often characterized by its subtlety, deep emotional resonance, and meditative pacing.

How to Pronounce “Kogonada”

To understand how to say “Kogonada,” let’s break it down:

• Kogo: The first part, “Kogo,” is pronounced koh-goh. The vowels are short, and the syllables should flow smoothly together. The “K” is sharp, while the “go” has a soft but distinct emphasis.
• Nada: The second part, “nada,” is pronounced nah-dah. Both syllables are evenly stressed, with the “a” in “nah” and “dah” sounding like the “a” in “father.”

Thus, when said together, the correct pronunciation of “Kogonada” is koh-goh-nah-dah.

The key to saying it correctly lies in ensuring each syllable is articulated clearly without overemphasizing any single part. It’s a name that rolls off the tongue in a rhythm that mirrors the quiet precision of the artist’s films.

Why Kogonada Chose This Name

Choosing a pseudonym is often a reflection of an artist’s values or influences, and for Kogonada, the name choice was no accident. Yasujiro Ozu’s films have long been associated with a certain calmness, a focus on everyday life, and an appreciation for small, quiet moments. Noda’s collaboration with Ozu was critical in shaping these films, particularly in the way dialogue and silence interacted within Ozu’s cinematic universe.

By taking on the name “Kogonada,” the filmmaker aligns himself with a specific filmmaking tradition—one that values subtlety, depth, and precision. Just as Noda contributed to Ozu’s ability to portray the profound in the mundane, Kogonada similarly explores themes of human connection, cultural dissonance, and the passage of time in his films.

Kogonada’s films frequently feature static camera shots, symmetrical compositions, and characters contemplating life’s larger questions in minimalist settings. The name “Kogonada” thus symbolizes his commitment to this style of filmmaking, and choosing this name serves as a tribute to the art of careful storytelling.

The Broader Cultural Context

For many, the name Kogonada immediately conjures a sense of mystery, and this mystery extends beyond just the name to the filmmaker’s life as well. Kogonada is famously reclusive about his personal life, with little information available about his real identity. This, combined with his unique choice of pseudonym, suggests a deliberate attempt to shift the focus away from the individual and onto the work itself.

By adopting a name connected to the legacy of Ozu and Noda, Kogonada also aligns his filmmaking within a broader East Asian cultural context, embracing a history of cinema that values restraint and introspection. It also raises interesting questions about identity and authorship. In a world where filmmakers often become celebrities in their own right, Kogonada’s choice to hide behind a name suggests that the work, not the creator, should take center stage.

This choice can be interpreted as a rejection of the modern cult of personality that often surrounds directors. Instead, the focus remains firmly on the themes and craftsmanship of his films, which themselves are deeply influenced by Eastern philosophical traditions, particularly Buddhism and Confucianism. These philosophies, much like Kogonada’s films, emphasize the impermanence of life, the importance of mindfulness, and the beauty of simplicity.

The Importance of Saying Names Correctly

The question of how to say “Kogonada” isn’t just about phonetics—it’s also about respect and cultural sensitivity. Names hold power, and they are often tied to personal identity, heritage, and history. Pronouncing someone’s name correctly is a sign of acknowledgment and respect, particularly when that name is chosen to honor a significant cultural or artistic lineage.

In the case of Kogonada, saying the name correctly not only shows respect for the filmmaker but also for the artistic tradition he represents. Kogonada’s films are a continuation of a specific style of filmmaking, one that prioritizes introspection, silence, and the unspoken moments between people. By pronouncing his name properly, we pay tribute to the artistry and history that inform his work.

Kogonada’s Films and Their Connection to His Name

Kogonada’s films are a natural extension of the name he has chosen. His debut film, Columbus (2017), is a prime example of how his work is informed by the minimalist style that Ozu and Noda perfected. Set in the Midwestern city of Columbus, Indiana, known for its modernist architecture, the film follows two characters as they navigate their personal crises in the quiet, reflective spaces of the city.

The film’s visual style mirrors the calm, composed aesthetics of Ozu’s work. Long takes, symmetrical framing, and a focus on the interaction between architecture and human emotion all point back to the careful, deliberate storytelling that Noda and Ozu were known for. In this way, the name “Kogonada” is more than just a tribute—it’s a statement of intent.

Similarly, Kogonada’s follow-up film, After Yang (2021), delves into questions of identity, memory, and human connection through a futuristic, yet emotionally grounded lens. Once again, the film’s slow pacing and meditative quality reflect the filmmaker’s connection to the principles embodied in the name Kogonada. By focusing on the subtle, quiet moments between characters, the film continues the tradition of finding profundity in simplicity.

Conclusion

Understanding how to say “Kogonada” correctly goes beyond mere pronunciation. It opens up a window into the filmmaker’s influences, his artistic philosophy, and the cultural significance of the name itself. Pronounced koh-goh-nah-dah, the name is a tribute to Kogo Noda, the screenwriter who collaborated with Ozu on some of the most important films in cinema history.

For Kogonada, adopting this name signals his alignment with a specific tradition of filmmaking, one that values subtlety, mindfulness, and the beauty of everyday moments. In a world where so much attention is placed on spectacle and celebrity, Kogonada’s work stands as a reminder of the power of simplicity and the profound impact of small, quiet stories.

By saying his name correctly, we not only show respect for the filmmaker but also for the artistic lineage that he represents. So, the next time someone asks how to say “Kogonada,” you can confidently respond with the knowledge that this name is more than just a pseudonym—it’s a reflection of a deeply rooted cinematic philosophy.

The GFAS-X1 Destroy Gundam is one of the most iconic and massive mobile suits in the Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny series. Its formidable size and incredible firepower make it a dominant presence on the battlefield, and its stature far surpasses many other mobile suits in the Gundam universe. In its Mobile Suit (MS) mode, the Destroy Gundam stands at an astonishing height of 56.30 meters (184.7 feet), making it more than three times the height of standard mobile suits like the Strike or Freedom Gundam. Its head height alone is 38.07 meters (124.9 feet).

Overview of Destroy Gundam

Destroy Gundam was designed as a heavy assault mobile suit, specifically created for large-scale destruction. Developed by the Earth Alliance, this monstrous machine is equipped with an extensive arsenal of weapons, including beam cannons, missile launchers, and energy shields. Its unique ability to transform from Mobile Armor (MA) mode into Mobile Suit mode further enhances its versatility in combat.

Deployed first during the Second Bloody Valentine War, Destroy Gundam’s appearance and subsequent attacks struck terror across cities like Berlin, where its massive size and firepower led to immense destruction.

Design and Weaponry

The sheer scale of the Destroy Gundam isn’t just for intimidation—it is heavily armed to ensure overwhelming offensive power. In MS mode, it boasts an array of devastating weapons, including:

• 200mm Zorn Mk. II Energy Cannon: Mounted in its head, capable of firing powerful energy blasts.
• Multiple Beam Cannons: Such as the 1580mm multi-phase “Super Scylla” cannon mounted on its torso and twin-barrel beam cannons.
• Missile Launchers: Positioned across its main body to unleash widespread explosive damage.
• Positron Reflector Shield: A defensive system that can deflect most forms of beam weaponry.

These features make it less of a mobile suit and more of a walking fortress.

Role in the Gundam Universe

The Destroy Gundam plays a significant role in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, where it is piloted by various characters under the command of the Earth Alliance. Its deployment is usually tied to high-stakes battles, such as the notorious attack on Berlin led by the pilot Stella Loussier, which left the city in ruins. This incident exemplified the destructive capacity of the suit, showcasing how its size and arsenal could annihilate entire cities in a short amount of time.

In total, at least ten Destroy Gundam units were created and used during the war, with each unit taking on vital roles in key battles such as those at Heavens Base and Daedalus lunar base. Despite their size and might, these units were eventually defeated by ace pilots of the ZAFT forces, including Kira Yamato and Shinn Asuka.

Conclusion

The Destroy Gundam’s height of 56.30 meters makes it one of the largest mobile suits in the Gundam franchise. Its immense size and extensive weapon systems cement its place as a truly fearsome machine capable of massive destruction. Whether in MA or MS mode, the Destroy Gundam leaves an unforgettable impact on the battlefield, dwarfing other mobile suits in both scale and power.