How to Count Pickleball: A Complete Guide to Scoring and Rules

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.