Pickleball Scoring Rules: Singles & Doubles Scoring

In every sport, to achieve a victory generally uses a point system. This point system varies depending on the rules in the sport itself. 

Pickleball is indeed incorporated with elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. But in terms of scoring, of course, there are differences. 

This scoring rule must be known for fun and success in the game. This article will discuss basic pickleballs scoring rules in doubles and singles. Let’s check it out!

Basics of Pickleball Scoring

Before diving into the specifics of singles and doubles scoring, it’s important to understand the basics of pickleball scoring. Here are the further explanations:

1. Points

Points can only be scored by the serving team or player.

2. Winning the Game

A game is typically played to 11 points, and a team or player must win by at least 2 points. In some tournaments, games may be played to 15 or 21 points.

3. Serve

The serve must be made underhand, with the paddle contacting the ball below the waist. The serve must land in the diagonally opposite service court.

Pickleball Scoring and Positioning Rules

In pickleball, when serving, there are several rules that must be understood. These rules differ for singles and doubles players. 

Players must follow the rules of serving and maintain the correct position. Otherwise, the serve can be considered invalid. The following are the scoring and positioning rules for singles and doubles in pickleball:

A. Singles

1. Scoring Rules

In singles pickleball, the scoring is straightforward:

• Only the server can score points.
• The server continues to serve until they commit a fault (e.g., hitting the ball out of bounds, serving into the net).

2. Positioning Rules

• Serve Position

The server must serve from behind the baseline and within the sideline boundaries. The serve must be directed diagonally into the opponent's service court. When the serve score is even, do the serve from the right side and when the score is odd, do the serve from the left side.

• Switching Sides

When the server wins a point, they switch sides (left to right or right to left) and continue serving. This ensures that each point is served from the correct side of the court.

• Receiving Position

The receiver stands diagonally across from the server, ready to return the serve.

B. Doubles

1. Scoring Rules

Doubles scoring is a bit more complex than singles. Here’s the rules:

• Only the serving team can score points.
• Each team has two serves, one for each player, before the serve is handed over to the opposing team (except for the first serve of the game, where only one player serves).

2. Positioning Rules

• Serve Position

The server must serve from behind the baseline and within the sideline boundaries. The serve must be directed diagonally into the opponent's service court. When the serve score is even, do the serve from the right side and when the score is odd, do the serve from the left side.

• Switching Sides

When the serving team wins a point, the server switches sides with their partner, and the same server continues to serve. When the first server loses the serve, the second server serves from the same side.

• Receiving Position

The receiving team does not switch sides when a point is won or lost.

What Is Traditional Side-Out Scoring?

Traditional side-out scoring is the original scoring system used in pickleball. Unlike rally scoring (where a point is awarded on every rally no matter who serves), side-out scoring only allows the serving side to score points. This means:

• If you’re serving and win the rally → you earn a point.
• If you’re receiving and win the rally → you don’t earn a point, but you “side out” and gain the right to serve.

This makes the game more strategic because holding your serve becomes very important, and scoring can take longer compared to rally scoring.

A. Side-Out Scoring in Singles

Here’s how it works step by step:

1. Points only go to the server. If the server wins the rally, they add a point. If the server loses, there’s a side-out and the serve goes to the opponent.
2. Serve position depends on the server’s score.
   • When the server’s score is even, they serve from the right (even) court.
   • When the server’s score is odd, they serve from the left (odd) court.
   • Important: The server’s score determines position, not the receiver’s score.
3. Diagonal serving. The server must always serve diagonally to the opposite court.
4. Score calling in singles. The score is always called with two numbers: server score, then receiver score (e.g., “3–2”).
5. Winning the game. A player must win by at least 2 points, so if the score is tied near the end, the game can extend beyond the usual winning number.

B. Side-Out Scoring in Doubles

Doubles scoring is a little more complex because there are two players on each team. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Only the serving team scores. The receiving team cannot score points, but they can win the serve back by winning a rally.
2. Starting the game. To balance fairness, only one player (the right-side player) serves first for the team at the beginning of the match. That’s why the starting score is called “0–0–2” (the “2” indicates the team is already on their “second server” for that turn).
3. Serving sequence.
   • The server always serves diagonally.
   • If the server scores a point, they switch sides with their partner (right ↔ left) and continue serving.
   • If they lose the rally, the serve moves to their partner (the “second server”).
   • When the second server loses the rally, it’s a side out and the serve passes to the other team.
4. Player positions.
   • The serving team switches sides only when they score a point.
   • The receiving team never switches sides.
   • To check positions: if the serving team’s score is even, the first server of the game must be on the right side; if the score is odd, that player must be on the left.

5. Score calling in doubles. The score is always called with three numbers:

   • Server’s score
   • Receiver’s score
   • Server number (1 or 2)

   Example: “4–2–1” means the serving team has 4 points, the receiving team has 2 points, and it’s the first server’s turn.

What Is Rally Scoring?

Rally scoring is a scoring system where every rally results in a point, no matter which side is serving. This is different from traditional side-out scoring, where only the serving team can score points.

The beauty of rally scoring is that the game usually moves faster, the score climbs more quickly, and every rally truly counts. But just like traditional scoring, games must still be won by a two-point margin, and the winning point must be won while serving.

A. Rally Scoring in Singles

Rules

1. Every rally counts. If you win the rally, you earn a point—whether you’re serving or receiving.
2. Serving positions follow the score.
   • If your score is even, you serve from the right (even) court.
   • If your score is odd, you serve from the left (odd) court.
3. Diagonal serve. Serves must always go diagonally.
4. Side outs still happen. When you lose a rally while serving, your opponent gets both a point and the serve.
5. Winning the game. You must win by two points, and the final winning point must be earned on your serve.

Scoring Examples

• Start of game: The score is 0–0. The server serves from the right (even) side.
• If the server wins the rally → score becomes 1–0. They switch to the left (odd) side to serve again.
• If the server then loses the rally → the opponent gets a point (score now 1–1) and the serve.
• In a 15-point game:
  • If the server has 14 points and wins the rally → they win the game (15–something).
  • If the receiver has 14 points and wins the rally → no point is awarded. Instead, they get a side out and serve at 14 points for game point.
  • If tied 14–14 → next rally makes it 15–14, but the player must still win by 2 points and on their own serve.

B. Rally Scoring in Doubles

Rules

1. Every rally results in a point, either for the serving or receiving team.
2. No second server. Each team has only one server per turn. When that server loses the rally, the serve passes to the other team.
3. Starting serve. The starting server always begins from the right (even) court with a score of 0–0.
4. Positioning.
   • The serving team switches sides every time they score a point.
   • The receiving team never switches sides.
   • When a team’s score is even, the starting server must be on the right side; when odd, they must be on the left.
5. Winning the game. The team must win by two points and only on their own serve. A game cannot be won on the opponent’s serve.

Scoring Examples

• Start of game: The serving team begins at 0–0, serving diagonally from the right side.
• If they win the rally → score is 1–0, they switch sides, and the same server serves again.
• If they lose the rally → opponent gets a point (score is now 0–1) and the serve.
• In a 15-point game:
  • If the serving team has 14 points, they can serve for the win (15–something).
  • If the receiving team has 14 points and wins the rally, no point is awarded. Instead, it’s a side out—they serve for game point at 14.
  • If tied 14–14 → rally winner goes up 15–14, but they must still win by 2 and on their serve.
  • If tied 15–15 → rally winner becomes 16–15 and serves again, possibly closing at 17–15.

Faults in Pickleball Scoring Rules

A fault is any action that stops play because of a rule violation. Faults are common in every sport, usually to make the game fairer and players can't be cheating. Here are several common faults in pickleball:

1. Serving Fault

The serve does not land in the diagonally opposite service court.

2. Volley Fault

A player volleys the ball before it has bounced once on each side.

3. Double Bounce

The ball bounces twice before being hit by a player.

4. Out of Bounds

The ball lands outside the court boundaries.

5. Kitchen Violation

A player volleys the ball while standing in the non-volley zone or steps into the non-volley zone in the act of volleying the ball.

The Non-Volley Zone

The non-volley zone is a seven-foot area on both sides of the net. Players are not allowed to volley the ball (hit it in the air without letting it bounce first) while standing in this zone. 

The purpose of the non-volley zone is to prevent players from executing smashes near the net, promoting a more strategic game.

Strategies for Scoring and Positioning

You can apply some of these strategies so that you don't make mistakes when you want to serve and position yourself correctly on the court. Here are some strategies:

1. Communicate with Your Partner

In doubles, clear communication is key to avoiding confusion and making effective plays. Calling shots, indicating who will take the ball, and discussing strategies during the game can significantly improve positioning and scoring chances.

2. Stay Alert

Be ready to move and adjust your positioning based on the flow of the game.

3. Use the Third Shot Drop

In doubles, a well-placed third shot drop can neutralize the opponent’s advantage and set up a strategic play.

This strategy involves hitting a soft shot that lands in the opponent’s kitchen, forcing them to hit up, which gives your team a chance to move forward to the net. This shot can be a game-changer in doubles, allowing your team to take control of the net.

4. Control Your Shots

Focus on placement and control rather than power to keep the ball in play and force your opponent into difficult positions.

5. Master the Serve and Return

A consistent serve and a strategic return can give you an early advantage in each rally.

6. Try Dinking

Dinking refers to hitting soft shots that just clear the net and land in the opponent’s kitchen. This strategy is essential in controlling the pace of the game and forcing errors from opponents.

Have You Understood The Pickleball Scoring Rules?

It's not difficult to understand the rules of pickleball. These rules are usually explained at the beginning when you are first taught the game, as they form the basis for playing pickleball. With practice, you will naturally implement these rules without making mistakes. Therefore, it is important to find a quality pickleball class.

Rockstar Academy has a pickleball class that is part of the best Sports & Performing Arts Academy in Indonesia. At Rockstar Academy you will be trained with experienced instructors who have high flying hours coupled with supportive facilities. 

Rockstar Academy also holds lots of Events & Competitions every year to hone our students' skills. This shows the commitment of Rockstar in developing the talents of children who are favored.

The pickleball classes at Rockstar Academy not only offer top-tier training but also provide students with the exciting opportunity to participate in Elite Championships. These championships offer a regular platform for Elite Class students to compete against one another up to four times per term, totaling sixteen times per year, in state-of-the-art sports stadiums. 

Interested to find more? Take advantage of our free trial class and choose any program that you are interested in. This opportunity will convince you more in signing up for the program and you can experience our comprehensive program beforehand!

FAQ

What happens if the serve hits the net but lands in the correct service court?
If the serve hits the net and lands in the correct service court, it is called a "let," and the serve is replayed.

Can I step into the non-volley zone after hitting a volley?
No, you cannot step into the non-volley zone after hitting a volley. You must establish your position outside the non-volley zone before volleying the ball.