For all the hype about pickleball’s easy-to-learn rules, one thing always seems to trip up new players…

That’s right! We’re talking about pickleball scoring. If you’ve ever been to a pickleball court, you’ve probably heard players call the score. It’s usually three numbers — something like “5, 3, 2” — despite the game having only two teams. Why?

Today, we’re examining this confusing practice. We’ll break down how scoring works and what each number represents. We’ll also explain the specifics of pickleball scoring, so don’t bounce out yet!

How to Call the Score in Pickleball

Let’s start with that first question: Why do people call three numbers when announcing the score?

The answer is surprisingly simple!

Imagine each part of the score as a letter. Instead of “5, 3, 2,” think of it as “A, B, C.” Now, break it down:

• The first number — “A” — is the serving team’s score.
• The second number — “B” — is the receiving team’s score. This number will remain a nice, round zero until they gain serving rights.
• Finally, the third number — “C” — is the server. As pickleball is played in teams of two (at most), this number will always be 1 or 2. If you hear someone call a 3 or above as the third number, something has gone cartoonishly wrong!

Now, put that together and loop back to our “5, 3, 2” example.

We can now say that the serving team has 5 points, the receiving team has 2 points, and the second player is serving. Simple!

Obviously, the third number is unnecessary in singles games. Seeing as each team only has one player, we know who’s serving! So, singles matches are truncated as A and B. For example, “The score is 2 to 6” means the serving team has 2 points, and the receiving team has 6 points.

Moreover, the serving side switches after every scored point. This rule is tricky to track as the game progresses; simply knowing the score is the easiest way to keep tabs on which side of the court is correct. When the score is odd, serve from the left side. Conversely, serve from the right court for even scores.

Some players make this rule even more obvious, referring to the left side as the “odd court!”

(If you’re committed to singles-only games, you can skip these next few sections.)

Who’s the Server?

It’s not enough to keep score in pickleball, though! You also have to know who’s serving.

The first thing to know is that the first server — for both teams — always hits from the right service court. And there’s a reason for our clarification; after the first serve passes to the opposing team, that team’s first server must also use the right service court. It’s a somewhat difficult concept to explain without a visual reference, so take a peek at this diagram:

As you can see, each of the four players stands in their own service court. For the first rally, player “A1” serves. When the serving team changes, player “B1” — located in the respective team’s right service court — must serve.

We also want to point out that the server number is not set in stone. In pickleball, “Server 2” means any fault forfeits the respective team’s serving rights. Conversely, “Server 1” indicates the team has another chance to score. As such, the first score call will always be “0, 0, 2.” (This will make more sense in a minute!)

The “First Server Exception”

Secondly, there’s something known as the “first server exception.” This rule prevents one-sided beatdowns, stipulating that the first server for each team is the only server for the initial rally.

Again, that sounds confusing.

So, let’s look at that chart again. Using the same labels, we know that the first server is this rally’s second server for Team A. And — knowing the basic rules of the game — we also know any fault forfeits Team A’s serving rights. Once this happens, player “B1” becomes Team B’s only server for that rally; when they call the score, they’ll also be the second server.

For both players, serves must be taken from the appropriate side of the court. Should either server score a point, they must then move to the left side; upon scoring another point, they return to the right service court.

Switching Servers and Understanding the Proper Sequence

After the first two rallies, both teams begin the “normal” serving sequence, wherein each player serves until committing a fault.

The simplest way to explain this is to — once again — look at our handy little graphic.

After the first two rallies, the serve passes to player “A2.” Then, if player “A2” commits a fault, player “A1” regains the right to serve. Upon returning to the other team, service rights pass to player “B2,” and the sequence continues.

Pickleball and Side-Out Scoring

Now, you probably noticed that we’ve yet to mention scoring points.

That’s because pickleball scoring uses a “side-out” system, wherein only the serving team can score points. This is probably the trickiest part of pickleball scoring, as it goes against many sports’ more traditional scoring tactics. Even tennis, pickleball’s closest relative, grants points to the receiving team!

However, that’s just not how the pickleball scoring system works!

During any pickleball match — in both singles and doubles games — faults by the serving team do not add to the receiving team’s score. Instead, if the second server is up, the serving team loses their service turn.

Naturally, this means faults from the receiving team add to the serving team’s score. Otherwise, nobody would score points, and we’d just be paddle-popping back and forth.

What Does That Mean for Scoring Points?

Finally, it’s time to discuss how to keep score in pickleball!

Per USA Pickleball rules, “a point is scored by serving the ball and winning the rally.” But what does that actually mean?

Ultimately, a team scores whenever the receiving team commits a fault. And there are many, many types of faults. (So, so many!)

Basic Pickleball Faults (That Add to Your Score!)

One last time, we want to reiterate that the receiving team does not gain points. Similarly, the serving team cannot lose points. Thanks to pickleball’s rally scoring system, the serving team continues playing until their service turn ends; then, the other team has a chance to score.

Now, having said that, let’s look at some basic ways to score in pickleball. Whether you’re playing singles or rocking a doubles game, your goal is to force the other team to commit one of these basic faults:

• Failed Returns: Any ball that hits the net, fails to cross the net, or bounces more than twice (3 times for wheelchair pickleball) is a dead ball, and you win a point!
• Out-of-Bounds Hits: Make the other team lose track of the ball. If their returns land outside the court’s boundaries… you’re scoring a point!
• Non-Volley Zone Volleys: As you’ve probably guessed from its name, you can’t hit volleys in the NVZ. Try to get the other team to hit a volley (returning the ball before it bounces) within that red rectangle!

Other Faults to Know

There are also some technical faults to consider as you play pickleball. These are part of the official rulebook, but their enforcement varies. While some — such as running into the net or (as silly as it sounds…) your teammate — are universally recognized faults, others are often reserved for high-level or tournament play.

Some of the basic technical faults are:

• Contacting the Pickleball Net: Any contact with the net — including its supporting poles — is considered a fault. Similarly, contacting any “permanent” fixture on a pickleball court (e.g., a fence or light pole) is grounds for a line call.
• Dropped Pickleballs: During casual pickleball games, players may carry additional balls. Many keep these in mesh bags. However, dropping one of these balls on the court is a fault the moment it bounces off the court.
• Premature Returns: It may fall under the “failed returns” category, but this uncommon fault is often the result of excitement and inexperience. Nonetheless, per pickleball scoring rules, anyone hitting the ball before it crosses the net is committing a fault!

Note that making a line call for any of these rules will result in a dead ball, which neither team should hit. Moreover, it’s worth considering the game’s overall “vibe.” Casual pickleball games don’t often follow these rigid rules. However, a high-level pickleball game will likely utilize these technicalities.

How Do You Win a Pickleball Game?

So, put all of it together.

A pickleball game is made of multiple rallies. Each rally (save for the first two) offers two — or more — chances to score points. Casual games usually play to 11 points, while tournament-level games often end at 15 or 21 points.

Now, you may mistakenly assume that any game is won by reaching the set amount of points. In some cases, you’re right! Casual pickleball players often have house rules and may deem the 11th fault the winning point. However, traditionalists and tournaments often play best 2 of 3 games, with winners crowned after gaining a two-point lead. In other words, you may see games played to 13, 17, 23, or more points before being called.

A Few Notes About Playing Multiple Games

Regardless of your preference, players are expected to share the court.

It’s okay to take breaks; you should take breaks! But don’t dawdle. Most players consider 2–5 minutes an acceptable pre-game rest. Anything longer is considered rude.

Similarly, be aware of how teams rotate at your local court. Some alternate sides and play until they lose a game. Others opt for tournament-style brackets. Be prepared to play when it’s your turn, too! Otherwise, you may lose your spot.

Improve Your Pickleball Game

That was a lot of information, and there’s more to come! Most people want to be more than a referee, and learning to keep score is just the beginning of your pickleball journey. It’s time to join Pickle Goddesses’ growing fanbase!

We’re here to help you master your tactics — whether you’re on the serving side or playing fierce defense as the receiving team. Take a look at our blog and learn more about the basics of pickleball. We’ll teach you far more than how to keep score. We also have plenty of tips, tricks, and updates about America’s fastest-growing sport!

So, get out there and have fun… but don’t forget to stretch before you play!