How to Keep Score in Pickleball: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding Pickleball Scoring Basics

Pickleball is an exciting and fast-paced game that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. A crucial aspect of enjoying the game is understanding how to keep score. Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, knowing the basics of pickleball scoring will enhance your gameplay and ensure fair competition.

Scoring Terminology and Court Setup

Before diving into how to keep score, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with key scoring terminology and the court setup:

1. Rally: A sequence of shots between the serve and the end of the play.
2. Serve: The act of putting the ball into play at the start of each point.
3. Side Out: When the serving team loses the serve, and the opposing team gains the opportunity to serve.
4. Kitchen: The non-volley zone close to the net where players cannot volley the ball (hit it in the air without letting it bounce first).

The pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, divided into two halves by a net. Each half includes the kitchen and service areas.

How to Keep Score in Singles and Doubles Matches

Scoring in pickleball can differ slightly between singles and doubles matches. Here’s a detailed guide on how to keep score in each format:

Scoring for Doubles Matches

In doubles match, each team has two players, and the game is played to 11 points, with a team needing to win by at least 2 points. Here’s how scoring works:

1. Serving Sequence: At the beginning of the game, the serving team starts with the player on the right-hand side. The server announces the score with three numbers: their team’s score, the opponent’s score, and the server number (1 or 2). For example, “5-3-1” means the serving team has 5 points, the opponents have 3 points, and the first server is serving.
2. First Server: If the first server wins the point, they switch sides with their partner and continue to serve. If they lose the point, the serve passes to their partner (second server).
3. Second Server: The second server serves until they lose a point. Once they lose, the serve goes to the opposing team (side out).
4. Side Out: The opposing team then serves, following the same first and second server sequence.
5. Winning the Game: The first team to reach 11 points (and be at least 2 points ahead) wins the game.

Scoring for Singles Matches

Scoring in singles follows similar principles but with some simplifications due to the single-player nature of the game. Here’s how it works:

1. Serving Sequence: The server announces the score with two numbers: their own score followed by the opponent’s score. For example, “6-4” means the server has 6 points and the opponent has 4 points.
2. Serve and Side: The server serves from the right-hand side when their score is even and from the left-hand side when their score is odd.
3. Winning the Point: If the server wins the point, they switch sides and continue to serve. If they lose the point, the serve goes to the opponent (side out).
4. Winning the Game: As in doubles, the first player to reach 11 points with at least a 2-point lead wins the game.

Conclusion

Understanding how to keep score in pickleball is fundamental for both casual players and those competing in tournaments. The scoring system, while unique, is straightforward once you get the hang of it. Whether playing singles or doubles, keeping accurate score ensures fair play and enhances the enjoyment of the game. By mastering the scoring basics, terminology, and court setup, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient pickleball player. So grab your paddle, head to the court, and enjoy the game with confidence in your scoring abilities.