If you’ve ever played pickleball and walked away muttering, “Wait, was the score 5-2-1 or 2-5-1?”, you’re not alone. Scoring in pickleball isn’t hard once you get the hang of it, but to a beginner, it can feel like trying to solve a Sudoku puzzle while someone’s lobbing a wiffle ball at your head.
Let’s break it down step by step, with plenty of humor to keep you from banging your paddle in frustration.
The Basics of Pickleball Scoring
In pickleball, the score has three numbers. Yes, three. It’s not because pickleballers are trying to mess with your head—it’s just how doubles play works. Here’s what each number means:
1. Your Team’s Score
2. Your Opponent’s Score
3. The Server Number (1 or 2)
So if the score is 5-3-1, your team has 5 points, your opponents have 3, and you’re the first server for your team. Simple, right? Well, buckle up—it gets more interesting.
Only the Serving Team Scores Points
Unlike tennis, badminton, or Monopoly, you can only score points when your team is serving. If your opponents win the rally while you’re serving, they don’t gain a point; they just get the serve back. This is great news if you’re bad at math—it keeps the scores from skyrocketing into triple digits.
The Double Serve Rule (No, It’s Not a Fancy Cocktail)
In doubles pickleball, each player on a team gets a chance to serve before the serve switches to the other team. The only exception is at the very start of the game when the first serving team only gets one serve. Why? Tradition, I guess. It’s like the pickleball version of “because I said so.”
Here’s how it works:
1. Player 1 serves until they lose a rally.
2. Then Player 2 on the same team serves.
3. If Player 2 also loses the rally, the serve goes to the other team.
When this happens, pickleballers dramatically shout, “SIDE OUT!” It’s one of those moments where you feel like you’re in a sports movie, even if your last rally was 90% accidental.
Calling the Score: A Public Speaking Test
Every time you serve, you have to announce the score. Loudly. Clearly. Like you’re running for office.
• First number: Your team’s points.
• Second number: Your opponent’s points.
• Third number: Whether you’re the first or second server on your team.
For example, if your team has 4 points, your opponents have 2, and you’re the second server, you would say: “4-2-2.”
If you’re not a natural numbers person, you might stumble a bit at first. Just remember: the score is not the time, your PIN number, or your childhood phone number. Stay focused.
Common Scoring Confusions (and How to Fix Them)
1. “What was the score again?”
Forgetting the score mid-game is a rite of passage in pickleball. Just ask your opponent, who will probably smile and say, “We’re winning, obviously.” For fairness, agree to restart the rally with the last known score.
2. “Wait, are we on first or second serve?”
Keep track of who served first on your team. If your partner forgets, you’re now the team historian.
3. “How did they get 10 points so fast?”
Relax. It’s not a conspiracy. Some players just really know how to dink.
What Happens When the Game is Tied?
When both teams are one point away from winning, the tension skyrockets. It’s called being “in the freeze.” Okay, I made that term up, but it feels real. The crowd gets quiet, your palms get sweaty, and every dink becomes a high-stakes decision.
Pro tip: If you’re tied 10-10, you have to win by two points. So get ready for a few extra rallies. And don’t celebrate too early—we’ve all seen someone yell “YES!” mid-game only to lose the very next point.
A Few Tips for Scoring Like a Pro
• Communicate with your partner. If you’re unsure who’s serving or what the score is, ask before you serve. Whisper if you have to—it’s not a courtroom, it’s pickleball.
• Stay loud and clear. Shout your score with confidence, even if you’re 90% sure it’s wrong. Most people will just nod and go with it.
• Practice keeping track. Think of it like remembering lyrics to your favorite song. The more you play, the easier it gets.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
Pickleball scoring can seem complicated at first, but once you’ve played a few games, it’ll become second nature. Just remember the three numbers, shout “Side out!” like you mean it, and don’t take yourself too seriously.
The beauty of pickleball is that it’s as much about fun and laughter as it is about winning. So if you mess up the score, don’t sweat it. The pickleball gods won’t smite you. Probably.
Now go forth and serve—just don’t forget to call the score (loudly, with authority, and maybe a touch of flair). See you in the kitchen!