Say server score, receiver score, then server number; play to 11, win by 2.
If you want to master how to keep score in pickleball, you’re in the right place. I teach new players every week, and I’ve seen every scoring mix-up you can imagine. This guide breaks down how to keep score in pickleball step by step, with real examples, simple tips, and pro-level clarity. By the end, you’ll call the score with confidence and never miss a rotation.
The basics of pickleball scoring
Pickleball uses side-out scoring in standard play. Only the serving team can score a point. Games are most often to 11, and you must win by 2. Tournaments may use games to 15 or 21.
In doubles, you call three numbers: server score, receiver score, and server number. The server number is 1 or 2. At the start of every game, the call is 0-0-2. That signals only one serve before a side out.
If you want a clear start, repeat this line in your head: even is right, odd is left. It helps with the server’s position. Learning how to keep score in pickleball becomes easy once you use that rule.
Doubles scoring explained
Doubles is where most players learn how to keep score in pickleball, so let’s make it simple. You and your partner are a team. Each time your team gets the serve, you may get two chances to serve: server 1, then server 2. The exception is the first service of the game, which starts at 0-0-2.
The three-number call
You call the score as server score, receiver score, server number. For example, 3-2-1 means the serving team has 3, the receivers have 2, and the first server on the serving team is serving. Say it loud and clear before your serve. Pause a beat after the call.
Serving order and positions
The server starts on the right when their team’s score is even. They serve cross-court. If the serving team wins the rally, they score a point. That server switches sides with their partner and serves again.
If the serving team loses a rally, the other server on that team takes over (from wherever they stand based on the team’s score). After both servers lose a rally, it is a side out. Then the other team serves, starting with their server 1.
A quick walk-through
Start of game: 0-0-2. Team A serves from the right. They lose the rally. Side out.
Team B now serves: 0-0-1 from the right. They win a rally. Score is 1-0-1, and the server moves to the left. They win again. Score is 2-0-1, back to the right. They lose the next rally. Now it is 2-0-2, and the partner serves from the side that matches 2 (even = right). If they lose, it is a side out at 2-0.
This rhythm keeps order. Repeat it during play to lock in how to keep score in pickleball.
Singles scoring explained
Singles uses two numbers: server score, receiver score. There is no server number in singles. The server starts on the right when the server’s score is even.
If the server wins the rally, they score a point and switch sides. If the server loses, it is a side out, and the opponent serves from the side that matches their score. That is the core of how to keep score in pickleball for singles.
Example: The score is 4-3. The server has 4, which is even, so they serve from the right. They win. Now it is 5-3, and they switch to the left. Clear, calm, and quick.
How to call the score with confidence
Calling the score is a small habit with a big payoff. It keeps both teams in sync. It also prevents rules issues.
Try these quick steps to nail it every time:
- Face the court, check positions, and make eye contact with the receivers.
- Say the score loud and steady. Pause a moment before you serve.
- Use a simple cue: server score, receiver score, server number. Do this every rally.
Use anchors to aid memory. Even is right, odd is left. Touch your right pocket when your score is even. This small trick helped me teach new players how to keep score in pickleball in one session.
Rally scoring vs traditional scoring
Traditional pickleball uses side-out scoring. Only the serving team scores. This is still the official standard for most play and events.
Rally scoring gives a point to the winner of every rally, no matter who serves. Some leagues and special events use it to speed up matches. Formats vary by league, so confirm rules before you start.
If you are learning how to keep score in pickleball, start with traditional scoring. It is the most common format at parks, clubs, and tournaments. You can always switch once you learn the basics.
Common scoring mistakes and easy fixes
I see the same errors over and over. A few checks will save you time.
Mistake: Wrong player serves or returns. Fix: Freeze, confirm server score and positions, then correct before the next serve.
Mistake: Standing on the wrong side. Fix: Use the even-right, odd-left rule based on your team’s score.
Mistake: Forgetting server number. Fix: Decide at the start who is 1 and who is 2. Some groups give server 1 a wristband.
Mistake: Not winning by 2. Fix: Call the score before each serve and confirm the win margin.
These fixes make how to keep score in pickleball feel calm and easy.
Real-world scoring scenarios
Here are simple sequences you can copy in your next game.
Scenario 1: Clean start in doubles
- Call 0-0-2. Serve from the right. Lose the rally. Side out.
- Opponents call 0-0-1. They win. Call 1-0-1. Server moves left.
- They win again. Call 2-0-1. Server moves right. Lose the rally.
- Now 2-0-2. Partner serves from the right. Lose the rally. Side out at 2-0.
Scenario 2: Tied late game
- Score is 9-9-2. Your team serves from the side that matches 9 (odd = left).
- You win the rally. Now 10-9-2. Switch sides. Serve from the right.
- You win again. 11-9 final. You won by 2.
Walk through a few sequences like this to master how to keep score in pickleball under pressure.
Drills and tools to master scorekeeping
Practice makes it automatic. These drills work fast.
Drills
- Call-and-pause: Before every serve in warmups, call the score out loud, then hold for one second.
- Parity check: After each point, both teams say even or odd for their own score. Then move to the right or left.
- Ghost games: Play to 5 without hitting. Just walk through serves and switches while calling the score.
Tools
- Wristband for server 1.
- A small flip scoreboard clipped to the net post.
- A phone app with a big score display and a serve tracker.
Use one or two of these for a week, and how to keep score in pickleball will feel second nature.
Tournament and league nuances
Refereed matches are a bit different. Referees call the score, manage timeouts, and control faults on serve. You still track score for your own awareness and positioning.
In many events, early rounds may go to 11, win by 2. Later rounds may go to 15 or 21. Some team leagues use rally scoring. Always read the event sheet. If you are unsure, ask before the first serve.
If a scoring dispute happens, stop play before the next serve. State what you think the score is and why. Then the referee or group will resolve it. Knowing how to keep score in pickleball helps you explain your case with calm facts.
Frequently Asked Questions of how to keep score in pickleball
What is the correct way to call the score in doubles?
Say server score, receiver score, then server number. For example, 6-4-2. Always pause a moment before you serve.
Why does a game start at 0-0-2?
It shows that only one player on the first serving team gets to serve before a side out. After that first side out, both players on each team get to serve.
How do I know which side to serve from?
Use this rule: even score is right, odd score is left. It works for singles and doubles.
Can I score points when I am not serving?
In traditional scoring, no. Only the serving team can score points.
What happens if we discover the wrong server or position after a rally?
In most cases, the rally stands. Correct positions and server for the next rally. This keeps play fair and moving.
Is rally scoring official in all pickleball games?
No. Most standard play uses side-out scoring. Some leagues and special events use rally scoring, so always check house rules.
How do I remember how to keep score in pickleball during fast points?
Use simple cues like even-right and odd-left. Call the score out loud every time to anchor your memory.
Conclusion
You now have a clear system for how to keep score in pickleball. Call the numbers in order, use even-right and odd-left, and track server 1 and server 2. With a bit of practice, your crew will run smooth games with zero confusion.
Take this to the court today. Try one drill, teach a friend, and play a game to 11 with clean calls. If this helped, share it with your group, subscribe for more tips, or leave a question so I can help you fine-tune your scoring.