In side-out scoring, only the serving side scores. Receiving-side wins change service, not points.
Calling the score in singles
Server’s score first, receiver’s second. 4–3 means the server has four and the receiver has three.
Win the rally on serve and it’s 5–3. Serve again from the other side. Lose the rally and the other player serves; the points stay the same.
What’s the third number in doubles?
Call your team’s score, their score, then the server number.
At 4–3–1, your team has four, they have three, and you’re on your team’s first server for this turn. The 1 or 2 isn’t attached to a player for the whole game. It changes when your team gets the serve back.
Why start at 0–0–2?
The team that serves first gets only one server before the first side out. The 2 is a reminder of that. Once the other team takes over, it gets the usual two servers.
Win on serve and your team swaps sides for the next serve. Lose on the first server and your partner serves. Lose on the second and it’s a side out: the other team takes over.
Is 11–10 enough?
No. You have to win by two. An 11-point game can finish 12–10, 13–11, or keep going. Some games use a target of 15 or 21 instead; agree on it before you start.
Are you playing rally scoring?
That’s a different format. In rally scoring, points can go to the receiving side too. Don’t use that rule in a side-out game.
See supported scoring formats and pickleball rules.
Scoring reference: USA Pickleball.
Common questions
Why does doubles pickleball start at 0–0–2?
The opening serving team gets only one server before the first side out. The 2 marks that exception.
Can the receiving team score in traditional pickleball?
No. In side-out scoring, only the serving side earns points. Winning as the receiver changes service.
Does 11–10 win a pickleball game?
Not in a win-by-two game. Play continues until a side reaches the target and leads by at least two.