How do you say the score in pickleball?

Call out three numbers in this order: your team’s score, the other team’s score, and the server number—1 or 2. For example, “4-2-1” means your side has four points, your opponents have two, and the first server is serving.

Why are there three numbers in pickleball scoring?

In doubles, the third number identifies whether the first or second player on the serving team is serving. This helps players keep track of the serving order as possession changes.

When does a team score a point in pickleball?

Under traditional scoring, only the serving team can earn a point. If the receiving team wins the rally, it gains the serve instead of scoring.

What does “side out” mean in pickleball?

A side out happens when both players on a serving team lose their chance to serve. The serve then passes to the opposing team.

How do you keep track of the first server at the start of a doubles game?

At the beginning of a doubles game, the starting team’s first server is treated as server number 2. This opening exception helps balance the serving advantage and is reflected in the starting call of “0-0-2.”

Doubles Pickleball · How to Keep Score in Pickleball · Pickleball for Beginners · Pickleball Rules · Pickleball Scoring · pickleball tips · Singles Pickleball · May 27, 2025

How to Keep Score in Pickleball (Without Losing Your Mind)

Pickleball court with blue and green playing surfaces, white boundary lines and central net, illustrating How to Keep Score in Pickleball.

Ah, pickleball. The sweet sound of a plastic ball on a paddle, the squeak of sneakers, and the occasional existential crisis when someone asks, “What’s the score again?”

If you’ve ever faked confidence while muttering “0-0-2” and praying no one asks you to explain it, this one’s for you. Here’s how to keep score in pickleball without losing your mind, or your friends.

The Basics (a.k.a. Pickleball 101 for Mortals)

Pickleball is typically played to 11 points, and you have to win by 2. But here’s the kicker: you only score when you’re serving. That’s right, no stealing points while your opponents serve. Honor among picklers.

How to Keep Score in Pickleball Doubles

You’ll hear a three-number sequence: “Your Score – Their Score – Server Number.”

Your score is the serving team’s score.
Their score is the receiving team’s score.
Server number is 1 or 2, because each team gets two serves per side. The exception is the start of the game. More on that chaos below.

Example: “6-3-1” means your team has 6, they have 3, and you’re the first server on your side.

Singles Scoring: Easy peasy. Say your score first, then your opponent’s. No third number. No second server. Just vibes.

The Oddly Specific Rules That Will Haunt You

The first server of the game always starts on the right side of the court.
After you score a point, you and your partner switch sides.
The serve must go diagonally and land beyond the kitchen. (No, you can’t sneak it short.)
When in doubt, blame the scorekeeper. Even if it’s you.

The Even/Odd Trick (Your New Best Friend)

Lost track of who should be where? Look at your team’s score. If it’s even (0, 2, 4, 6…), your starting server should be on the right. If it’s odd, they should be on the left. If somebody’s standing in the wrong spot, the score is probably wrong. Or somebody’s lying. Probably both.

Wait, What’s the Kitchen?

The kitchen is the seven-foot no-volley zone on each side of the net. You can’t volley (hit the ball out of the air) while standing in it, or even while your toes touch the line. You can step in to play a ball that bounced. It’s the rule that turns friendly games into heated debates, and it’s why “Kitchen!” is the most-yelled word on any court.

Quick Cheat Sheet for Doubles

Start of the game = “0-0-2.” The first team only gets one server in the first round, because fairness.
Your team serves and scores? Same server keeps serving, and you switch sides.
Your team faults? Your partner serves next, and the score stays the same.
Fault again? The ball goes to the other team. Try not to cry.

What About Rally Scoring?

Some leagues and tournaments are testing rally scoring, where a point is scored on every rally no matter who served. It’s faster and simpler, but traditional side-out scoring is still the standard for most games. When in doubt, check the official USA Pickleball rulebook or agree on the format before the first serve. Trust us, that conversation is easier at 0-0 than at 9-9.

Gear Up for Game Day

Good gear won’t fix your scorekeeping, but it’ll make you look like you know what you’re doing.

Paddles: The The Outside Society Pickleball Paddle is our house favorite, and the Recess Cowboy Paddle is for players who want to win with style. Shop all paddles.
Balls: Recess hybrid pickleballs in white, green, or pink. Pick a color your opponents can’t miss.
Bag: The Recess Olive Court Bag holds your paddle, balls, and post-game snacks.
Hydration: Keep a Wide Mouth Water Bottle courtside. Altitude plus competitive spirit equals thirsty.

Browse our full pickleball collection, or stop by The Outside Society in Basalt to try a paddle in person.

Pro Tip

If someone says, “What’s the score?”, say it with confidence, even if you’re making it up. 87% of pickleball scoring disputes are won with tone alone.*

*Okay, maybe not scientifically proven. But it feels right.

Final Thought

Learning how to keep score in pickleball is a bit like life: confusing at first, better with snacks, and a whole lot more fun when you laugh at the chaos.

Now go forth and serve with confidence. Or at least fake it till your next lesson. Most of all, Embrace Your Outside!

Embrace Your Outside & Stay Wyld!

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