Have you signed up for a pickleball session and are looking to master the game? Well, pickleball is undoubtedly easier than tennis, but it has certain rules that you must follow. If you are stepping into the pickleball world thinking it is like tennis, you are wrong. Before you try your hands on pickleball, there are some rules that you need to learn to score well and have command over the opponent team.
Pickleball is a single and double-player game; rules for each type slightly differ, but not drastically. In this article, we learn how to score pickleball and some basic rules to skyrocket your points. We will walk you through double and single scores to help you master the game. Let’s begin!
How to score as a single or a double in pickleball?
There are quite a few tips and tricks that will help you master the game. However, most people often need clarification about how pickleball scoring works for singles and doubles. Here’s a detailed video on pickleball scoring:
In this section, we will clear up all your confusion:
How does scoring for pickleball doubles work?
When playing pickleball, you can have two players on the same team, called doubles. Beginners often need clarification as to how scoring for doubles work, but it is quite simple. The rules for scoring for singles and doubles are the same, but you must take care of a few things when playing with double players on a single team. Here is how scoring pickleball doubles works:
Rule # 1: Serving Team Gets the Point
One of the most important and basic rules is that always the serving team gets the point. The receiving team gets no point until the serving team makes an error, and the serving goes to the opposite team. There are a few things that the serving or the receiving team can do which can make them lose a point.
A non-volley zone is closer to the net; you can serve in that zone or step in it while hitting the ball. Even touching the non-volley zone when serving counts as an error; hence, you must be very careful. On the other hand, you can only hit or volley the ball once it bounces on each side.
Rule # 2: Only the Right-Side Player
The other rule that one should consider when serving the ball is that only the right-side player gets to serve the ball. It cannot happen otherwise because the right-side player from each side gets to serve. The player on the right side serves diagonally across the court to the right-side player on the receiving side.
Rule # 3: Winning Team Switches Side
Some teams have yet to learn about this rule, but it is one rule that makes the game more intense and interesting. The serving team is at an advantage and can score points easily until they don’t make any errors. The serving team can switch sides if the receiving team makes any error. However, the receiving team cannot switch sides even when the serving team makes an error.
Rule # 4: Both Players on the Serving Team Get a Chance
Most people wonder when the receiving team gets to serve and score points. The serving teams can make an error before the ball goes to the receiver side for serving. If the serving team makes an error once, the players get to switch positions while the receiver side does not.
The right player from the serving side goes to the left side and vice-versa. If the serving side makes a mistake the second time, the players don’t get to switch the side. However, the ball goes to the opponent team, and they get to serve until they make an error twice.
Rule # 5: The Three-Digit Score Card
If you have played pickleball or have been to a match, you will see three numbers on the scorecard. The numbers on the scorecard are written as 0-0-2, which can be confusing for beginners. The first zero indicates the serving team’s score, while the second zero indicates the score of the receiving team. Lastly, the last number (2) indicates the second server, and the last number turns one when the first server serves.
How does scoring pickleball singles work?
The scoring method for singles in pickleball is the same as the doubles; however, there is a slight change. Here are some of the rules that you need to follow when there is a single player on each team:
Rule # 1: Serving Team Starts on the Right-Side
One rule that applies to single-player pickleball is that the serving team starts on the right side. The serving to play stays on the right side until a point is gained or the receiving side makes an error. If the server size gains a point, they switch sides while the receiver stays in place.
Rule # 2: No Player Switches Side When the Receiver Wins
Another rule that applies to single-player pickleball is that no player switches sides if the receiver side wins. The player on the serving size stops serving once they lose the rally. They keep switching sides as they gain a point, but the receiver stays in place. On the other hand, if the server loses the rally, the ball goes to the opponent’s side, and they become the server.
Rule # 3: There are Only Two Scores
When scoring doubles in pickleball, the scorecard has three numbers. The last number indicates the first or the second player; however, it is unnecessary with a single-player pickleball match. On the scorecards, the scores are written as 0-0; the first 0 indicates the server’s score, while the other 0 indicates the receiver’s score.
Conclusion
If you are wondering how to score pickleball, you know it by now. You can easily master the game of pickleball if you remember some golden rules. The rules of doubles and singles are the same except for a few minor changes.
I am Michael Wanner, an experienced and educated expert in the field of pickleball. I hold a degree in Sports Science from Cleveland State University, Ohio, USA. My expertise lies in the technical aspects of pickleball and how to play it effectively. I have spent many years playing and coaching pickleball and have a wealth of knowledge to share with my readers. I am a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their pickleball skills and strategies.
