How Do You Score in Pickleball? The Beginner’s Guide to Pickleball Points

How Do You Score in Pickleball? The Beginner’s Guide to Pickleball Points

You’ve just played your first few games of pickleball and now you're hooked. But there’s one part that still trips up many new players: the scoring.

Pickleball doesn’t follow the tennis point system, and it’s not as simple as “win a rally, get a point.” Especially in doubles, that three-part score announcement can be confusing.

Let’s break down how you score in pickleball—so you can focus on winning, not wondering.

The Basics: Scoring Rules at a Glance

Here are the essential rules:

  • Points can only be scored by the serving team.

  • Games are played to 11 points, win by 2.

  • In doubles, both players get a chance to serve (except for the very first serve of the game).

Simple, right? Now let’s break it down.

Doubles Scoring: Understanding the Three-Number Call

In doubles, each time a team serves, you’ll hear three numbers:

  1. Your team’s score

  2. Opponent’s score

  3. Server number (1 or 2)

Example: You hear “4–6–2.” That means:

  • Your team has 4 points

  • The opposing team has 6

  • You are the second server on your side

If the second server faults, the serve goes to the other team. Only the first serving team of the game starts with one server (announced as “0–0–2”).

Singles Scoring: Two Numbers, Same Rules

In singles, scoring is simpler:

  • The server calls just two numbers: their score – opponent’s score

  • The server always serves from the right side if their score is even, left if it’s odd

Example:

  • “5–2” means the server has 5 points and the opponent has 2

The ball is always served diagonally, just like in doubles.

How Do You Win a Pickleball Game?

To win, you must:

  • Reach 11 points

  • Be ahead by at least 2 points

Tied at 10–10? Keep playing until one side wins by two. Games can go into extra rounds (like 13–11 or 16–14).

In tournaments, games may go to 15 or 21—the same win-by-2 rule still applies.

Common Scoring Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting who served first: Track who’s “server 1” and “server 2” at all times.

  • Calling scores incorrectly: Always state your team’s score first.

  • Serving from the wrong side: Remember—right side = even score, left side = odd.

  • Not rotating positions: Only the serving team switches sides after a point.

Make life easier by keeping your gear in check. A custom Jet Black Paddle Band helps you keep your grip—and your composure.

Scoring in Recreational vs. Tournament Play

Recreational games tend to be casual, but scoring rules remain the same. Some differences in tournaments include:

  • Referees track the score

  • Games may go to 15 or 21 points

  • You must call the score before serving or risk a fault

If you're playing competitively, practice announcing scores clearly and confidently.

Tips for Keeping Track of the Score

  • Repeat the score every point, even in rec games

  • Use paddle taps or hand signals with your partner

  • Mentally log who served last and from which side

Confused mid-game? Ask your partner or opponent to confirm. The community is friendly—no one expects perfection from new players.

Example Doubles Game: Walkthrough

You and your partner are serving. The score is 6–4–1.

  • You win the point: Score is now 7–4–1.

  • You fault: Now it’s your partner’s turn. Score is 7–4–2.

  • Your partner faults: Ball goes to the other team. They announce “4–7–1.”

Keep that rotation going until someone hits 11 (or more).

Gear Tip: Serve in Style

With all the mental math of scorekeeping, the last thing you want is slippery hands. Add grip and personality with a Jet Black Paddle Band.

Better yet, customize it with your name or team at CustomPickleballBands.com and bring your A-game to every match.

Want More Pickleball Know-How?

Head over to our Pickleball Blog for gear guides, rules deep-dives, community features, and more.

We’ve got:

  • Strategy breakdowns

  • Gear reviews

  • Player interviews

  • Tournament tips

Level up your play, one point at a time.

Final Thoughts: Score Like a Pro

So, how do you score in pickleball?

Simple: Know the serve rules. Call the score correctly. Track the server rotation. And most of all—stay focused and have fun.

Once you’ve got scoring down, the game opens up. You'll move with confidence, call points with clarity, and dominate the court.

Start scoring wins (and style points) today with help from CustomPickleballBands.com and gear like the Jet Black Paddle Band.

Back to blog