Pickleball has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, attracting players of all ages and skill levels. One of the key aspects of the game that often confuses newcomers is the point system. If you’re just starting out, it can seem a bit complex at first, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. In this blog post, we’ll break down how the pickleball point system works, what you need to know to play the game, and how scoring differs based on whether you’re playing singles or doubles.
1. Basic Scoring Overview
In pickleball, the game is typically played to 11 points, though games can go up to 15 or 21 points, depending on the tournament or house rules. To win a game, a team or player must not only reach the designated number of points but also lead by at least 2 points. This ensures that the match isn’t won by a mere tie score at the end.
2. Side Out and Service
Pickleball uses a “side-out” system, meaning that only the serving team can score points. If the receiving team wins the rally, the server loses their serve, and the other team gets their chance to serve. Here’s how it works:
• Doubles: In doubles, each player on the serving team has a turn to serve before a side-out occurs. The first server on each side is responsible for serving from the right side (even score), and after each point, the serve alternates between the two servers on the team. When the first server loses their serve, the second player on the team serves from the left side (odd score).
• Singles: In singles, the server serves from the right side when the score is even, and from the left side when the score is odd. Players alternate sides as they win or lose points.
3. How Points Are Scored
Points are scored when:
• The serving team wins the rally.
• The receiving team commits a fault (such as hitting the ball out, into the net, or stepping into the non-volley zone while hitting a volley).
4. Scoring Format in Doubles
In doubles, there’s a unique aspect of the point system. When the game begins, the first server on each team serves from the right-hand side. Once the serve is lost, the second server from the same team gets a turn. However, when the serving team loses both serves, it’s called a “side-out,” and the other team gets a chance to serve.
In addition, the server must call the score before each serve, stating the serving team’s score first, followed by the receiving team’s score, and then the server number (1 or 2). For example, the score might be called as “4-3-2,” where:
• 4 = serving team’s score
• 3 = receiving team’s score
• 2 = second server
5. No-Volley Zone Rule (Kitchen)
The no-volley zone, often referred to as the “kitchen,” is a crucial element of pickleball’s point system. Players cannot step into this zone to hit a volley (a ball hit in the air before it bounces). If a player does step into the kitchen while hitting a volley, it’s considered a fault, and the opposing team gets the point.
6. The Rally Scoring System
Pickleball follows the “traditional” scoring system, where only the serving team can earn points. If the receiving team wins the rally, they gain the serve, but they don’t score a point unless they’re serving. This is in contrast to “rally scoring,” where either team could score a point regardless of who is serving.
7. Winning the Game
To win a standard game, a player or team must reach 11 points and be ahead by at least 2 points. If the score is tied at 10-10, players must continue playing until one team gains a 2-point lead. In tournament play, games may be played to 15 or 21 points, with the same 2-point margin rule applying.
8. Tiebreakers and Game Variations
In some cases, matches may go into a tiebreaker. Tiebreakers usually follow the same rules but may be played to a smaller number of points (such as 7) to expedite the process. Additionally, rules may vary depending on the format of the tournament or local regulations.
Conclusion
Understanding the point system in pickleball is crucial for enjoying the game and competing effectively. Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, knowing when and how points are scored, how the serve rotates, and the role of the kitchen will help you navigate the game with confidence. By practicing and becoming familiar with these rules, you’ll improve your understanding of the game and, most importantly, have more fun!
Next time you’re on the court, keep these point system nuances in mind and see how quickly you can rack up those points!