Understanding Standard Scoring for Singles and Doubles Pickleball Matches

Pickleball, when compared to tennis, badminton, and table tennis, uses a unique scoring system. Whether playing singles or doubles, understanding the standard scoring rules is essential for fair play and competitive matches.

General Scoring Rules

• Points: In pickleball, points can only be scored by the serving side. This rule applies to both singles and doubles matches.
• Winning the Game: Typically, the game is played to 11 points, and a team or player must win by a margin of at least 2 points. Other formats include playing to 15 or 21 points, always requiring a 2-point margin to win.
• Service Sequence: The server continues to serve, alternating service courts, until the serving side commits a fault. At that point, in doubles, the serve passes to the second server of the same team before a side-out occurs and the opposing team gets the serve.

Singles Scoring

• Service Position: In singles, the server's position is determined by their score. When the server’s score is even (0, 2, 4,...), they serve from the right/even court. When the server’s score is odd (1, 3, 5,...), they serve from the left/odd court.
• Calling the Score: The proper sequence for calling the score in singles is the server's score followed by the receiver's score, called as two numbers. For example, if the server has 3 points and the receiver has 5, the score is called as "3-5".

Doubles Scoring

• Service Sequence: Both players on a doubles team will serve before a side-out is declared, except at the start of each game when only one player (the starting server) serves. This player is referred to as the “second server” for scoring purposes at the start of the first point. 
• Switching Sides: The serving team switches service courts after scoring a point. The first player to serve will serve from the right/even court. After the first server loses the rally, the second server will then serve.
• Calling the Score: In doubles, the score is called as three numbers: the serving team's score, the receiving team's score, and the server number (1 or 2). For example, if the serving team has 4 points, the receiving team has 2 points, and the first server is serving, the score is called as "4-2-1". To start each game, the score is called as "0-0-2".

Rally Scoring

Rally scoring is a different format where points can be scored by either the serving or the receiving side. This method is often used to speed up the game and add a different strategic element.

• Rally Scoring Rules: Points are awarded to the winning side of each rally, regardless of which team served. This method changes the dynamic of the game as both teams have the opportunity to score points on every rally.
• Winning the Game with Rally Scoring: Similar to traditional scoring, games are often played to 11, 15, or 21 points, with a 2-point margin required to win. Or in recent times, when one side reaches match point, they have to serve to win, which means their score is "frozen" at match point till they score. They are often club variations to this to speed up play or the tournament where freezes only occur during ties at match point. 

Key Takeaways

1. Points can only be scored by the serving side in traditional scoring: This rule emphasizes the importance of maintaining the serve and capitalizing on service opportunities.
2. Service position in singles is dictated by the server’s score: Even scores serve from the right/even court, and odd scores serve from the left/odd court.
3. In doubles, each team member serves before a side-out: This unique aspect of doubles ensures both players on a team have the opportunity to serve and score.
4. Scores in doubles are called using three numbers: This method of score-calling helps keep track of the serving order and prevents confusion during play.
5. Rally scoring allows points to be scored by either side: This format can speed up the game and add an extra strategic layer to each rally.

Understanding these rules helps players focus on their strategy and enhances the overall enjoyment of the game. Whether you're a novice or an experienced player, keeping these scoring guidelines in mind will help you play more effectively and competitively.