Pickleball Doubles Rules
Doubles adds partner rotation, server number, and side-out decisions.
What this page covers
Both partners usually get a serve before side-out, except the first service sequence of the game.
The server starts on the right when the serving team score is even.
Partners switch sides only after their team wins a point on serve.
The score is called as server score, receiver score, server number.
Plain-English rules
- Both partners usually get a serve before side-out, except the first service sequence of the game.
- The server starts on the right when the serving team score is even.
- Partners switch sides only after their team wins a point on serve.
- The score is called as server score, receiver score, server number.
- Returners do not switch sides after winning a rally unless they later score on serve.
Official source
This page references the 2026 USA Pickleball Official Rulebook (PDF), published by USA Pickleball. Check event or league rules as well when a local format differs.
Relevant rulebook sections: 5.B, 6.B.2.
Edition 2026. Source checked .
Examples
At 6-3-2, the serving team has 6, the receiving team has 3, and the second server is serving.
If the serving team loses on second server, it is side-out.
Quick answers
Who serves first in doubles?
One player starts from the right side. The first serving team only gets one server before side-out.
Do partners switch every point?
Only the serving team switches after scoring a point.