pickleball rules doubles
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.
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.