Pickleball Scoring Rules
Traditional side-out scoring awards points only to the serving side; some events use a rally-scoring option.
Plain-English rules
Games are commonly played to 11, win by 2.
Only the serving side scores in standard side-out scoring.
Doubles scores use three numbers: serving score, receiving score, server number.
The first serving team starts the game with its server designated as server two, producing the opening call 0-0-2.
Switch sides in tournaments when the format requires it, commonly at 6 in a game to 11.
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: 4.A-4.B, 5, 6.B.
Edition 2026. Source checked .
Examples
If the server calls 8-7-1, their team has 8, opponents have 7, and first server is serving.
If the receiving team wins the rally, they get no point. In doubles, service passes to the second server or, after the second server loses, to the receiving team.
Quick answers
Can the receiving team score?
Not in standard side-out scoring. They must win the serve first.
What is rally scoring?
A format where every rally creates a point. USA Pickleball recognizes rally scoring as an option for certain formats, while traditional side-out scoring remains common; confirm the format before play.