In pickleball, games are ordinarilly played to 11 points, but a team must win by at least 2 points. So, if the score reaches 10-10, play continues until one team has a lead of 2 points. For example, a game can end with scores like 11-9, 12-10, 13-11, and so on.
In some tournaments or in different formats of play, games might be played to 15 or 21 points, but the rule of winning by at least 2 points still applies. If you’re playing in a tournament or league, always check the specific rules or guidelines on scoring for clarification on what score you’re playing to.
New to the sport? Here’s everything you need to know about How to Play Pickleball.
When are you able to score in pickleball?
In pickleball, only the person serving is allowed to score points. If the serving side wins the rally by causing the opposing side to fault or not return the ball, they score a point.
If the serving side loses the rally, the serve switches to the opposing singles or doubles team. No points are awarded to the receiving side for merely winning a rally; they must first gain the serve to have a chance to score.
How do you verbally keep score in pickleball?
The current server should announce the score ahead of every serve. Announce the server’s score and then the receiver’s score in that order.
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