Section 6: Scoring
Scoring Format
Pickleball games are played to 11 points and must be won by 2 points. In tournament play, some matches may be played to 15 or 21 points, as specified by the tournament director. The win-by-2 requirement applies regardless of the target score.
Side-Out Scoring (Traditional)
Under the traditional side-out scoring system, only the serving team can score points. When the serving team wins a rally, they score a point and the server switches service courts. When the serving team commits a fault, the serve passes to the second server (in doubles) or to the opposing team (side-out). In doubles, a side-out occurs after both servers on a team have faulted.
Rally Scoring (MLP/PPA Format)
Rally scoring has been adopted by several professional leagues, including Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), and has been approved by USAP for optional use in sanctioned events beginning in 2025. Under rally scoring, a point is awarded on every rally, regardless of which team served. When the receiving team wins the rally, they score a point and gain the serve. Rally scoring games are typically played to 11, 15, or 21 points, win by 2. The format is credited with creating more predictable match durations for broadcast and event scheduling.
Score Calling — Doubles
In doubles side-out scoring, 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, "3-5-2" means the serving team has 3 points, the receiving team has 5 points, and it is the second server's turn. In rally scoring, only two numbers are called: the serving team's score and the receiving team's score.
Score Calling — Singles
In singles, the score is called as two numbers: the server's score and the receiver's score. The server serves from the right court when their score is even and from the left court when their score is odd.