How Pickleball Scoring Works in Doubles

In doubles pickleball, only the team that is serving can score points. The receiving team cannot earn points—they can only win the serve.

Key Rules:

A point is scored only by the serving team.
If the serving team wins a rally, they earn a point and continue serving.
If the serving team loses a rally, the serve moves to the other team.

Serving Rotation in Doubles

At the start of a game:

The first server begins from the right side of the court.
If the serving team scores a point, the server switches sides (right to left or left to right) and continues serving.
The same server keeps serving until the team loses a rally.

When the serve switches to the opposing team:

The first server starts on the right side.
That team continues serving until both players lose their serve.
After both players lose their serve, the ball goes back to the other team.

Important: Players on the receiving team do not switch sides during a rally. Only the serving team switches sides when they score.

Understanding the “Two Servers” Rule

Each team (except the very first service of the game) gets two chances to serve:

When the first server loses the rally, the serve goes to their partner.
When the second server loses the rally, the serve goes to the other team.

At the very beginning of the game, only one server is used to balance the advantage of serving first.

That’s why the starting score is often called:
0-0-2

The “2” means the team starts as the “second server,” so the serve goes to the other team after the first loss.

How to Call the Score in Pickleball

Before every serve, the score must be announced in this order:

Server’s score – Receiver’s score – Server number

Example:

If the serving team has 3 points
The receiving team has 6 points
And it is the second server’s turn

The score is called:
3-6-2

Some players also say:

“3-6-second” (instead of “2”)

Both are correct.

Why Calling the Score Is Important

Calling the score clearly helps:

Keep track of points
Avoid confusion about who is serving
Identify whether it is the first or second server

It also helps players understand the next rotation:

If you are the first server, your partner serves next if you lose the rally.
If you are the second server, the serve goes to the other team when you lose the rally.

Simple Trick to Remember Court Position

A helpful way to check scoring accuracy:

When the correct server is serving, their position matches the score pattern
Teams often use positioning as a guide to confirm the correct score

Singles Pickleball Scoring (Simplified)

Singles scoring is easier because there is only one server per side.

Key Differences:

No second server in singles
Only one player serves at a time

Serving Position Rule:

Serve from the right side when the server’s score is even (0, 2, 4, etc.)
Serve from the left side when the server’s score is odd (1, 3, 5, etc.)

Important note:

The position depends only on the server’s score, not the combined score.

Pickleball scoring becomes simple once you understand the serve-based system, side switching, and score calling format. Whether you’re playing doubles or singles, knowing these rules will help you play more confidently and avoid confusion during matches.