Pickleball Scoring for Total Rookies: A No-Stress Guide

So you've rocked up to the court, paddle in hand, ready to smash a few... but then someone says, “Score is 2-1-2,” and you’re like, “Coolcoolcool... what?”

 

Relax. We’ve got you. This is your chill AF, no-BS guide to understanding pickleball scoring - so you can stop nodding politely and start actually keeping score (or at least pretending like you know what’s going on until the post-game beers).

 

Wait, what’s with the numbers?

Let’s start with the basics: in doubles (which is how most Aussies play), the score is called out as three numbers:

The Score Format (Doubles)

Example: 2-1-2

• First number = Your team’s score
• Second number = Opponent’s score
• Third number = Server number (1 or 2)

Each team has two chances to serve -player 1 and player 2 - except at the start of the game, when only one player gets to serve. That's why the game always starts with a call of 0-0-2.

Singles is Simpler

In singles, there are only two numbers: your score and your opponent’s. The server switches sides based on their own score - serve from the right when your score is even, and from the left when it's odd.

Simple? Sweet.

When Do You Score?

Only the serving team can score points. Games are usually played to 11 points, and you’ve got to win by 2. If you're playing casually with mates and the pub’s calling, feel free to keep it loose - just make sure someone’s watching the score, or it’ll be chaos.

Who Serves and When?

• If your team wins a point, the same player serves again—but they switch sides.
• If you lose a point:
  • Player 1 → Player 2 serves next.
  • If Player 2 loses? Side out! It’s the other team’s turn to serve.
    

(And yes, that “side out” moment is your cue to grab a sip and re-tie your laces.)

🎉 That’s It! You’re Officially Less Confused

Now that you’ve got the basics, grab a few mates, chuck on your freshest Rallee fit, cue the tunes, and hit the court. Just don’t stress the score too much - because win or lose, there’s usually a cold one waiting courtside.

 

 

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Reference: Rules adapted from the official Pickleball Australia Association Rulebook as at 2025.