To call the score in pickleball, say three numbers before every serve in doubles — the serving team's score, the receiving team's score, and the server number (1 or 2) — or two numbers in singles, with no server number needed. The score should be called clearly and loudly enough for everyone on the court to hear before the serve.
Doubles scoring uses three numbers, always in this order: the serving team's score, the receiving team's score, then the server number.
For example, "4-3-2" means the serving team has 4 points, the receiving team has 3 points, and the second server on the serving team is currently serving. Every game begins with the score "0-0-2" — a special exception where the first serving team only gets one server before a side-out, signaled by starting directly at server number 2.
Singles scoring is simpler — just two numbers, with no server number needed since there's only one player per side. Call the server's score first, then the receiver's score. For example, "5-3" means the server has 5 points and the receiver has 3.
NoteAlways call the score before every single serve, not just at the start of a game or after a side-out. This keeps everyone on the court — players, partners, and spectators — aligned on the current score and helps prevent disputes later in the game.
The server is generally responsible for calling the score before serving, though in casual or recreational play, any player on the court may call it if the server forgets. In sanctioned play with a referee, the referee may call the score instead.
If a score is called incorrectly and the rally proceeds, most recreational rules allow players to pause and correct the score by mutual agreement once noticed. In sanctioned or referee-officiated play, there are typically more formal procedures for resolving score disputes.
Questions about pickleball scoring? Email [email protected].