Stepping onto a pickleball court for the first time can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once. You've got your paddle, you understand the basics, but then someone calls out "0-0-2" and suddenly you're wondering what those numbers mean. Don't worry—pickleball doubles scoring isn't as complicated as it first sounds, and mastering it will boost your confidence on the court.
Understanding how to keep score is one of the most important skills for any beginner pickleball player. Once you grasp the system, you'll feel more comfortable participating in games and can focus on improving your technique rather than wondering what's happening with the score.
Understanding the Basics of Pickleball Doubles Scoring
Pickleball doubles scoring works differently from most other racket sports, and that's what trips up many new players. The scoring system is designed to keep games fair and exciting, but it does require some explanation.
Here's what makes pickleball scoring unique: only the serving team can earn points. This means you can't score while you're receiving the serve—you can only prevent your opponents from scoring. This rule creates strategic gameplay where teams must work to earn and maintain their serving opportunities.
Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by at least 2 points. So if the score reaches 10-10, play continues until one team has a 2-point lead.
The Three Numbers in Pickleball Scoring Explained
Every pickleball doubles score consists of three numbers, and each one tells you something specific about the game state. Let's break down what "4-2-1" means:
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First number (6): The serving team's score
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Second number (3): The receiving team's score
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Third number (2): The server number (either 1 or 2)
The third number is where beginners often get confused. In doubles pickleball, both players on each team get to serve during their team's service turn—except for the very first serve of the game. The player currently serving is either server #1 or server #2 for that particular service rotation.
Here's a practical example: if you hear "6-3-2," it means the serving team has 6 points, the receiving team has 3 points, and the second server on the serving team is currently serving.
Who Serves First—and How It Affects the Score
At the start of every game, teams determine who serves first through a coin toss or another fair method. The starting team begins with an unusual score: "0-0-2."
Why start with server #2 instead of server #1? This rule prevents the starting team from having an unfair advantage. Since only the serving team can score points, letting them have two servers right from the beginning would give them too much of a head start. By starting with server #2, the initial serving team only gets one attempt to score before the serve passes to their opponents.
After the opening serve, normal serving rotation begins. When your team gets the serve, the player positioned on the right side of the court (also called the "even" side) becomes server #1. Their partner automatically becomes server #2.
Keeping Track of the Server and the Score
Remembering who's server #1 and who's server #2 can challenge even experienced players. Here's a helpful strategy: the server number changes based on court position, not the individual player.
When your team earns the right to serve, whoever is standing on the right side of your court becomes server #1. After each point you score, you and your partner switch sides, but you remain the server until you lose the rally.
Once server #1 loses a rally, server #2 takes over. When server #2 also loses a rally, that's called a "side out"—the serve transfers to the opposing team, and their player on the right becomes their new server #1.
Here's a memory trick: your position on the court can help you remember the score. When your team's score is even (0, 2, 4, 6, etc.), server #1 should be on the right side. When your team's score is odd (1, 3, 5, 7, etc.), server #1 should be on the left side.
Common Pickleball Scoring Mistakes Beginners Make
Even with a solid understanding of the rules, new players often make these scoring errors:
Forgetting to announce the server number: Always call out all three numbers before serving. Skipping the third number is a common oversight that can confuse everyone on the court.
Switching positions at the wrong time: Only the serving team changes court positions after scoring a point. The receiving team stays in place throughout the rally.
Getting confused about server roles: Remember, your server number (1 or 2) depends on your court position when your team gets the serve, not your individual identity.
Losing track of the score: This happens to everyone, especially during exciting rallies. When in doubt, look at your court position—it can help you figure out whether your team's score should be even or odd.
Practice Drill: Scoring Out Loud With a Partner
The best way to master pickleball scoring is through repetition. Find a practice partner and try this simple drill:
Stand on opposite sides of a net (you can even do this in your driveway or garage). Take turns calling out imaginary scores and explaining what each number means. Start with "0-0-2" and work through different scenarios:
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"0-0-2" → Server #2 serves first
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"1-0-1" → Serving team scored, now server #1 serves from the left side
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"1-1-2" → Receiving team got the serve, now their server #2 is serving
Practice announcing the score clearly and loudly enough for opponents to hear. This builds confidence and makes the scoring system feel more natural.
Consider using scoring apps or simple tracking methods while you're learning. Some players keep score with their fingers or use small handheld devices designed for pickleball scoring.
Gear Up for Game Day With the Right Equipment
Confidence on the court comes from understanding the game and having reliable equipment. While you're mastering the scoring system, make sure you're playing with a paddle that supports your development as a player.
The Voxl Flex paddle offers an ideal combination of control and forgiveness for players still learning the fundamentals. Its wide body design creates a large sweet spot, which means more successful shots while you're focusing on remembering the score rather than worrying about perfect paddle placement.
Scoring Confidence Starts With the Basics—And the Right Paddle
Understanding pickleball scoring transforms you from a confused spectator into an active participant. Once these three numbers become second nature, you'll find yourself enjoying games more and playing with greater confidence.
The scoring system might seem complex at first, but thousands of players master it every day. With practice and the right equipment, you'll soon be calling out scores like a seasoned player.
Ready to put your new scoring knowledge to work? Shop beginner-friendly pickleball paddles at Voxl Pickleball today and start building the confidence that comes with having the right gear for your skill level.
Related Questions
How is scoring different in pickleball singles vs doubles?
Singles pickleball uses only two numbers in the score—your score and your opponent's score. There's no server number because only one person serves per side.
Do both players serve in pickleball doubles?
Yes, both players on each team serve during their team's serving turn, except for the very first serve of the game when only server #2 serves.
How long does a typical doubles game last?
Most pickleball doubles games last 15-25 minutes, depending on the skill level of the players and how competitive the match becomes.
Can you win on a fault in pickleball?
Yes, if your opponents commit a fault while you're serving, your team scores a point. If you commit a fault while serving, you lose your serve but your opponents don't score.
What is side-out scoring in pickleball?
Side-out scoring means the serve changes to the opposing team when the serving team commits a fault. This is the standard scoring system used in pickleball, unlike rally scoring where points can be won by either team.