Rally Scoring vs. Traditional: What Changed & Why It Matters

You just finished a great rally, your opponent’s shot sailed long, and you pumped your fist, ready to add a point to your team’s score. But then you hear it: “Side-out.” If you’re new to pickleball, this moment can be confusing. Didn’t you just win the point? Why doesn’t your score change? Welcome to one of the most common learning moments in the sport: understanding the difference between traditional and rally scoring.

At Voxl Pickleball, we know that learning the rules is the first step to feeling confident on the court. Pickleball scoring can seem tricky, especially as different clubs, leagues, and even professional tours use different systems. But don’t worry—once you grasp the two main methods, you’ll be able to keep score like a pro and focus on what really matters: enjoying the game.

This guide will break down everything you need to know about pickleball’s scoring systems. We’ll explain the classic “side-out” method and the faster-paced “rally scoring,” detail why the change is happening, and give you practical tips to track the score no matter which format you’re playing.

The Two Ways to Keep Score in Pickleball—And Why You’ll See Both

At its core, pickleball scoring comes in two main flavors: traditional side-out scoring and rally scoring.

• Traditional “Side-Out” Scoring: This is the classic method and the official format for most USA Pickleball-sanctioned tournaments. In this system, only the serving team can score a point. If the receiving team wins the rally, they don’t get a point; instead, they win the serve—an event called a “side-out.”

• Rally Scoring: This newer system is gaining popularity in leagues, social play, and some professional tours because it makes game times more predictable. In rally scoring, a point is awarded at the end of every rally, regardless of who served.

So, when will you encounter each system? Recreational games at your local park almost always use traditional side-out scoring. However, if you join a league, a round-robin tournament, or an event with a tight schedule, you may find yourself playing rally scoring.

Quick Takeaway for Beginners: As a new player, you’ll most likely learn and play with traditional side-out scoring. It’s the foundation of pickleball rules for beginners, so it’s the best place to start.

Traditional “Side-Out” Scoring—How It Works (and Why It’s Classic)

Side-out scoring is the bedrock of pickleball strategy. Because only the serving team can score, holding serve becomes a critical part of the game.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Points: Games are typically played to 11, and you must win by 2 points.

• Scoring: Only the serving team can add a point to their score by winning a rally.

• Side-Out: When the receiving team wins a rally, they earn the right to serve. No point is awarded, but control of the game shifts.

• The Score Call (Doubles): You’ll hear three numbers: the serving team’s score, the receiving team’s score, and the server number (1 or 2). For example, a score of “5-3-1” means the serving team has 5 points, the receiving team has 3, and it is the first server’s turn.

Pros of Traditional Scoring:

• Longer, Strategic Rallies: Since losing a rally on serve doesn’t cost the receiving team a point, they can play more defensively and extend rallies.

• Emphasis on Serving: It rewards a strong, consistent serve and strategic court positioning to maintain the offensive advantage.

• Familiarity: It’s the system most veteran players know and the standard at most clubs.

Rally Scoring—What’s Different and How to Track It

Rally scoring was introduced to make pickleball more TV-friendly and to help tournament directors manage schedules. By awarding a point on every rally, games become faster and more predictable in length.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Points: Every rally results in a point for the winner.

• Game Length: Games are played to a higher total, often 15 or 21, but you still must win by 2.

• The Score Call: The call is simplified to two numbers: the serving team’s score and the receiving team’s score (e.g., “10-8”). There is no server number, as each team gets one serve before a side-out.

Pros of Rally Scoring:

• Predictable Match Length: Eliminates long, scoreless stretches, making it ideal for scheduled events.

• Fast-Paced Play: The constant threat of losing a point keeps the intensity high.

• Simplified for Spectators: It’s easier for newcomers and broadcast audiences to follow.

What Changed—and Why Some Groups Prefer Rally Scoring

The shift toward rally scoring is driven by the explosive growth of organized pickleball. As tournaments and leagues become more common, the need for efficiency has grown. Traditional side-out games can have huge variations in length—a close game could last 15 minutes or stretch to 45. This time volatility makes scheduling a nightmare for event organizers.

Rally scoring solves this by ensuring the scoreboard is always moving. It creates consistency for round robins, league nights, and broadcast events where tight timelines are essential. While purists love the strategic depth of side-out scoring, many players appreciate the brisk pace and clear time commitment of a rally-scored match.

Strategy Shifts You’ll Notice Between Systems

The scoring system you use directly impacts your on-court strategy. What works in a side-out game might be too risky in a rally game.

• Serving Pressure: In side-out scoring, the serving team is under pressure to hold serve and score. In rally scoring, the pressure is equal on every single point for both teams.

• Risk-Taking: An unforced error is always costly, but in rally scoring, it directly gives your opponent a point. This often leads players to choose higher-percentage, safer shots rather than attempting risky, low-probability winners.

• Momentum: Side-out scoring allows for long scoring runs if a team can hold serve. In rally scoring, momentum is about stringing together just two or three points at a time, as the score accrues more steadily.

• Court Positioning: In side-out play, teams might focus more on stacking and positioning to protect their serve. In rally scoring, consistent, all-around defense is key, since any lost rally hurts.

Common Beginner Confusions—Solved

Switching between scoring systems can be disorienting. Here are a few common points of confusion and how to solve them.

• “Why is the game going so much faster/slower?” If a game feels lightning-fast, you’re likely playing rally scoring. If you’ve been playing for 20 minutes and the score is still 4-2, you’re in a classic side-out battle.

• “Do I need to call the third number?” The third number (server 1 or 2) is only used in traditional doubles scoring. In rally scoring, you just call two numbers.

• “When do we switch sides?” In traditional scoring, players on the serving team switch sides only after they score a point. In rally scoring, players often stay on their designated side for the entire game, with the server position determined by whether the score is even or odd. Always confirm the specific rotation rules before you start!

A great on-court reminder is to agree on the format before the first serve. A quick "We're playing traditional to 11, right?" can save a lot of confusion.

Step-by-Step: Calling & Tracking the Score (Cheat-Sheet Style)

Here’s a quick reference for score-calling and rotation.

Traditional (Side-Out) Scoring:

1. The Call: Serving Team Score – Receiving Team Score – Server Number (1 or 2).

2. Starting: The game starts at 0-0-2. The first serving team only gets one server before the first side-out.

3. Rotation: The serving team’s players switch sides (left to right) only after they score a point. The receiving team never switches.

4. Side-Out Trigger: When the serving team loses a rally, the serve either goes to the second server or, if it was the second server, to the other team.

Rally Scoring:

1. The Call: Serving Team Score – Receiving Team Score.

2. Starting: The game starts at 0-0.

3. Rotation: Typically, the player on the right side serves when their team’s score is even, and the player on the left serves when it’s odd.

4. Point Trigger: The team that wins the rally gets a point. If the receiving team wins the rally, they get a point and the serve.

Pro Tip: Before a match in a new league or club, jot down three quick rules for the format on your phone or a piece of paper to reference during timeouts.

Picking the Right Format for Your Group

So, which system should you use?

• If you have a limited time block and need predictable game lengths (like a lunch-break league), rally scoring is your friend.

• If you want to practice for a tournament or focus on the classic strategic elements of the game, stick with side-out scoring.

Many clubs use a mix: they might run beginner clinics with side-out scoring to teach the fundamentals but use rally scoring for their competitive league nights to keep things moving.

Gear That Grows With Your Game

No matter which scoring system you’re using, having the right equipment makes a huge difference, especially when you’re learning. A control-focused paddle can help you make more consistent shots and reduce unforced errors, which is critical in both formats. Lighter-weight paddles and comfort grips also help you stay on the court longer without fatigue. If you're looking for gear that supports your development, explore our collection of beginner-friendly paddles at Voxl Pickleball.

Play Smarter, Score Confidently

Understanding pickleball’s scoring rules is all about building confidence. Once you know how to keep score, you can focus your mental energy on strategy, shot selection, and simply having fun. Before every match, confirm the format with your opponents. And don’t be afraid to ask, “What’s the score?”—even the pros do it!

Ready to master the rules and gear up for your next game? Shop our starter kits and hit the court with the confidence of a seasoned player.

Related Questions

Is rally scoring the official standard in pickleball?

No, traditional side-out scoring is still the official system for USA Pickleball-sanctioned tournaments. However, rally scoring is provisionally approved for some formats and is gaining acceptance in many leagues and tours.

How does scoring change for singles vs. doubles?

In both singles and doubles, the core concept of side-out vs. rally scoring remains the same. The main difference is the score call; singles scoring only ever uses two numbers (server score–receiver score) because there is no second server.

What does “win by 2” mean and does it apply to both systems?

Yes, the “win by 2” rule applies to both scoring systems. It means the game cannot end with a score like 11-10 or 21-20. The winning team must establish a two-point lead, so play continues until one team achieves it (e.g., 12-10 or 22-20).

How do tournaments decide which scoring system to use?

Tournament directors choose based on their event’s goals. For major championships or qualifiers, they’ll use the official side-out scoring. For round-robin events or non-sanctioned tournaments with tight schedules, they often opt for rally scoring to ensure the event runs on time.