If you're just starting out in pickleball, keeping score might seem like the hardest part of the game. Thankfully, rally scoring in pickleball simplifies the scoring process. This version is quickly gaining popularity among players, from complete beginners to the pros in Major League Pickleball (MLP).
While traditional pickleball scoring is more commonly used, it does have some drawbacks. It can be confusing for players and spectators to understand, and games can take forever to play. So, more and more local clubs are turning to rally scoring to make the game more accessible to new players and fans.
Read on to learn the basics of pickleball rally scoring and why this version is becoming more popular.
What is rally scoring?
Rally scoring is simple: a point is scored after every rally, regardless of which team is serving. This version of pickleball rewards success after each point. If your team wins the rally, you win the point—no matter whether you're serving or returning.
With traditional pickleball scoring (also known as "side out scoring"), you only score when it's your serve. It's frustrating when you hit the perfect dink or crush a winner down the line, and all you get is a side out. This isn't the case with rally scoring—each rally matters, which can make it even more exciting.
Hint: a "side out" is when a side is out, meaning that team has used up their two serves and it's time for the other team to serve.
The difference between traditional scoring & rally scoring
Not only is traditional pickleball scoring harder to learn than rally scoring, but it can also be confusing to follow during a match. Let's get into the differences.
Traditional scoring is used in pickleball doubles and is announced in a three-digit format. The serving team's score is first, followed by the receiving team's score, and then the number of the server (either one or two). Here's what each number means:
First Number
the current score of the serving team
Second Number
score of the opposing team
Third Number
which server on a team currently has the serve (will always be 1 or 2)
Let's have an example:
In this example, the serving team has 6 points and the receiving team has 3. The person serving will announce "6-3-1" before serving. The third number (1) indicates that it's the first server on the team.
If the serving team loses the rally, the serve moves to the second player on that team, who announces "6-3-2". If that team wins the rally, they earn a point and the second server continues serving with the score 7-3-2.
Learn more about pickleball serving rules.
Players on the serving team switch sides after each point is won, and the server continues serving until they lose a rally. Meanwhile, the receiving team does not change sides.
As mentioned, traditional scoring can be confusing—especially during an extended rally when you're struggling to keep track of the score. What's more, this scoring method also gives the serving team an unfair advantage.
Hint: ever wonder why pickleball scores always start at 0-0-2? In other words, the starting team starts with their second server. This is to lessen their advantage at the beginning of the game.
Traditional pickleball scoring can also lead to some very long games. Since you can only score points when your team is serving, games can drag on as teams trade side outs without scoring points. This can lead to longer wait times and frustration as players queue up for a court.
Rally scoring rules
Rally scoring in pickleball delivers a new level of excitement as points hang on each rally and every shot matters. Players must decide quickly whether to go for a riskier winner to end the point now or play more conservatively.
According to official pickleball rule changes, here are the key differences for rally scoring:
- Games are played to 21. Under traditional scoring rules, games are played to 11 (win by two). This works well when only the serving team can score, but games would be over too quickly with rally scoring. So, games under rally scoring are played to 21 (win by two).
- Switch servers, not sides. Players start and finish the game playing on the same side of the court (either right or left). You don't need to switch from right to left after each point. Instead, if the score is an even number, the player on the right serves. If the score is an odd number, the player on the left serves.
- No third number. Removing the third number in the score is the most significant change. Instead, each team only gets one serve. If you lose the rally, you lose a point and the serve. So, you only need to announce your score and your opponent's score.
Here's an example:
Prepare to freeze
Rally scoring maintains one of the best parts of traditional pickleball scoring—you must win by two points on your own serve. In rally scoring, this is called the "freeze". It works like this: when a team reaches 20 points, their score is frozen, and they must now win the match on their serve.
Meanwhile, the other team can continue to rack up points regardless of which team is serving. The freeze adds a little drama to the end of a game. Just when you think a team is going for a blow-out win, the freeze allows the trailing team to catch up.
Once the trailing team gets to 18 points, their score is also frozen. Both teams must now win the match on their serve.
Hint: in other words, the game returns to traditional scoring rules.
Rally scoring strategies
Here are some tips to incorporate into your doubles strategies when using rally scoring rules:
- Consistency is key. Since points are awarded on each rally, unforced errors can sink your game fast. Work on your accuracy and drill your pickleball dinks, drops, and drives so you'll feel more confident about your shot selections.
- Block and reset your way to victory. Counter your opponents' hard drives by slowing down rallies to keep you in more points.
- Deep serves and returns keep your opponents back. To win points, you need to control the rallies. Hit your serves and returns deep so your opponents can't race to the pickleball kitchen line and take over the rally.
- Keep your cool. Games played with rally scoring can have massive swings in momentum. Try to stay focused on the current rally, and don't dwell on the points you lose. Think about extending rallies so your opponent makes an error or gives you an opening to hit a winner.
Rally scoring in Major League Pickleball
If you want to see rally scoring in action, check out Major League Pickleball (MLP). Their Premier Level league features the top 48 players in the world on four-player teams (two men and two women) in a series of action-packed tournaments.
Rally scoring is at the heart of the MLP experience, making their tournaments exciting for players and fans alike. MLP matches feature fast-paced games with scoring that's easier for fans and casual viewers to understand and follow.
Learn more about Major League Pickleball.
Bottom line
Rally scoring isn't a new concept. Volleyball, table tennis, and badminton have all switched from rally scoring in recent years. These sports now enjoy more predictable game times, improved spectator experiences, and more TV-friendly matches.
As pickleball grows in popularity, we're seeing more and more innovations, from pickleball paddles and other gear to tournament formats like round robins replacing the classic open play format. It's only natural that scoring sees the same kind of improvement and innovation.
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