Pickleball Scoring System: Server 1, Server 2, Side Out — Explained
Pickleball scoring is side-out scoring to 11, win by 2. Only the serving team can score points. Before each serve the server calls three numbers — their own score, then the opponents' score, then the server number (1 or 2). The very first service of every game starts at 0-0-2 because the starting team only gets one serve before a side-out. Learn that pattern and the rest of pickleball scoring becomes intuitive.
- Side-out scoring: Standard for recreational and most tournament play
- Server numbering: Server 1 or Server 2 in doubles; alternating in singles
- 0-0-2 start: Starting team plays 0-0-2 — only one serve before side-out
- Score call: "Your score – their score – server number"
The whole scoring system in 90 seconds
First to 11, win by 2
Only the serving team scores
Side-out scoring distinguishes pickleball from badminton (which uses rally scoring).
The three-number call
What 0-0-2 means and why
The first-server exception
0-0-2 means the score is zero–zero and the current server is "server 2" of the starting team. In pickleball, the team that serves first in every game only gets one serve before a side-out — to remove the unfair advantage of being the first side to attack. So they start as server 2 immediately, lose their serve at the first fault, and hand it to the opponents who then get both serves.
Why this rule exists
One paragraph. The 0-0-2 convention was added in the 1970s after early tournaments showed the team serving first in each game won disproportionately.
Server 1 vs server 2 — what changes
How partners take turns serving
The partner standing on the right when the team gains the serve is server 1. Server 1 serves until they fault, then server 2 takes over.
When a server loses a point
Losing a rally on serve doesn't lose a point — it loses the serve. Only the other team can score off your fault.
When a side-out happens
A side-out in pickleball is when the serving team loses the serve and the other team takes over. In doubles, both partners must lose their service turn before a side-out — server 1 plays until they fault, then server 2 takes over, then a side-out passes the serve. The 0-0-2 first service is the only exception: the starting team only gets one server before the side-out.
Calling the score — the exact script
The three-number rule
"Your score, their score, server number — every time. Pause between each number."
What changes between doubles and singles
In singles, you call two numbers instead of three (no server number — there's only one server per side). One paragraph.
When the score-call is wrong
In casual play, correct each other politely. In tournaments, an incorrect score call can be challenged before the third shot and the rally replayed.
Singles vs doubles scoring side by side
Tournament scoring formats
Best of three to 11
Standard Pickleball England tournament format.
Single game to 15 or 21
Knockout-final convention. Win by 2 still applies.
Rally scoring (where it appears)
PPA Tour experimented with rally scoring in 2024–25; some UK club leagues use it for time-constrained sessions.
The five most common scoring mistakes
A scoring decision tree
Frequently asked
Do you have to win by 2 in pickleball?
Yes — pickleball games must be won by a clear two-point margin. A game tied at 10-10 continues until one team leads by two. Tournament games can extend to 13-11, 14-12, or longer — there is no scoring ceiling. The same rule applies to games played to 15 or 21.
Why don't both servers serve in the first service?
The 0-0-2 first-service rule prevents the team starting the game from having an unfair attacking advantage. By giving the starting team only one serve before a side-out, both teams get equivalent serving opportunity through the game. The convention dates back to early 1970s tournament experience.