Pickleball Scoring Secrets Even Pros Get Wrong – Here’s Why

Pickleball scoring may seem simple—until you’re actually in a fast-paced pickleball game and forget who’s serving, or when to switch sides. Even seasoned players get tripped up by common mistakes in scoring. In this blog, we break down step-by-step scoring rules so you never feel confused again. Whether you’re playing on public pickleball courts or in a tournament, understanding the pickleball scoring system is key to winning.

How Pickleball Scoring Works

1. Only the serving team scores points ?
 - If your team is not serving, you cannot score a point—even if you win the rally. This is where most people mess up.

2. The game is played to 11 points, but you must win by two points.
 - So if it’s 10–10, keep going until someone leads by 2 (like 12–10 or 13–11).

3. Calling the score:

You’ll say three numbers:

• Your team’s score
• Opponent’s score
• Server number (1 or 2)
  

4. Example: If your team has 6 points, opponent has 5, and you’re the first server, you’ll say: “6–5–1.”

5. Each player on a team gets to serve before a side out, except at the very beginning of the game. The first serving team starts with just one server to even out the advantage.

Why the Service Area Matters in Scoring

The service area determines legal serving positions. Stand behind the baseline and diagonally across from your opponent. Hit the pickleball ball underhand, and make sure it lands within the opponent’s service box (no-volley zone excluded).

Mistakes in the service area—like stepping on the line or serving to the wrong side—can cost you the serve and confuse the scoring. This is especially common when switching sides during the game.

What Even Experienced Players Get Wrong

Let’s bust some myths and clarify mistakes even advanced players make:

Myth: If we win the rally, we score a point.
Fact: Only if your team served the ball.

Myth: You always serve from the right side.
Fact: You serve from the right only when your score is even. When it's odd, serve from the left.

Myth: Your paddle just needs to make contact with the ball during the serve.
Fact: The pickleball paddle must contact the ball below your waist and in an upward motion.

Even the choice of gear affects scoring consistency. Using the wrong pickleball paddles or a low-quality pickleball ball can lead to faults like hitting into the net or outside the court—errors that directly impact scoring opportunities.

Paddle, Racket, Ball—Yes, It All Matters

Choosing a high-tech, durable pickleball paddles (or pickleball racket) helps you make better serves and returns. When hitting the ball, the paddle’s grip, face, and control allow for precision—especially in fast rallies near the net.

Meanwhile, the pickleball ball itself should meet regulation standards. A warped or cracked ball can bounce unpredictably, leading to missed opportunities and confusion during scorekeeping.

Where You Play Also Impacts Your Score

Most pickleball courts follow standard USA Pickleball rules, but not all recreational games do. When playing in a new location, always confirm:

• How many points the game goes to
• Whether rally scoring (rare in rec play) is allowed
• Paddle or ball restrictions

Courts with proper boundary lines and well-maintained surfaces also reduce score-related disputes. In Vadodara, 3rd Shot by Strokess offers such premium, DUPR‑affiliated courts, ensuring a professional and enjoyable pickleball experience.

Scoring Tips to Never Forget

Here’s a quick recap you can screenshot:

• Only the serving team scores.
• Call out all three parts of the score.
• Switch serving sides when your score changes.
• Your service area must be correct every time.
• Use the right gear: high-quality paddle, ball, and follow the pickleball rules.

Final Thoughts

Pickleball scoring doesn’t have to be confusing. By mastering the basics, understanding the pickleball rules, and practicing court awareness, you’ll avoid common scoring traps. Whether you're playing at local pickleball courts, using a reliable pickleball racket, or simply enjoying a weekend pickleball game, knowing how to track the score gives you a major edge.

Stay sharp, keep practicing, and let your scoreboard speak for your skills.