Pickleball, a fast-growing sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, has gained immense popularity in recent years. Whether you’re a beginner just learning the ropes or a seasoned player looking to brush up on the finer details, understanding how to count pickleball points and keep score is essential for enjoying the game to its fullest.
In this article, we will break down the rules and scoring system in pickleball, focusing on how to keep track of points, how the server’s position impacts the score, and strategies to improve your gameplay based on the scoring structure. By the end of this article, you should have a comprehensive understanding of how to count pickleball effectively.
The Basic Structure of Pickleball
Before delving into the details of counting points, it’s important to understand the basic setup of a pickleball game. Pickleball is usually played in two formats: singles and doubles. The format of the game influences how the points are counted, especially in doubles, where the server’s position alternates between the two players on the team.
The Court
The pickleball court is rectangular and divided by a net, much like a tennis or badminton court. The dimensions are 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, with the net placed at a height of 34 inches in the middle. The court is divided into service zones, with non-volley zones (often referred to as the “kitchen”) near the net. These zones are critical for understanding the movement of players and the strategy of the game.
How to Count Points in Pickleball
Pickleball uses a rally scoring system, meaning points are only scored when a team or player is serving. This differs from some sports, where either side can score regardless of who serves. A team or player can only win the game by scoring a specific number of points, typically 11, 15, or 21, depending on the tournament or recreational rules being followed.
Starting the Game
To start the game, a coin toss or rally typically determines who will serve first. The server must serve diagonally, and the ball must land in the correct service box. In doubles, both players on the serving team get a chance to serve before the serve is passed to the opposing team, except for the very first serve of the game (where only one player serves).
Singles Scoring System
In singles, the scoring system is straightforward:
- The server announces the score before each serve. The server’s score is called first, followed by the receiver’s score.
- Only the server can score points.
- If the server wins the rally, they score a point and continue serving. If they lose the rally, the serve goes to the opponent.
- The first player to reach the agreed-upon point total (usually 11) wins the game, provided they are ahead by at least two points. For example, a player can win 11-9, but if the score is 10-10, play continues until one player leads by two points.
Doubles Scoring System
Doubles introduces a slightly more complex system for counting points:
- In doubles, each team gets two serves (one per player) before the serve switches to the other team, except during the first serve of the game, where only one serve is given.
- Points are only scored by the team that is serving. The non-serving team can win the rally and gain the serve but cannot score points during the opponent’s service.
- The game is won when one team reaches 11, 15, or 21 points (depending on the format), with a lead of at least two points.
Serving in Pickleball
The serve in pickleball is an essential part of the game and is directly linked to how points are counted.
Rules for Serving
- The serve must be made underhand.
- The server must stand behind the baseline and within the service area at the time of the serve.
- The ball must be served diagonally, and it has to land in the opponent’s service court (on the correct side) without touching the non-volley zone.
- In doubles, the first serve of a game is made by only one player of the team. After the first serve, both players get a chance to serve before the serve switches to the other team.
Keeping Track of the Server
One of the trickier aspects of pickleball, especially for beginners, is keeping track of who is serving and where they should serve from. This can be confusing in doubles play, as the serve alternates between teammates. Understanding the rotation helps in keeping score accurately.
- First Server: In a doubles game, the team that serves first has only one player serve in the first round. After that, both players will get a chance to serve.
- Even and Odd Courts: In singles, if the server’s score is even, they serve from the right-hand side (even court), and if their score is odd, they serve from the left-hand side (odd court). This alternating pattern continues throughout the match.
Special Cases in Pickleball Scoring
The Two-Point Lead Rule
Pickleball games cannot end on a single point advantage. A player or team must win by at least two points. So, if the score reaches 10-10 in a game to 11, players will continue playing until one player or team wins by two clear points.
Switching Sides
In tournaments or competitive play, players often switch sides of the court when one player or team reaches six points (in a game to 11) or at a similar midpoint in longer games. This helps to ensure fairness, as environmental factors like wind or sunlight might give one side an advantage.
Tiebreakers
If a match consists of multiple games (for example, best-of-three), the final game is often played to 15 points instead of 11. However, the two-point lead rule still applies, so the game could go beyond 15 points if necessary.
Advanced Strategies for Counting and Scoring
Mastering the art of counting pickleball points not only involves understanding the rules but also involves applying strategies that capitalize on the unique scoring structure. Here are a few strategies that could help:
Focus on Serves
Since points can only be scored by the serving team, placing extra emphasis on your serve is crucial. Practice a consistent and reliable serve to minimize faults and maximize scoring opportunities.
Use the Scoring System to Your Advantage
In doubles, knowing when to strategically switch servers can give you an advantage. For example, some teams designate their stronger server to be the first one to serve in every round, ensuring that they have a higher chance of maintaining the serve and scoring points early in the round.
Control the Non-Volley Zone
The “kitchen” or non-volley zone is a critical area in pickleball. Skilled players often control this space to force opponents into difficult shots or faults, leading to an easier point win. Controlling the kitchen can also help maintain service for a longer duration.
Play for the Two-Point Lead
When approaching the end of a game, and the score is tight, many experienced players shift their strategy. Playing defensively and waiting for an opponent’s mistake is often a smart approach when the game is close and only a two-point lead will secure the win.
Conclusion
Pickleball is an exciting and accessible sport, but understanding how to count points and keep score is essential to fully enjoying the game. Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, mastering the scoring system, including the nuances of serving and switching, will not only make the game more enjoyable but will also improve your chances of winning. By practicing these scoring strategies and focusing on controlling key areas of the court, you can elevate your pickleball game to the next level.
As the sport continues to grow, more players are learning the intricacies of pickleball, and the community is expanding. With this guide, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to jump into a game and start counting points like a pro!
