How to keep score in pickleball?

TL;DR: Only the serving team scores, games go to 11 points (win by 2), and in doubles, you call out three numbers before each serve.

Here's the full scoop on pickleball scoring:

1. Basic rules:

- Games are typically played to 11 points (sometimes 15 or 21 in tournaments)

- You must win by 2 points

- Only the serving team can score points

2. Doubles scoring:

- The score is called out as three numbers: [serving team's score]-[receiving team's score]-[server number]

- Example: "4-2-1" means serving team has 4 points, receiving team has 2, and it's the first server

3. Singles scoring:

- Only two numbers are called: [server's score]-[receiver's score]

4. Starting the game:

- In doubles, the game always starts at 0-0-2 (yes, with the second server!)

- In singles, it starts at 0-0

5. Serving rotation in doubles:

- Each player on a team gets to serve until they lose a rally

- When the first server loses a rally, it goes to their partner (second server)

- When the second server loses a rally, the serve goes to the other team

6. Switching sides:

- In doubles, partners only switch sides when they win a point while serving

- The receiving team doesn't switch

7. Pro tip: Use "Me-You-Who" to remember the order: Your score, Their score, Which server you are

Common newbie mistakes:

- Forgetting to switch sides after scoring while serving

- Mixing up the order of the three numbers

- Thinking you can score while receiving (you can't!)

Fun fact: Pickleball scoring is similar to old-school table tennis scoring, where only the server could score points.

Remember, it might seem complicated at first, but after a few games, it'll become second nature. Don't be afraid to ask more experienced players for help!

What tricks do you use to keep track of the score? Any funny scoring mishap stories? Share in the comments.

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