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Rally Scoring

Currently, the sport of pickleball uses what is known as “side out scoring.” In other words, you can only score a point on the pickleball court when you are serving. In rally scoring, a point is scored on every single rally—regardless of who serves the pickleball.

(2025 Provisional Rule) Rally Scoring Option

The main advantage of rally scoring in pickleball is that it makes pickleball games end much quicker. This is ideal for community or crowded courts because the games rotate out faster, and more players get a chance to play.

With rally scoring, pickleball game duration is more predictable and consistent. There is a more steady scoring pace when each point is scored as opposed to traditional scoring which allows for many points to be played without score if nobody is able to convert their points on serve. For instance, if a traditional scoring pickleball game takes around 25 minutes to end, with rally scoring, this game duration is reduced by approximately 20%. This translates to about 4 minutes.

The rally scoring system makes it easier for players to track and remember from which side of the court the next pickleball serve should take place.

 

        12.B.1.a Game Scoring Format. Game scoring shall be to 11,                            15, or 21 points. Matches may consist of one game,                               best two of three games, or best three of five games.                             For inclement weather considerations, the                                              Tournament Director may approve game scoring to 7                           points, with an end change at 4 points in a single-                                 game match or in the tiebreaker game of a multiple-                             game match.

        12.B.1.b Point Scoring. A point is scored by the player or team                           that wins a rally, except as provided for in 12.B.1.c.

        12.B.1.c Scoring the Game-Winning Point. The game-winning                             point can only be scored by the serving player or                                   team. When a player or team is at game point and the                           opponent serves and loses the rally, it is a side out                               and no point is awarded.

        4.B.3.a.  (Provisional Rule) Rally Scoring Option. After the                                    server loses the rally or faults, a side out will occur                                and service is awarded to the opponent.

        4.B.6.c.  After each side out, service begins with the player                                  correctly positioned on the right/even side of the                                    court according to the team’s score. This player is                                referred to as “First Server” and the partner is “Second                          Server.”

                        (Provisional Rule) For the rally scoring option, after                                each side out, service begins with the player correctly                          positioned on the right/even side of the court                                          according to the team’s score. (This means that a                                  side-out usually requires the new serving team                                      members to change sides to correct their position                                which reflects a point just scored.)

Consider trying this out, especially when the courts are busy. It speeds up games, doesn’t take away from the excitement and is still fair to both teams.

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