Calling the Score
Also known as: how to call the score in pickleball, pickleball score call, 0-0-2, zero zero two, three number score, pickleball score order, how to say the score in pickleball
In doubles, call three numbers before you serve: your team's score, the opponents' score, then your server number, 1 or 2. Each game starts at 0-0-2. In singles, and in rally scoring, call two numbers: the server's score, then the receiver's.
The server normally calls the score, and the whole call must be finished before the serve. In doubles the third number tells everyone which partner is serving. Each game starts at 0-0-2. The team that serves first gets only one server before the first side out. Starting at server 2 marks that.
After the call, the server has 10 seconds to serve. Serving while the score is still being called is a fault. Before the serve, any player may ask for the score, and the opponent must answer. If a wrong score is called, stop play before the return of serve and the rally is replayed. If you stop play to challenge a correct call, or after the return, it is a fault on you. If the rally is completed, it stands, and the score is corrected before the next serve.
Singles uses two numbers, server's score first. The server serves from the right when their score is zero or even, and from the left when it is odd. Under the rally-scoring option, the call is also two numbers. Calling the score clearly every rally helps prevent arguments about who serves next.
Tips by skill level
Say the numbers in the same order every time. Your score, their score, then your server number. Then pause and serve.
If the opponents call a score you think is wrong, stop play before the return of serve. Stopping later costs you the rally.
Example
The serving team has 5 points, the receivers have 3, and the second partner is serving. She calls "5-3-2" clearly, waits until the call is finished and serves within 10 seconds.
Why it matters
The score call tells everyone the score, the server and the correct positions. Calling it clearly avoids replays, faults and arguments.
Common mistakes
- Starting the game at 0-0-1 instead of 0-0-2
- Serving before the score call is finished
- Calling the receiving team's score first
- Taking longer than 10 seconds to serve after the call
Frequently asked questions
How do you call the score in pickleball doubles?
Call three numbers: your team's score, the receiving team's score, then the server number, 1 or 2. Each game starts at 0-0-2. The whole call must be finished before you serve.
Why does pickleball start at 0-0-2?
The team that serves first gets only one server before the first side out. Starting at server 2 marks that. After the first side out, each team gets both servers.
How long do you have to serve after calling the score?
Ten seconds. Under Rule 6.D, not serving within 10 seconds of the completed score call is a fault on the server.
What happens if the wrong score is called in pickleball?
Stop play before the return of serve, and the rally is replayed with the correct score. If the rally is completed, it stands, and the score is corrected before the next serve.
Sources
Related terms
- Server Number (1 or 2)The server number identifies which of the two partners on a doubles team is currently serving. It is called out as the third number in the score: "4-3-2" means the team's second server is serving.
- Serve Rotation (Doubles)In doubles, a side keeps possession while each player takes a turn delivering, switching courts after every point won. This continues until both have faulted and possession passes to the opponents.
- Side OutA side out is the moment the serve passes from one team to the other. Under side-out scoring, it happens when the serving team has no server left in its rotation who has not yet faulted.
- Rally Scoring vs Side-Out ScoringSide-out scoring only awards a point to the serving team. Rally scoring awards a point to whichever team wins the rally, regardless of who served. Both formats exist in pickleball depending on the event.
- Game Length and Win by 2A standard pickleball game goes to 11 points, and you must win by 2. Tournaments also use best two of three or three of five games to 11, or one game to 15 or 21. Every format is win by 2, except that team play may allow win by 1.
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