Pickleball scoring is relatively simple and easy to understand. In pickleball, games are typically played to 11 points, and players must win by 2 points. However, in some cases, games may be played to 15 or 21 points, depending on the level of play or tournament rules.
The scoring system in pickleball is similar to that of tennis. Points can only be scored by the team that is serving, and each point is awarded when the opposing team makes a mistake or is unable to return the ball. The first team to reach the predetermined number of points wins the game.
When serving, the server must hit the ball diagonally across the net, and the ball must land in the opponent's service court. If the server fails to get the ball over the net, or if the ball lands out of bounds, the opposing team scores a point. If the opposing team is able to return the ball, the rally continues until one team makes a mistake or is unable to return the ball.
When the opposing team makes a mistake or is unable to return the ball, the serving team scores a point. The server then rotates to the next player on their team, and the opposing team gets to serve. This continues until one team reaches the predetermined number of points and wins the game.
In pickleball, there is also a concept called "side-out scoring", meaning that teams rotate serving only when they lose the point. When a team wins the point while serving, they continue to serve and the opponent team rotates.
If the score reaches a tie, the game enters a "deuce" situation, where the next point wins. The game must be won by two points, so if the score reaches 11-11, the game will continue until one team reaches 13 points.
In doubles pickleball, the serving order rotates among the players of the same team, and the serving team can choose which player will serve. In doubles, the ball can be hit by any player on the team, but only the player who serves can score points.
It's important to note that in pickleball, players are not allowed to take more than one step when hitting the ball, and players are not allowed to hit the ball twice in succession. If a player makes one of these mistakes, the opposing team scores a point.
In pickleball tournaments, games are typically played as "best 2 out of 3" or "best 3 out of 5" sets. This means that the first team to win a predetermined number of sets wins the match. In these cases, each set is typically played to 11 points, and teams must win by 2 points.
In conclusion, pickleball scoring is simple and easy to understand. Points can only be scored by the team that is serving, and the first team to reach the predetermined number of points wins the game. The scoring system is similar to that of tennis, and it's important for players to understand the rules and concepts of the game in order to play fairly and efficiently. Understanding pickleball scoring will also help players to keep track of the game and to make strategic decisions during play.