Pickleball has a fairly unique scoring system that is completely different from Tennis or Badminton. Mastering Pickleball scoring not only helps you compete with confidence but is also the key to building a winning strategy.

Let’s decode the scoring rules in detail, from basic to advanced, with V-Lab Vietnam!

1. Basic Pickleball Scoring Rule: "Only the Server Scores"

The biggest difference in Pickleball is: Only the team currently serving has the right to score points.

• Scoring: If the serving team wins the rally, they earn 1 point.

• Side-out: If the receiving team wins the rally, they do not earn a point but instead regain the right to serve (called a Side-out).

• Winning Conditions: The first team to reach 11, 15, or 21 points (depending on the format) and leading the opponent by at least 2 points wins the match.

2. Scoring and Positioning in Singles and Doubles

2.1. In Singles (1 vs 1)

Singles scores are called using 2 numbers: [Server’s Score] – [Receiver’s Score].

• Even Scores (0, 2, 4...): The server stands on the right side of the court.

• Odd Scores (1, 3, 5...): The server stands on the left side of the court.

• The receiver always stands diagonally across from the server.

2.2. In Doubles (2 vs 2) - The 3-Number Rule

This is the most confusing part for beginners. Doubles scores are called using 3 numbers: [Serving Team's Score] – [Receiving Team's Score] – [Server Number (1 or 2)].

• Server 1: Is the person standing on the right side of the court when the team regains the right to serve.

• Switching Sides: Only the serving team switches their left/right positions after each point scored. The receiving team stays in their positions.

• End of Turn: When Server 1 loses a rally, the ball passes to Server 2. When Server 2 loses a rally, the right to serve passes to the opposing team.

• Special Note: For the very first service turn of each match, the starting team only gets one serve (performed by the person designated as Server 2).

3. Professional Score Calling Before Serving

Before each serve, the server is responsible for calling the score loudly. This ensures transparency and starts the 10-second serve clock.

• Singles: Call "My Score - Opponent's Score." (Example: "5 - 4")

• Doubles: Call "Our Score - Your Score - Server Number." (Example: "8 - 6 - 1")

4. Common Faults that Lose Points or Service Turns

Don't lose "unnecessary" points due to these elementary mistakes:

• Service Faults: Ball not clearing the net, landing outside the diagonal court, or technical violations (serving above the waist, not releasing the ball naturally).

• "Kitchen" Faults (Non-Volley Zone): Stepping into the Kitchen area to hit a volley before the ball has bounced.

• Net Faults: The person or paddle touching the net while the ball is still in play.

• Double Hit Fault: Hitting the ball twice during the same stroke.

5. High-Level Scoring Strategies from V-Lab Experts

Understanding the rules is for winning. Apply these tips immediately:

• Utilize the Serve: Serve deep toward the baseline to force a weak return from the opponent, creating an opportunity to move to the net and finish the point.

• Patient Defense: When you are the receiving team, focus on "resetting" the ball safely into the Kitchen to force the opponent into a mistake, thereby regaining the serve.

• Communication in Doubles: Always remember which server number you are (1 or 2) to avoid standing in the wrong position and losing a point by default.

Conclusion: Mastering the scoring system is the first step to becoming a Pickleball "pro." We hope this article from V-Lab Vietnam has helped you feel more confident on the court. Don't forget to visit our 01 Super Center & 10 Dealers to equip yourself with genuine paddles and accessories to maximize your scoring journey!

Tournament Equipment Consultation: 0977 678 876 Service Feedback: 0902 686 868 (Mr. Hieu)

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