Pickleball Scoring: Me, You , Who??
Scoring on the Serve
One of the most challenging parts of pickleball is the serve. The serve is critical in the game, as it sets the tone for the rally and can be the key to winning a point. The server must hit the ball diagonally across the court and let the ball bounce before hitting it. A common challenge for new players is to master the correct technique for serving, as it’s important to get the ball over the net and in the service court. With mastery, perfecting your technique can lead to scoring on the serve. If you hit at an angle that is difficult to return, then you have a chance of upping your score.
Keeping Score: Me, You, Who
Another important rule of pickleball scoring to keep in mind is that the server must call out the score before serving. This is to ensure that both teams are aware of the score at all times and to prevent disputes or confusion. The server should call out the score in a clear and loud voice, such as “eight-four” if the score is 8-4 in favor of the serving team. This rule ensures that both teams know the score and can play accordingly, it also helps to keep the game flowing smoothly. In addition to the score, the server should also announce which player on the team is serving for doubles play. So what the server calls out is: serving team score, receiving team score, and player serving. (My score, your score, who’s serving). For example if the score is 8-4 and the server is the first player in the round, they would call our “eight-four-one”.
Kitchen's have rules
Another challenging aspect of pickleball is the “kitchen” rule, which states that players can’t hit the ball without it first bouncing on their side of the court within 7 feet of the net on both sides. This rule is in place to prevent players from volleying the ball too close to the net, and it makes the game more challenging, as players have to be more strategic with their shots and pay attention to where they hit the ball.
The Start is Special
Summary of the Pickleball Scoring Rules
- Game is played to 11 points
- A team must win by 2 points
- In doubles play:
- If the server is the first player and loses the rally, the serve goes to the other side. Remember, the first player is the second player 😉
- If the server wins the rally, the team scores a point and the server switches sides. The receiving team does not switch sides.
- On the serve, the ball must bounce within the kitchen. On the serve return the ball must also bounce before the player can return it.
- After the first two volleys, players may hit the ball without bouncing but cannot step in the kitchen. Basically, stay out of the kitchen.
In conclusion, scoring in pickleball is simple, but the most challenging part of the game is mastering the serve and adapting to the “kitchen” rule, as well as the overall fast-paced nature of the game which requires quick reflexes, good hand-eye coordination, and the ability to anticipate your opponent’s shots.
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