Only the serving team scores

In a normal game (side-out scoring), only the serving team can score points (4.A).

• The serving team wins the rally → the serving team gets 1 point. The server switches sides (left and right) with their partner and keeps serving (4.A, 5.B.5) (After scoring, only the serving team switches sides)
• The receiving team wins the rally → no point is scored. The server changes, or it becomes a side out (4.A, 5.B.5, 5.B.6)

Example

When the score is "6-4-1":

• The serving team wins → "7-4-1"
• The receiving team wins → no point. The serve passes to the second server: "6-4-2" (5.B.5)

Rally scoring

There is also a system called rally scoring, where the team that wins a rally always gets a point (14.A.2). USA Pickleball allows it as a "Provisional Rule" (14.A). In tournaments, it can be used if the organizer chooses it (15.C.2).

Since the 2026 rule change, in rally scoring the receiving team can also win the last point that decides the game (14.A.2) (USA Pickleball).