Scoring
Singles scoring and where to serve from
In singles, the score is called with two numbers. The server serves from behind the right service court when their score is even, and from behind the left when it is odd.
In singles, too, only the serving side can score (4.A, Only the serving team scores). What is different from doubles is the score call and where you serve from (5.A, 6.B.1).
The score is two numbers
In singles, you call two numbers: the server's score and the receiver's score. There is no server number like in doubles. A game starts at "0-0" (6.B.1).
3
Server's score
5
Receiver's score
Your own score decides where you serve from
- If your score is 0 or even (0, 2, 4...), serve from the right serving area (5.A.1)
- If your score is odd (1, 3, 5...), serve from the left serving area (5.A.1)
Examples
- The game starts at "0-0" → serve from the right (5.A.1, 6.B.1)
- You score, and it is "1-0" → serve from the left (5.A.1, 5.A.2)
- If you lose a rally, the serve goes straight to your opponent (a side out) (5.A.3, Section 2 definitions). Your opponent picks their position by their own score. If they have 3 points, they serve from the left (5.A.1)
Source and review
- Rulebook
- USA Pickleball Official Rulebook (2026 edition)
- Sections
- 4.A, 5.A, 5.A.1, 5.A.2, 5.A.3, 5.B, 6.B.1, 2
- Applies to
- USA Pickleball
- Effective
- January 1, 2026
- Last reviewed
- October 10, 2026
How to read the sources: numbers like (8.F.4) are rulebook sections, and links are outside sources. An "Author's note" is the author's personal experience, not an official rule.