Pickleball Scoring Basics- Make it Easy with Me, You, Who?

[@BetterPickleball]

Was pickleball scoring easy or hard for you to learn?

[@jamescrane7034]

scoring was hard because I was trying to remember so many other things. Ok, so now how do I remember the score ?

[@timsan27]

I picked it up fairly quickly on my first day of playing, having had only a “crash course” on how to score just minutes before I played my first game.

[@elainenilsson5472]

Easy. I picked up on it the first time it was explained. I learned to play at the YMCA in Stuart, Florida. Then I went home and watched videos of tournaments and I would called the score before they did as practice.

[@karenaugustine3618]

Elaine Nilsson Great idea! Thanks!

[@terrylust454]

James Crane Go to the video I’m linking. It helped me so much, and I think it’s the perfect place to start for every beginner! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJ6UqWNrYtCIY68

[@ChrisJenista]

I appreciate the time and manner used to explain scoring basics. As a newbie to the game, and having limited exposure based on my local community center, the folks that I play with start each match with "0-0-Start" (as opposed to "0-0-2"). It was explained to me that "0-0-Start" is used to start matches so everyone on the court, including us newbies, is aware that the starting serve sequence is special in that both team members don't get a turn at serving, and to help from confusing the "who" in subsequent serves; i.e. the first serve of a match is from server "2" (serving from the even side) even though they are serving first, and then after known as server "1" if they serve first after a fault. Not sure if any other locales or organizations differentiate the match starting serve with "Start," or if most just adhere to the proper terminology. Adding this comment in case it resonates with other players. Again, thank you for the video and explanation. Much appreciated!

[@BetterPickleball]

That's a great point, Chris. I have played and still play where that first score may be said as 0-0-Start or 0-0-2, you'll really hear both out there. However, your point about drawing attention to the special starting serve sequence for the novice players is a great one!

[@Liquidmuse3]

The fact it took a paragraph to explain serving is a comically stupid aspect of the game.

[@janeryan2653]

Bless you for posting this video using the Me-You-Who scoring tip! It finally makes sense and it's something easy to remember.

[@BetterPickleball]

Wish I could say it was original, but someone shared it with me when I first started and that's how I remembered it. Glad it helped Jane!

[@pstratt1294]

Thank you for clearing up the the “who” part! I was sooo confused about wether I was #1 or #2. Now I know the first server is always server#1. That will only change of my team scores and we swap sides. If I go to the left because I score, then lose the next rally I will be server #2 because I’m now on the left side. Easy!!! I can’t thank you enough!

[@BetterPickleball]

Glad you found it helpful

[@paulasmith8841]

You explain the scoring very well. I just have to remember it.

[@pascaljoanne]

This is a great explanation on how to keep score. I love the Me-you-who. Analogy

[@BetterPickleball]

Glad it was helpful Joanne!

[@justinlangille5409]

Very helpful video. Very well presented with visual examples to coincide with the actual scoring process. Best wishes and THANKS!

[@BetterPickleball]

Glad it was helpful!

[@timsan27]

Just learned about this game recently and played for the first time yesterday...lots of fun! With regard to the scoring, it sounded confusing at first, but I was able to pick it up pretty easily on the first day. With regard to this video about the scoring, it’s clear and helpful. The only thing I would like to comment about is the announcement of the score on the first serve. In the video, it teaches that the starting score is “0-0-2” - while this might be the official Pickleball scoring rule, I was taught that way and I did not ever hear anyone say the score that way. The group I was playing with said the first score as “0-0-Start” - that actually ‘should’ be the way it’s called, because it only makes sense. It makes no sense at all to say “2” because, as we all know, you can’t get to two without one.

[@BetterPickleball]

0-0-Start and 0-0-2 are both acceptable ways to call the score and you will likely hear both while out on the courts!

[@timsan27]

@@BetterPickleball It only took 3 years, but thanks for the response. 🤣

[@BetterPickleball]

@@timsan27 sorry sometimes I miss responses on previously published videos.

[@timsan27]

@@BetterPickleball It’s all good, I’m just picking on you…or, I should say, I’m just pickling on you.

[@leahlevit376]

Thank you for the comment. It IS confusing saying "2" i.o. "Start". There are unnecessary rules' complications in some instances.

[@donbeaty2159]

Good explanation of a difficult beginner subject.

[@BetterPickleball]

Thanks Don

[@ness1244]

Omg thank you so much for explaining this on this video. I played for the first time last weekend and I was so confused 😅😂

[@BetterPickleball]

Welcome to pickleball!

[@pomroy65]

This is the best tutorial on scoring! Thank you!

[@BetterPickleball]

You’re welcome

[@amandasmith7828]

Very easy to understand. Thank you for this explanation.

[@BetterPickleball]

You are welcome!

[@andrewpicardi929]

Very helpful and easy to understand. Thank you

[@BetterPickleball]

You’re welcome

[@discgolflists]

Sweet video. I am just getting into the game, this was helpful! Thanks

[@BetterPickleball]

Glad I could help!

[@Allpickleball]

Hello CJ, I like your video and am sharing :-) THANK YOU.

[@BetterPickleball]

Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing!

[@t81629]

Best explanation video on scoring, thank you

[@BetterPickleball]

Glad you think so!

[@gracegrace4116]

You are an excellent teacher! Thank you very much!!!

[@BetterPickleball]

Thank you Grace!

[@psyfiles7351]

Great explanation thank you!

[@BetterPickleball]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cliffwardle4453]

Thanks - best video so far that explained this

[@BetterPickleball]

Glad it was helpful!

[@heartmattersblog7820]

Wonderful explanation, CJ. By George, I think I’ve got it!😎👏🏼

[@BetterPickleball]

Glad it was helpful! That scoring is a real hurdle but once you get it, it feels totally natural!

[@briangalindoherbert]

very clear, concise video! nice job👍🏼

[@BetterPickleball]

Glad you liked it!

[@martytrewhitt8084]

Finally someone explained why the score starts out the first serve with 0-0-2! Thanks for explaining this!

[@BetterPickleball]

You're welcome

[@dak217]

@@BetterPickleball Can I ask... At the end this 0-0-2 score makes sense, but in the beginning of your video didn't you say 0-0-1?

[@lisagiangreco7107]

I *think* I got it. Well I do, let's just see if my brain can keep up during play :) Thank you, it was a very clear and easy to understand video!

[@BetterPickleball]

Excellent!

[@itsacrazyworld87]

I like your video and it's helpful. Thank you. Although I wish you would have explained what the fault was on each service.

[@BetterPickleball]

Great point!

[@Lam_Borghini929]

I'm a newbie and enjoy the game tremendously.

[@BetterPickleball]

Tony, welcome to pickleball.

[@abbymarble4424]

Please clarify this scenario: So, My team is serving. I fault and it is my partner's turn to serve. I always thought we then swap sides of the court ( left/right) since we have not beaten the returner. I think you are saying that if I serve on the right and we fault while I'm on the right, , my partner then starts serving from the left. Is this correct?

[@BetterPickleball]

Hi Abby, yes you’re correct. The only time the serve starts on the right side after the side out.

[@RonBurgundy209]

Can you explain something for me at around 3:47 of the video? I’m still learning, so excuse my ignorance. How did you get the point if there wasn’t 2 bounces? You served, it went over the net and the opponent hit the ball to the net. That was only one bounce on your opponent’s side. I’m confused. Haha!

[@BetterPickleball]

Hi Ron, welcome to pickleball. If you serve and your opponent hits it into the net the rally is over and that is a point for your team. The two bounce rule means that both the serve team and the return team need to be in a position to allow the ball to bounce twice. Does that help?

[@jaycohen5482]

This was very clear, thanks!

[@BetterPickleball]

Glad it was helpful!

[@maryhazen6045]

Very helpful!

[@BetterPickleball]

I’m glad it helped

[@sunsetisle10]

Great explanation!

[@BetterPickleball]

I’m glad you found it helpful

[@stevenlevy3460]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@BetterPickleball]

thanks for the feedback

[@LucindaHines-p7d]

At last! I get it! Thank you

[@BetterPickleball]

Glad it helped!

[@LearningPointsDD]

Wonderful information, friend.

[@BetterPickleball]

I’m glad you found it useful

[@curtsutherland9353]

I heard of pickleball for the first time ten minutes ago... I was asked to play my first game tomorrow afternoon. When is the game won? What score do you need to achieve?

[@BetterPickleball]

Curt, You probably realize this by now but most places play to 11 and win by 2. did you enjoy your pickleball game?

[@curtsutherland9353]

I truly did enjoy the game. I had a few good friends playing with me and that were very patient with me :) I ended up winning so that made it even that much more enjoyable.

[@jmarcusddm]

Yes!

[@mpeezy358]

You're from the UP? That's awesome. I'm from Michigan myself but live in Florida now but I've traveled to the UP many many times before. Most people down here don't even know there's more to Michigan than the mitten. Love your vids.

[@BetterPickleball]

I'm glad you love the videos. I'm originally 300 miles away from the top of the mitten :0. Close enough to almost be from Wisconsin!

[@andrewkochanek4583]

So…is it true that if I begin the game on the right side of the court the score for our team should always be even when I am on the right side? Which of course means when I am on the left side, our score is always odd? When confusion over the current score comes up this could help. Your thoughts please.

[@BetterPickleball]

That’s correct. Here’s a video that goes deeper. Pickleball Rules-Ever Forget Which Side You Should Be On? kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIqtYWWwpt2ZfsU

[@moniqueyaptenco5802]

Got it!

[@BetterPickleball]

Good!

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

So I just looked this up for the first time. I am a life time tennis player. I have to ask what does the term side out mean ?What is a fault in pickle ball? Can either team win a point or is it Limited to the server? Me You and Who is serving is easy.

[@BetterPickleball]

Hi Thomas welcome to pickleball. Side Out - When a singles player or doubles team loses its serve(s) and service is awarded to the opposing side. Fault - A loss of the rally resulting in a point for the opposing team, a loss of serve (from first serve to second serve), or a side out. Only the serving team can win points. Give pickleball a try it’s incredibly fun!

[@loopsandtanglescrochet]

Sheesh finally! I get it now. Thanks. Former tennis player here. I thought tennis scoring was weird at first too.

[@BetterPickleball]

It took me a long time too kim!

[@_katie_park_]

@CJ Johnson , umm so if a opponent makes a fault (like not making the ball over the net) does it mean that we’ll have a point?

[@BetterPickleball]

If you are the serving team yes. Does that make sense?

[@_katie_park_]

Thank you!! I’ve watched all of your videos!! I understand now!

[@BetterPickleball]

Thanks for watching. I working on new videos right now so if there is anything you’d like to see let me know.

[@darlenebarth7189]

Luv the Me, You, Who!

[@BetterPickleball]

Glad you found it helpful

[@kenna1874]

I had to watch this video 4 times before I understood the rotation, but thanks for this wonderfully made video

[@BetterPickleball]

it took me several months to learn to keep score

[@adreamclellan6924]

I’ve watched it a few times too. Also been reading comments. I’m book marking it so I can refresh my brain before I play again.

[@kimschild939]

Do you switch sides when you serve in pickle

[@BetterPickleball]

The serving team switches sides if they win the rally.

[@billsmith3182]

My doubles question is this. My team has 3 points and my team just lost the 1st point. Where does the 2nd server start? Does the 2nd server always start on the right side too or because u have an odd score does he start on the left? That part is confusing..

[@BetterPickleball]

Hi Bill. When the serving team loses the rally the serve simply transfers to the other partner of the team. They do not change sides.

[@koala3054]

How do you determine which side starts the game?

[@BetterPickleball]

Usually with a coin toss or by another means of random draw. For example, you can have one partner hold up 1 or two fingers behind their paddle and have the opponent guess. If you win the draw, you get to choose whether you want to start the game by serving or receiving.

[@raporter21]

New to the game. Is there a limit on how many points in a row a certain server can get? Like what if you keep winning your serve?

[@BetterPickleball]

If you keep winning the rallies you keep serving. A good problem to have.

[@raporter21]

@@BetterPickleball thanks, so no limit? You can score 11 or 21 in a row and end the game?

[@jamescrane7034]

scoring was hard to learn because I was trying to remember so many other things. Ok, so now, how do I remember the score ?

[@BetterPickleball]

Yes James you make a great point there is a lot going on when you are new! One of the things I did was always start on the right side of the court and then make a mental note of who I was serving to by saying their name out loud. Whenever my teams Score was even I should be on the even side and they should be across from me. Rule 4.b.6.b Unfortunately occasionally the rally lasts for so long or we switch sides a couple of times that I even forget which team is serving. Lol!

[@jeffsond]

Not sure why the scoring of the game needs to present such an issue. Why not use standard tennis scoring or just 1 pt for ea point won. Have fun playing the game hahahahaha

[@coachsmithsclipboard3882]

Scoring

[@deniesewilliams3748]

You are so right

[@BetterPickleball]

I’m glad you found it helpful

[@kikito1]

I don't recall you saying what the game goes up to and whether you have to win by 2 points though since its about scoring you'd think it would be worth mentioning.

[@BetterPickleball]

A lot of time those details are dependent on specific locations. One tournament might run games to 11 win by 2, then later change it to games to 15 win by 1. It usually depends on how fast the games need to move, how many people are waiting, etc. So there is no one set determination for that at this point in time.

[@dom8898]

I've never played but I want to try it sometime....been watching on it tv and it looks fun, been looking up the rules now etc. I think part of why I was confused on trying to learn doubles scoring is because I first watched the singles scoring, it states you have to serve on a particular side BASED ON YOU ACTUAL SCORE (if your score is even in singles, you serve on the right from my understanding..... if your score is odd, you serve on the left). So for me, it was confusing that in doubles, the right and left sides are still named "even" and "odd" when it has NOTHING to do with the score. It's like just called the even side and the odd side just for sake of calling it SOMETHING. It just seems a little silly that if you have an ODD score, you are still serving out of the EVEN box.....

[@BetterPickleball]

I can totally understand what you're saying here, pickleball scoring is definitely confusing and there definitely are differences between Singles and Doubles! Although we use the terms even and odd here, they are referring to the actual person serving the ball and not the score itself as a way to help visualize the differences. If you are new to pickleball, you should check out our Beginners Guide to Pickleball: wearepickleball.com/beginners/

[@cathygraham8005]

Even and odd is helpful in doubles At the start of a game if you are on the right/even side your score will always be an even number when you are on that right side during the game. Many times players can get confused about the score and this is helpful to know.

[@scottdial2602]

Did your partner serve on the even side because that is where she was your team hit into the net or because you served from odd side so your team automatically serves from the next side? If you had faulted on the even side, then would your partner serve on the even or odd side?

[@BetterPickleball]

Can you tell me the time stamp that you are looking at and I'll answer it for you

[@JunesTarotJourney]

What determines the winner of a match???

[@BetterPickleball]

Most common is the first to 11 win by 2. Although you also see matches to 15 and 21

[@Steve_K2]

We only score a point if we served, right? (Why oh why didn't PB use table tennis scoring. So easy.) As a beginner I'm finding your videos the best tutorials on YT. Many thanks.

[@BetterPickleball]

Hi Steve, welcome to pickleball! Yes, you only score when you are serving.

[@TheDivotking1]

How is it determined who serves first on the 0-0-2 is there a rule for that or is it rocks papers scissors , coin toss etc ? Nice video ! Me- You - Who well done !

[@BetterPickleball]

There really isn’t a formal method. On our courts the tram closest to the fence serves first. In tournaments there could be a coin toss or pick a number. I like the ideas of Rock Paper Scissors!

[@robertgravelyn7270]

if the ball hits the sideline or backline is it out?

[@BetterPickleball]

Hi Robert, this video will help you learn some line calling basics kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4XHYZZnbM9_aaM

[@dolliej100]

A simple game with complicated scoring. What is to be gained from all that when it can probably take on paddle tennis, tennis scoring approach. Can you please explain?

[@BetterPickleball]

Pickleball isn't played in sets and many times in rec play you won't play with the same partner twice. Therefore during a game the founders wanted to give both players a chance to serve. That's why there's the third number.

[@chrisraymond6618]

@@BetterPickleball So leave it up to each team to remember to alternate servers, not have to keep a third number in their head to call out.

[@KDemosh]

Nice video

[@BetterPickleball]

thanks for the feedback

[@judithwebb8953]

How do you call the score in singles?

[@BetterPickleball]

4.I. Calling the Score in Singles Matches. The proper sequence for calling the score is server score then receiver score as two numbers; e.g., “one - zero.” The one thing that is a little different about singles is this 4.B.5.a. If the player’s score is even (0, 2, 4 ...), the serve must be made from the right/even serving area and be received in the right/even service court by the opponent. 4.B.5.b. If the player’s score is odd (1, 3, 5 ...), the serve must be made from the left/odd serving area and be received in the left/odd service court by the opponent. 4.B.5.c. After the server loses the rally or faults, a side out occurs and service is awarded to the opponent. Hope that helps!

[@tracyp.daspit8329]

Thumbs Up!

[@BetterPickleball]

Thanks Tracy!

[@timmark4190]

What would be the final score to stop. Any cover of sets?

[@BetterPickleball]

Hi Tim, games typically go to 11 win by 2. However you might see games to 15 or 21 as well. Those are more common in tournament play.

[@cindypearson3484]

😊😅thumbs up

[@BetterPickleball]

Thank you!

[@chasejordanlive]

I have a silly question that no one has reviewed yet. At least no video that I can find. I am new and we are wondering what happens when I serve in single play, the serve is good but my opponent is unable to return due to missing the ball or smashes it into the net or other. Is this a point for me? Do I simply re-serve? The rule book does not cover this or am I incorrect? Thanks!!!

[@BetterPickleball]

Hey Chase the rule book covers singles scoring in 4.f. Essentially it's the same as doubles, you can only score if your opponent commits a fault when you are the server

[@StickToYourKnitting]

I know this video is 5 years old, so no one may be monitoring questions, but when the serving team has their first fault and the serve goes to player 2, do they switch places on the court or stay in the same spots?

[@BetterPickleball]

The serving team only switches places when they when the rally. Once server ones team loses the rally they stay in the same place and their partner gets the opportunity to serve.

[@tracyairth8625]

I think I finally get the scoring, yay! Now, I just need to remember the score as we play - lol.

[@BetterPickleball]

That's awesome to hear! Understanding the scoring is a big step. Just keep practicing, and you'll have it down in no time!

[@donpaquette7895]

"Yooper Girl", cool, love the shirt. I was born in Marquette myself and my sister was born in Neguanee. Gonna have to fine a shirt like that for her, eh? Thanks for the info as my city down here in Anna, IL has just put in some courts recently. Now I know the basics. I have played tennis, ping pong, and i guess now soon pickleball... Looks like fun... can hardly wait... though getting cooler here now...

[@BetterPickleball]

Hi Don it’s a small world! Born and raised in Ironwood. Welcome to Pickleball it’s fun and addicting all at the same time. Let me know how you like it

[@donpaquette7895]

Great, thanks, my father was born in Ishpeming, and he had some great stories of his growing up there back in the day. I am looking forward to check things out before it gets too cold even down here. Thank you very much for your info and help explaining it all. Do take great care...

[@galeraisanen7954]

Got sisu?

[@donpaquette7895]

@@galeraisanen7954 absolutely as I heard, you can always tell a Finn, but not very much...

[@galeraisanen7954]

@@donpaquette7895 my dad used to say that. Ha!

[@DanThePropMan]

So the player standing on the even side of the court is designated with an odd number, and the player standing on the odd side of the court is designated with an even number. Makes perfect sense.

[@BetterPickleball]

Hi Dan, I'm happy to answer any specifics but I think there might be a little confusion as to the player 1 and 2 designation. Let me know what questions you have.

[@NormanGiuseppe]

Yeah, that's where I got confused too! Just forget about the odd or even that just confused people even more. I just think of it as what she said right and left side. Right side is server 1 and left side is server 2 except for the first serve of the game. Why did they make the scoring so confusing? 🤷‍♀️🤦🏿‍♂️

[@chrisraymond6618]

@@NormanGiuseppe So the seniors it was originally designed for can worry even more about their cognitive health!

[@romanhernz9209]

Me you who 😊

[@BetterPickleball]

It works right? :)

[@benfriedman9687]

Wait, at 4:09, the blonde serves from the right side with an odd team score of 1. Is that correct? Did you not say that you only serve from the right side with an even score? Is that rule for the 1st server only? Or because she is the latter server on your team, then she just serves from where ever she stands? These rules are absurd.

[@BetterPickleball]

It's because she's the second server in this side out. While scoring can be difficult to learn at first, the scoring rules give the return team an advantage, different from most other sports. This also plays into the strategy of the game.

[@maxsandlin7994]

*thumbs up*

[@LindaSpreeman]

Now I understand! Great video for novices just learning the game and how scoring works. #pickleballnovice

[@BetterPickleball]

I’m glad it helped Linda. Welcome to pickleball

[@LindaSpreeman]

@@BetterPickleball Thank you! Now if I can only figure out how do correctly do the underhand serve and have the ball 1) go over the net; and 2) land in the correct spot. Any technique video tips/links to share? I would be most appreciative!!

[@RobBlazoff]

Great video. Audio balance could use some improvement, though.

[@BetterPickleball]

Sorry about that

[@pickleballer1729]

Hey CJ, I got a question for you. I was just watching a video and a guy Mentioned an “inside in” shot. I've heard the term “inside out” and “outside in” many times. Could you please explain what these mean? Does “inside-out”, for example, refer to your paddle movement or the ball movement? (Which would be the opposite, right?) Anyway, I've never really been clear about what all those terms mean. I'm sure there are a lot of your fans who don't know what an ATP is, and "Erne", and certainly a "Bert".Maybe you could do a video on the various types of shots, how they're done, etc.? Also, I couldn't find a way to message you directly to suggest this other than making a comment on one of your videos. Is there a way to do that? Am I just an out-of-touch old fogey that doesn't know how to use KZbin?

[@BetterPickleball]

Hi Kevin, inside in and inside out are tennis terms typically used when a player runs around their backhand. For a right handed player, Inside out would be running around the backhand on the left side of the court, using the forehand and redirecting the shot to the right side of the court. Inside in would be doing the same thing but redirecting the shot to the left side of the court.

[@pickleballer1729]

@@BetterPickleball Wow. Not at all what I thought. Thanks for clearing that up for me.

[@NBPT428]

Well. It helped and confused me. I understand the Server number now but the explanation of when you score and when you don't is confusing. There were side outs but no points until the end of the video when someone got a point.🤪

[@BetterPickleball]

Welcome to Pickleball. It does take a bit to learn scoring. ;-)Think of it this way. You can only score points when you are serving. A side out is declared after one side loses its opportunity to serve after two faults and the other side is awarded service.

[@carlawentworth8014]

What do you play to?

[@BetterPickleball]

Hi Carla, Most games are played to 11 win by 2. In some tournaments you might find one game to 15 or 21.

[@thearcticlord3920]

Pickleball, an excellent game for people not yet fit enough for other sports

[@BetterPickleball]

Thanks for sharing

[@Shawn-OpenMind]

How do you win? What score do you need to reach?

[@BetterPickleball]

most games are to 11 win by 2

[@AnnMitt]

"Yooper Girl" 👋 Michigander here!

[@BetterPickleball]

Yah der Hey!

[@Ray3645]

Why did they make scoring/serving so complicated? Seems so unnecessary.

[@BetterPickleball]

Hey Ray, it's the third number that confuses most people and that's because in doubles each team member gets to serve. I struggled learning to keep score when I first started but then I got the hang of it.

[@TheDivotking1]

Me-You- Who? Dr.Suess would be proud!

[@BetterPickleball]

Thank you I love Dr Seuss!

[@vballady]

Hey. A fellow Michigander (or -goose), although I moved west more than 30 year ago. :o)

[@BetterPickleball]

Yeah I've been gone for a long time too!

[@stephanm.4715]

This is old badminton scoring rules with some changes to the nomenclature, such as side out used to be called service over in badminton. Makes sense since pickleball was born on a badminton court.

[@BetterPickleball]

There are a lot of similarities!

[@greengrenades]

Very first explanation already confuses me because the word rally isnt explained. What is that?

[@BetterPickleball]

Great question, a rally is the continuous series of hits after a serve and before the point is dead. So each time someone serves, all of the hits until a fault or point are considered a rally.

[@danmeredith6354]

When "announcing the score" The highest score should always be read 1st no matter what. It just makes it easier to recall.....IF youre ahead 4 to 2 and lose the rally the score should still be 4 to 2 on the other side of the net net. IMHO the scoring rules are just too complicated to remember! (especially that 3rd number) Seniors need a break! As it stands I love the game BUT hate trying to always figure out the numbers and who is NEXT to serve and what number are they.

[@BetterPickleball]

Dan you’re right scoring can be confusing and I’m all for giving seniors a break. I think pickleball adapted this from other sports like tennis and badminton, where the serving team always announces their score first.

[@prigg88]

@@BetterPickleball This my first time hearing about pickleball, in UK & Europe Padel tennis is more the thing. I'm a tennis player and this scoring confuses me. Other than saying the serving side first, I don't recognise much. Dan, whilst I appreciate that seniors need a break but saying the highest number first creates its own confusion with who has the higher score. If you know you say server first then its easy to know who has which score.

[@JCMeyer]

I'm still not clear about doubles positioning and odd (left side) and even (right side) scoring. So when the game starts (0-0-2), Team A serves and whoever is standing on the right side in Team A is Server 2. Let's say Team A scores 3 points from Server 2 then faults and Team B gets the serve. So in the Team B side, whoever is starting in the right side will be Server 1 and the one standing on the left will be Server 2. So Team B be calls out 0-3-1. Team B faults and the serve goes to Server 2. So Team B calls out 0-3-2. Team B faults again and the serve returns to Team A. Because Team A's score is odd (3) whoever is standing on the left side becomes Server 1 and serves from there (left side)?

[@BetterPickleball]

Hi JC you had everything right until the serve returns to team A. After a side out the serve always begins with the player who is standing on the right side of the court.

[@meyerhaus3189]

@@BetterPickleball this is what’s confusing in the rule book: Doubles 4.B.6.a. At the start of each side out, service begins in the right/even serving area. 4.B.6.b. When the team’s score is even (0, 2, 4 ...), the team’s starting server’s correct position is at the right/even serving area. When the team’s score is odd (1, 3, 5...), the starting server’s correct position is at the left/odd court. 4.B.6.b contradicts what 4.B.6.a just indicated.

[@trumpisastump9382]

Exactly the issue I have. Whom ever created these contradictory service rules is an idiot and the Pickleball Association that publishes these rules is asleep at the wheel.

[@popsco2000]

Thumbs up

[@BetterPickleball]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@elainenilsson5472]

Love your videos but for some reason this one had me spinning my head. I know how to score and I was lost with the first slide show, lol.

[@BetterPickleball]

Thanks for telling me Elaine. I am always trying to learn, how do you eliminate scoring confusion for someone who is new?

[@richardf5265]

I agree. The first part was so fast I doubt that beginners could process it. But I do like the mnemonic "me, you, who"!

[@elainenilsson5472]

@@BetterPickleball Okay, I know what lost me. All the definitions. I know they are important but it was too much...at least for me. At that time I didn't need to know what a rally was, I just needed to understand the numbers and basics, like "you only get a point if your side did the serving" You do a great job in your videos. I learned how to score before I learned the terms. As a matter of fact I still don't know the terms...ooops. I'll learn them though.

[@Meryl-je7fx]

😂with Adhd this is like speaking to me in Martian

[@BetterPickleball]

I think we all have experienced days like this! ;-)

[@truecrony]

I'm still very confused. What causes a score to be made and what results in a new serve?

[@BetterPickleball]

When a serving team wins the rally a point is scored. When the serving team loses a rally it another person serves

[@mgunde]

that scoring is a downer for me, not sure I'll try this game.

[@jeffmillward]

I started playing pickleball 2 months ago and love it! Scoring may seem complicated or confusing at first but trust me, when you get playing it comes pretty naturally. And, since there's 4 people playing, if you don't recall the score accurately, one of the other three people will. Give it a try!

[@BetterPickleball]

It's a bit confusing at first but one of the great things about the game are people will help you learn. The game is a lot of fun. Perhaps give it a try and then see what you think.

[@cpollero53]

I agree with you 100%. It’s ridiculously complicated!

[@gloriapadilla-carlson4422]

confused about scoring yes. you said person on even side is player one odd side is player 2 BUT at the start of game its 002 and that is the number that player is throughout the game #2??????

[@BetterPickleball]

The game begins with 002, meaning the first team to serve only has one player on the team serve. After that , on every side out the player who is standing on the right side of the court is server 1

[@Timeographer]

In this example, when your side lost the rally when the score was 1-0-1 and the second player was serving she ended up serving from the wrong side of the court.

[@BetterPickleball]

After we committed a fault at 1-0-1 the 2nd server serves from the court they are standing in. The video is correct but if you have more questions please let me know :)

[@donreinholz8121]

Yes the scoring is confusing at first.

[@BetterPickleball]

👍

[@marylynnschooley3922]

👍🏼

[@BetterPickleball]

👍

[@stevo5521]

Wait a minute, you said the right side is even so why would they say 1 when serving? 1 is an odd number. So wouldn't you start with 2?

[@BetterPickleball]

You kind of have to break out the score from the server number. The right side if considered the Even side with regards to the score, not the server number. If you are the starting server for the entire game, everytime you are standing on the right side, the score itself will be an even number. Here is a video that explains this a little more! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIqtYWWwpt2ZfsU

[@stevo5521]

Thank you for the help. Now I get it.

[@JohnDoe-ki6fm]

I'm left wondering why more direct language wasn't adopted which separates the server from the score. Like "Two Three, First" "Three Three, Second" etc. Whether a server is first server on their team or second server on their team would then have different language, different sound, different cadence. It also looks like none of the long-standing tennis jargon is adopted, such as "Luv All", "One All", "Three All" which would get exanded to "Luv All, First", or "Luv All, Second", "One All, First", etc. One could make it even less ambiguous: "Two Three, First Server"

[@BetterPickleball]

Great observation and I’m not sure why. Jennifer Lucore recently published a book on the history of Pickleball. I admit the copy is on my desk but unread. Perhaps it’s in there?

[@geoknee]

👍🏻

[@jeffbaxter8770]

Who woulda thunk it? Diabolical. Why confuse the issue with the "who?" Surely it would be easier to just keep track mentally. Should anyone try a quick trick, the others would soon correct them.

[@BetterPickleball]

It can be easy to lose track of who is the first and the second server and saying the "who" helps keep the game on track and everyone on the same page throughout the game!

[@garyheaton4791]

I like that the serving person says the score..but..WHO really cares WHO is serving..??..1 or 2 or 5 or 9?? Giving number values to the people is just plain stupid. As long as THEY know who they are, then who else cares??? Is it important to the game? I don't think so. Be NORMAL, count the point score..not the point servers..they REALLY don't matter! Any one that would name a sport pickelball can't really be that serious over what their serving number is anyway! Laugh! Thanks for the video..it gave me a good chuckle.😀

[@BetterPickleball]

Hi Gary You are eight Pickelball is a silly name for a fun and addictive game. One of the rules is that only the serving team can score points and in doubles both players on a team get the chance to serve. Come and join us some day and see if you like that’s game. It can be very addictive!

[@samuelbellamy4218]

I don't get it you can't remember that it is second player serving? Why not zero serving 4 or what ever and then keep the player out of the scoring since it is not a score or part of it. Even if you have been volleying for a while not hard to remember who just served and if the other player on the team served as well. Why add a third number? I don't play badmitten or volley ball volleyball they rotate and server from same spot but regardless I don't recall scoring being 2-3-1 or 5-5-2. Tennis numbering is strange but does not have player numbers in with the scoring. I like the game easier that tennis and fun I just think adding the third number and calling the kitchen is silly but the game is called pickelball I read about the origins still makes the name silly. Sort of like GrapeNuts you open the box no grapes no nuts.

[@BetterPickleball]

Lol You are right about the silly names for things, that's for sure! And while I do understand your point about leaving the third number out of the equation, I also have seen enough games where people do not remember if both players had a chance to serve, so it helps keep the game organized and flowing.