Rally Scoring in Pickleball
Rally scoring in sports in general is an alternative scoring system where a point is awarded on every rally, regardless of which team serves. This differs from traditional rules of pickleball scoring, where only the serving team can score points. This method is often used to speed up games or in specific formats like recreational play or tournaments with time constraints.
What is Rally Scoring?
- Point on Every Rally means a point is awarded to the winner of each rally, whether they are serving or receiving. This eliminates the need for a team to be serving to score.
- Game Length using this mode of scoring are typically played to a higher point total (e.g., 15 or 21 points) to account for the faster scoring pace. Teams must still win by at least 2 points though.
- Serving Rotation remains the same though where the serving team alternates between players in doubles, just as you would with traditional scoring. The team that wins the rally either continues serving or gains the serve if they were receiving.
- Speed of Play is increased because of this change, making games much shorter and faster, as points are awarded more frequently.
Benefits of Rally Scoring
- Faster Games reduces the length of games, making it ideal for tournaments, clinics, or recreational play with limited time. If there are a lot of people playing and they need to get to the top 3 quick in that day of play the coordinator may opt for this way to score.
- Equal Opportunity is given to both teams to score points on every rally, regardless of who serves. Some like this because you still benefit from your great shots and/or put aways even though you didn’t begin the point.
- Easier for New Players for sure because it basically simplifies scoring for beginners who may find traditional What is the Starting Score of a Doubles Pickleball Game confusing.
Challenges of Rally Scoring
- Less Strategic Advantage is given than traditional scoring because teams can take advantage of serving to gain momentum. Rally scoring reduces the strategic importance of that method.
- Changes Game Dynamics because of the faster pace. Constant scoring might alter how players approach the game, potentially reducing the emphasis on defensive strategies.
Example of Rally Scoring
- The game starts at 0-0, usually a coin is tossed or paddles are turned calling “up” or “down” to determine who serves first.
- Team A serves; Team B wins the rally. Team B gets 1 point and now serves.
- Team B serves; Team A wins the rally. Team A gets 1 point and serves.
- The game continues until one team reaches the winning score (e.g., 15 or 21 points), with at least a 2-point lead.
In rally scoring in a pickleball game whomever wins the point gets a point AND gets to serve the next one. Unlike traditional scoring where you only win a point when serving, this changes the game (literally) where either side can win 1 point no matter which side served that point. As a bonus the winning side gets to serve as well.
I guess that depends on whom you ask but it is what it is I suppose. It is generally used when there are time constraints in a tournament or league to make the game go faster and reach a winner. If you enter and that is how they are doing things, then you must comply with that and understand how to do it which we go over here.
There is an easy way of keeping track of the score if you remember what side you started on. The person who starts on the right (when you are facing the net) will always have an even score when back on that spot. Players on the left (facing the net) score is odd when they are on the left hand side. This NEVER changes even when you are switching sides. If you started on the left (odd player) and serving on the right your score would then be even. That is because you aren’t back on to “your odd side” of the court.
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When Is Rally Scoring Used?
- Recreational Play in a gym or on outside courts it is sometimes done to simplify the game for casual players. If you show up for open play (where you play random others who show up to the courts), ask how the game is being scored. That way you can do it properly from the start.
- Tournaments use is method often when matches need to stay within a time limit.
- Clinics and Training will rally score to focus on rallies and skill development rather than serving advantages.
How do you determine who serves first?
There are a ton of ways to do this. In our league we spin our paddle and someone yells “stop up or stop down”. Then if the writing on your paddle is correct it is up, upside down would be down. If that person is right then they win the score. You can hide your fingers and have another guess what the # is. Some use rock paper scissors to determine.
What happens when you win the game?
That depends on what the rules of the league or tournament say. Typically when a team loses the rally and the other side reaches 11 the losing team is out. Typically there is are pickleball brackets posted. The winner would then move to the next spot and play the winner of the other game. It would continue on until a team wins every single one and comes in first place.
This is an excellent alternative scoring method for pickleball, offering simplicity, faster gameplay, and equal scoring opportunities for both teams. While it changes the strategic dynamic of the game, it’s a versatile option for players and organizers looking for a quicker, more inclusive approach to the game.
