What Is Rally Scoring in Pickleball?

A point is awarded after every rally when playing a “rally scoring” pickleball game. It doesn’t matter which team is serving. If you win the rally, you win the point. What is rally scoring in pickleball, how is it different from traditional pickleball scoring, and why is it growing in popularity?

 

Traditional Scoring vs. Rally Scoring

Traditional scoring in pickleball stresses the importance of serving. Since that’s the only time you can win a rally and score a point, the game is fairly limiting. Rally scoring in pickleball, on the other hand, allows players on either team to score points. 

When it doesn’t matter who is serving, the game keeps all the players and observers more engaged. Rally-scoring games tend to be more exciting and go faster. 

At the same time, traditional scoring allows servers to play with more strategic tactics. That vital serve advantage draws out the action and makes every play less predictable. 

 

Traditional Scoring

Pros: The key element is serving. This allows players to strategize ways to maximize their serve advantage and increase pressure on the receiving team. Traditional scoring puts the spotlight on servers to score, so they naturally engage in longer rallies to do so.

Cons: When a team struggles to convert points on their serve, games can drag on. Extended side outs can be tedious for players and observers alike. There’s no telling how long a match will last due to the potential for long serve-based rallies. 

 

Rally Scoring

Pros: Every point counts. This creates a faster pace and quicker games. That can be more exciting for everyone as pressure increases for each point. Players and spectators respond better to a more thrilling game as both teams have an equal advantage, not just the servers. Points can be scored on either side. 

Cons: It reduces the emphasis on serving strategy, limiting the game’s complexity. Some players miss the tactical component of traditional pickleball. Teams may also spend too much time getting the ball back over the net to avoid giving away points on their serve.

 

Rally Scoring Rules in Pickleball

How does rally scoring work in pickleball? Rally-scoring games are played to 21 instead of the traditional 11. Since either team can score, getting to 11 would mean that games end too quickly. So, games under rally scoring are played to 21 (win by two).

Players start and finish the game playing on the same side of the court (either right or left). You don’t need to switch after each point. Instead, if the score is an even number, the player on the right serves. If the score is an odd number, the player on the left serves.

Removing the third number in the score is the most significant change with rally scoring rules. Each team only gets one serve. If you lose the rally, you lose a point and the serve. This is why you only need to announce your score and your opponent’s score.

 

Benefits of Rally Scoring in Pickleball

Rally scoring in pickleball offers several benefits. 

• Increased game pace: Rally scoring generally leads to quicker matches, as every rally can result in a point, reducing drawn-out rallies where only the serving team can score.
• Higher player engagement: Both teams are actively involved in every point, keeping players actively involved throughout the match. 
• Improved accessibility: The simplicity of rally scoring, where any team can score on a rally, makes it easier for new pickleball players to understand and participate. 
• More consistent game duration: Compared to traditional scoring, games have fewer delays between matches. 
• Better spectator experience: The constant action and potential for dramatic points in rally scoring can make pickleball matches more entertaining for onlookers. 

 

Rally scoring might boost the sport’s popularity by making games more exciting and fast-paced. While seemingly straightforward, rally scoring still requires players to adapt their strategies to effectively play both on serve and return. 

Learning about rally scoring in pickleball can help players determine whether they want traditional scoring or to try something new. Either way, turn to Dominator for quality pickleball gear to up your game!