In traditional side-out scoring for pickleball singles, call the server’s score first and the receiver’s score second. The server starts on the right when their own score is even and on the left when it is odd. Only the serving player scores a point when they win a rally.
If two of you are booking a court at ActiveSG Punggol, agree on the scoring format before the first serve. The examples here use traditional side-out scoring. Check the specific court type and availability in MyActiveSG+.
- Call two numbers, with the server’s score first.
- Serve from the right on an even score and the left on an odd score.
- If the server loses the rally, hand over the serve with no point added.
- When service changes, use the new server’s score to choose the side.
Walk through the first three rallies
At 0–0, start from the right. If the server wins, the score is 1–0 and the next serve is from the left. If the server loses the following rally, the opponent takes over and calls 0–1. That player’s score is zero, so they serve from the right.
Say both scores before each serve. The receiver can use the first number to check which side the server should start on. USA Pickleball’s beginner rules explain the serve and traditional scoring.
Check the court before travelling
The Punggol Sheltered Courts listing lists pickleball and tennis. Select pickleball for the court and session you intend to book. Save the court number and decide where to meet before leaving home.
Practise service changes before keeping a full score
Play a few points slowly and pause at each change of serve. Have the new server say their score and step to the correct side before serving. Once that feels natural, start a new game and use the format you agreed on.
Frequently asked questions
Do I call a third number in singles?
Traditional singles uses two scores. The third number used in traditional doubles identifies the serving turn.
Who scores when the receiver wins?
Under traditional side-out scoring, the receiver gains the serve. The score stays the same.
