Rally Scoring
A scoring system where either team can score on any rally, not just when serving.
Rally scoring is a scoring system where a point is awarded on every rally, regardless of which team served. This is different from traditional side-out scoring, where only the serving team can score.
Rally scoring has become one of the biggest debates in pickleball. Major professional tours have adopted it for TV broadcasts, while recreational play largely still uses side-out scoring.
How It Works
Rally Scoring
- A point is scored on every rally — by whichever team wins it
- Games typically played to 21 (win by 2)
- Doubles: one server per side per rotation (no “second server”)
- The serve still alternates after a side-out
- Faster, more predictable game length
Traditional (Side-Out) Scoring
- Only the serving team can score
- Games played to 11 (win by 2)
- Doubles: both players serve before a side-out (except the first serve of the game)
- Score called as three numbers: server score, receiver score, server number
- Game length is unpredictable — side-outs don't score
The Debate
For Rally Scoring
- Predictable game length — better for TV scheduling and tournaments
- Every rally matters — no “wasted” points where the receiving team wins but doesn't score
- Easier for spectators to follow — the score always changes
- Reduces “runaway” games where one team can't get the serve back
Against Rally Scoring
- Removes the comeback mechanic — in side-out scoring, you can hold serve and claw back
- Reduces the value of the serve — serving becomes less of an advantage
- Changes the strategic dynamic that makes pickleball unique
- Many recreational players prefer the traditional format they learned on
Where It's Used
Rally scoring is used in Major League Pickleball (MLP) and has been adopted by several professional tours for broadcast events. Most recreational play, local tournaments, and USA Pickleball sanctioned events still use traditional side-out scoring. Some venues and leagues are experimenting with rally scoring for time-constrained formats. Check your local rules before you play — for a complete guide to traditional scoring, see our scoring guide.
Related Terms
Practice Makes Perfect
Find a court near you to work on your game. Pickleball Plus has 22,100+ courts with ratings, reviews, and directions.
Want to learn more terms?
View All Pickleball Terms