The Enigma of Pickleball Scoring

Understanding the "Three-Number" Headache

If you are watching Wimbledon, you hear "15-Love." It is eccentric, but we are used to it. In football, it is "2-1." Simple. In pickleball, you step up to the baseline and shout: "4-3-2." To the newcomer, this sounds less like a score and more like a locker combination or a countdown to an explosion. This three-number sequence represents:

1. Your score.

2. Their score.

3. Which server you are (1 or 2).

   
   

Why on earth do we need to announce which server we are? Because in doubles, both players on a team get a chance to serve before the ball goes to the opposition. Unless, of course, you are the very first team to serve at the start of the game, in which case only one of you gets to serve.

The "Start of Game" Anomaly: At the start of the match, the score is 0-0-2. You skip the first server entirely. Why? Just to make it harder, presumably.

The "Side-Out" Saga: A Relic of the Past

The root of the complexity—and the reason games can drag on for an eternity—is Side-Out Scoring. In modern table tennis, tennis, or volleyball, if you win the rally, you get a point. This is called Rally Scoring. It is efficient, keeps the game moving, and is easy to track. In pickleball, you can only score points when you are serving. If you are receiving and you hit a magnificent, unreturnable winner down the line, do you get a point? No. You simply get the privilege of serving. You can win ten rallies in a row as the receiving team, and your score will remain exactly where it started.

It is a system that feels punitive and unnecessarily slow, often resulting in "stalemate" periods where the serve changes hands ten times without a single point being added to the board.

A Brief History: Who Is to Blame for This?

So, who decided that we needed to perform mental gymnastics while trying to hit a plastic ball? We have to look back to summer 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. The game was invented by three fathers—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—who were looking for a way to entertain their bored children. They improvised with what they had: a badminton court, table tennis bats, and a perforated plastic ball.

The Badminton Connection

Because they were playing on a badminton court, they naturally lifted the rules of badminton (as they existed in 1965). Back then, badminton used side-out scoring. The irony is palpable. The International Badminton Federation eventually realised that side-out scoring was tedious and bad for television, so they switched to Rally Scoring (points on every play) around 2006. Pickleball, however, clung to the 1965 rules like a limpet.

Comparison: Why It Feels Archaic

To visualise why this feels so complicated, compare it to other racquet sports:

• Tennis/Table Tennis: Anyone who wins the rally gets the point.

• Pickleball: Only the server gets a point.

• Tennis/Table Tennis: Scores are simple numbers or traditional calls.

• Pickleball: You must announce three distinct numbers before every point.

  
  

The Verdict

The defenders of the sport will tell you that side-out scoring adds a "tactical layer." They argue that because you cannot lose a point on your own serve, you can play more aggressively. However, for the casual player just wanting a run-around on a Tuesday evening, it is a barrier to entry. It interrupts the flow. You spend half the match asking, "Wait, am I server two?" or "Did we score that, or did we just get the ball back?"

The game of pickleball is brilliant—accessible, social, and great for fitness. But the scoring system is a dusty relic from the 1965 rules of badminton that feels like it was designed to confuse us. Perhaps it is time pickleball followed badminton’s lead and finally entered the 21st century.

The Future of Pickleball Scoring

As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, there is a pressing need to modernise its scoring system. The current method may deter new players who are eager to join in the fun but find themselves bewildered by the rules.

Embracing Change

Imagine a world where scoring in pickleball is as straightforward as in tennis or table tennis. This change could enhance the experience for players and spectators alike. It would make the game more inviting and accessible, encouraging more people to pick up a paddle and join the community.

The Role of Clubs and Coaches

Clubs and coaches play a vital role in this potential transformation. They can advocate for a more user-friendly scoring system while educating newcomers about the game. By fostering an environment that welcomes new players, they can help grow the sport and create a vibrant community.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

In conclusion, as we embrace the future of pickleball, it is essential to reconsider the scoring system. By simplifying the rules, we can attract more players and create a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Let us work together to ensure that pickleball becomes a sport that everyone can enjoy without the confusion of archaic scoring methods.

In this journey, I believe we can make pickleball a truly inclusive sport. After all, the joy of playing should never be overshadowed by the complexities of scoring.