If you are new to pickleball, or even a seasoned player, you may be wondering what the starting score is for a doubles pickleball game. Pickleball is a fun and fast-paced sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played on a smaller court with a lower net and a paddle instead of a racket. The game can be played in singles or doubles format, with the doubles format being the most popular.
The Basics of Pickleball Scoring
In pickleball, games are played to 11 points, and a team must win by a margin of two points. A point is awarded to the serving team after a rally is won. The first team to reach 11 points and have a two-point lead wins the game. If the score is tied at 10-10, the game continues until one team has a two-point lead. In tournament play, matches are typically best-of-three or best-of-five games.
The Starting Score for Doubles Pickleball
Now, let’s get to the starting score for doubles pickleball. The starting score for a doubles pickleball game is 0-0. This means that both teams start with no points and must win 11 points to win the game. The serving team will serve the first point, and the receiving team will have the opportunity to serve after a point is awarded to the serving team. After each game, the teams will switch sides of the court, and the serving team will alternate.
What Happens if the Serve is Out?
It’s important to note that if the serving team serves the ball out, the receiving team will not be awarded a point. Instead, the serve will be repeated until a legal serve is made. A legal serve must be made diagonally across the court and must clear the net and land in the opposite service court.
Conclusion
Knowing the starting score for a doubles pickleball game is important for players to understand the structure of the game. With a starting score of 0-0, teams must win 11 points and have a two-point lead to win the game. Remember, the serving team will alternate after each game, and a legal serve must be made for a point to be awarded. Now that you know the basics of doubles pickleball scoring, get out on the court and have some fun!