How to Determine Who Serves in Pickleball: In pickleball, figuring out who serves first is a simple process. Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, the server is determined by a fair method, like a coin flip or rocks-paper-scissors.
Once the server is decided, the game follows a clear order. The player who serves first always starts from the right-hand side of the court. This rule applies to both singles and doubles games.
Serving Sequence in Doubles
In doubles, the team that serves first gets only one serve before a fault. The score is called out as 0-0-2, indicating the first server. After the first fault, both players on the team take turns serving until the side-out occurs, and the opposing team gets their chance to serve.
To keep track of who is serving, the score is called out in a specific way. For example, if the score is 3-3 and your team serves, you would call out “3-3-1” to indicate that Player 1 is serving. If you lose the point, the score changes to “3-3-2,” meaning your partner will now serve.
Serving Sequence in Singles
In singles, the server’s side of the court depends on the score. However, the basic rule remains the same: the player who serves first begins from the right-hand side of the court.
Importance of Announcing the Score
Before serving, it’s crucial for the server to announce the score clearly. This helps everyone stay on track and ensures the opposing team knows when you’re ready to serve.
Following these basic rules ensures the game runs smoothly, making it easier to track who is serving at all times.
News in Brief: How to Determine Who Serves in Pickleball
In pickleball, the server is determined by a coin flip or rock-paper-scissors. In doubles, the first server serves from the right side, with the score called as 0-0-2. After the first fault, players alternate serving. In singles, the server’s side depends on the score. Announcing the score before serving ensures smooth gameplay.
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