Block Scoring in Pickleball Matches: A new way to track pickleball scores, called block scoring, is helping players and fans better understand how matches unfold. Unlike traditional scores, block scoring shows point streaks and momentum shifts. The method has been used to break down pro matches like the PPA Cape Coral Open finals.
A new way to see the full match story
In regular pickleball scoring, the winning team is the first to reach 11 points with a 2-point lead. These scores are recorded as a simple list. But that system misses how the game developed. Block scoring changes that by showing how points were scored in groups.
Each block shows how many points a team scored before the other team answered. Blocks are marked A, B, C, and so on. For example, instead of just saying “Team A won 11–5,” block scoring might look like this:
-
Block A: Team A scores 4
-
Block B: Team B scores 2
-
Block C: Team A scores 3
-
Block D: Team B scores 1
-
Block E: Team A scores 4
This shows the game had five blocks and gives insight into who had the momentum and when.
A close match made clearer
In the PPA Cape Coral Open finals, Anna Bright and JW Johnson faced Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns. In game 2, Waters and Johns won 13-11. The final score was close, but block scoring tells more of the story:
-
Block A: Bright/Johnson – 2
-
Block B: Waters/Johns – 4
-
Block C: Bright/Johnson – 5
-
Block D: Waters/Johns – 5
-
Block E: Bright/Johnson – 1
-
Block F: Waters/Johns – 1
-
Block G: Bright/Johnson – 3
-
Block G: Waters/Johns – 3
Final Score: Waters/Johns 13, Bright/Johnson 11
This shows a tight battle with both teams going on streaks. If Waters and Johns hadn’t started strong, they might not have pulled out the win.
Looking at the full match
The full match shows even more when viewed with block scoring:
-
Game 1: Bright and Johnson scored the first 7 points
-
Game 2: Both teams traded long point streaks
-
Game 3: Waters and Johns had a 7-point run to lead
-
Game 5: Waters and Johns closed with a 6-point streak
These blocks show which team had control and when momentum shifted.
Why block scoring stands out
Block scoring works well in different types of matches:
-
Blowouts: One big streak can decide the game early or late
-
Close games: Many short streaks show a true back-and-forth fight
For example, a lopsided 11–3 win might only have two or three blocks. But a 15–13 thriller might have 10 or more blocks due to frequent shifts.
How it compares to other sports
Other sports use similar breakdowns:
-
Volleyball tracks scoring runs
-
Tennis sometimes shows games won in a row
-
Wrestling scores by group
-
Baseball uses inning-by-inning scoring
But in pickleball, this block format is new. It gives fans and players a new way to follow the flow of the match.
Pros and cons of the system
Block scoring has benefits and drawbacks.
Pros:
-
Shows how momentum shifts
-
Helps tell the full match story
-
Useful for coaches, fans, and broadcasters
-
Easy to add to pro match coverage
Cons:
-
Hard to read at first glance
-
Not ideal for quick updates
-
Takes more space in long matches
-
Less useful in casual games
Who will use it?
Block scoring likely won’t replace line scores. But it adds depth. It’s great for:
-
TV coverage
-
Coaching reviews
-
Social media highlights
-
Newsletter recaps
In the end, block scoring gives fans and players a better look at how games are won. As the source article says, “Pickleball is a game of momentum—block scoring helps bring that to life.”
News in Brief: Block Scoring in Pickleball Matches
A new system called block scoring is changing how pickleball matches are analyzed. Instead of showing only final scores, it breaks down points into streaks, revealing momentum swings. Used in recent pro matches, the method adds depth for fans, coaches, and broadcasters following the fast-growing sport.
ALSO READ: Shocking Upsets and New Rivalries Ignite Pickleball’s North Carolina Open