MLP to Switch to Traditional Pickleball Scoring: Major League Pickleball (MLP) will adopt traditional side-out scoring starting in 2025, marking a significant shift away from its current rally scoring format. The change is expected to simplify the game for fans and players.
Scoring Change Explained
In a major rule change for the 2025 season, Major League Pickleball will move away from its unique rally scoring system. Under the old system, players could score points regardless of whether they were serving or receiving. However, the new side-out scoring method will require that only the server earns a point by winning a rally.
This change is set to make MLP’s rules align more closely with the traditional pickleball technique used in most tournaments and recreational play. The transition aims to make the game easier to follow for fans, particularly those unfamiliar with rally scoring.
Dreambreaker Format Still Uses Rally Scoring
Though rally scoring will no longer be the standard, the dreambreaker format in the fifth and final set of a match will still use the rally scoring system.
In this tiebreaker, players will need to win 21 points with a two-point margin to claim victory. The dreambreaker will remain an exciting and unique feature in MLP tournaments.
Official Statement from MLP
An official from Major League Pickleball shared the reasoning behind the change.
“We were tired of having to explain rally scoring to a pickleball-watching public that, 99% of the time, plays side out scoring.” – (mlp official)
The move is intended to make the sport more accessible to fans, while also bringing clarity to the competitive scene. By returning to a more familiar scoring system, MLP hopes to make matches easier to follow and more engaging for viewers.
Impact on the Game
This decision is expected to have a significant impact on the pickleball community. Players, coaches, and fans will need to adjust to the new rules, but the change is anticipated to benefit the long-term growth of the sport.
With indoor pickleball courts and outdoor pickleball courts continuing to spread across the country, the new scoring system could lead to more organized and consistent pickleball tournaments.
MLP’s switch to side-out scoring is a step towards bringing the league in line with the broader pickleball strategy used in other competitions. As the sport continues to grow, fans and players can look forward to a clearer, more understandable experience in future pickleball events.
News in Brief: MLP to Switch to Traditional Pickleball Scoring
Major League Pickleball (MLP) will switch to traditional side-out scoring in 2025, moving away from the current rally scoring system. This change aims to make matches easier for fans to follow while still keeping the dreambreaker format with rally scoring. The new rules will streamline MLP tournaments for players and spectators.
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