USA Pickleball Rally Scoring Update: USA Pickleball will start allowing rally scoring in 2025 for some events, giving tournament directors new options for how games are played. This move is seen as a big change in the sport, though traditional side-out scoring will still be used in top tournaments like the USA Pickleball National Championships.
Rally scoring will be optional for many competitions. Doubles rally scoring can be used for Round-Robin and Team Play, and singles rally scoring is allowed for Double-Elimination matches. However, all USAP Golden Ticket tournaments will continue with side-out scoring.
How Traditional Side-Out Scoring Works
In side-out singles, only the server can score points. If the server loses a rally, the serve goes to the opponent. The server serves from the right when their score is even and from the left when odd. Games must be won by two points.
In doubles, the team scores only on their serve. The first server starts on the right side. If the serving team scores, the players switch sides. The second server serves after the first loses a rally. The score is always called as three numbers: server score, receiver score, and server number.
For example, a game starts with the score called as “0-0-2.” This shows that after the first loss of serve, it will go to the other team.
Mini singles use similar rules. The server changes sides after scoring, and the receiver lines up based on their own score. The game continues until one player wins by two points.
How Rally Scoring Works
In rally scoring singles, a point is earned after every rally, no matter who served. The server and receiver still position themselves based on the server’s score. Players must win by two points and end the match on their serve.
For example, if the score is tied at 14-14 in a 15-point game, a player must serve and win the final point to take the match.
Rally scoring doubles also awards points on every rally. The server changes sides after each point, and there is no second server. When a team loses a rally, their opponents get a point and serve next. Teams must also win by two points and finish the match on their own serve.
Why This Matters
These changes give tournaments more flexibility. While rally scoring speeds up games and can make play more exciting, it remains optional so that events linked to championships keep the familiar side-out style.
This update could make pickleball more appealing to new players and fans. It will also help tournament directors choose the best format for their events while keeping important competitions traditional.
News in Brief: USA Pickleball Rally Scoring Update
USA Pickleball will let tournaments use rally scoring for singles and doubles starting in 2025. The new option is for some events but won’t replace side-out scoring in major championships. Rally scoring awards points after every rally and aims to speed up matches and add excitement.