The score call (three numbers)

In doubles, before serving, the server says three numbers out loud as the score call (6.B, 6.B.2).

0

Serving team

0

Receiving team

2

Server number

1. The serving team's score
2. The receiving team's score
3. The server number (1 if they are the team's first server, 2 if they are the second)

Examples

• "4-2-1": the serving team has 4, the receiving team has 2, and the first server is serving
• The serving team scores → "5-2-1" (4.A)
• Next, the receiving team wins the rally → the serve passes to the second server: "5-2-2" (5.B.5)

A game starts at "0-0-2"

The team that serves first in a game loses the serve to the other team after only one player has served. So the first server is counted as the "second" server, and the first call is "0-0-2" (5.B, 5.B.2, 6.B.2) (Serving order in doubles).

How the server number changes

• When the first server loses a rally, the other player on the same team serves (1 → 2) (5.B.5)
• When the second server also loses, it is a side out, and the serve goes to the other team. The other team's first call starts with server number 1 (5.B.2, 5.B.6)

Who calls the score

Usually, the server calls the score (6.B). If the server cannot call it, the partner may call it instead. In that case, the same player keeps calling for the whole game, unless they lose their voice (6.B.2.a). After finishing the call, the server must serve within 10 seconds (6.D) (Serve within 10 seconds of the score call).

How to say the call

What the rules decide is that the three numbers are called in this order: serving team, receiving team, server number (6.B.2). For example, 0-0-2 is said "zero-zero-two." The call should be said clearly, so that everyone on the court can hear it (pickleball.com).

FAQ

Q. How do I say a tied score out loud?

Say all three numbers, for example "one-one-two" for 1-1-2 (6.B.2). Some players say "all" for a tie, as in "one-all-two." The rulebook describes the call simply as three numbers, so saying the numbers is the clearest way (6.B.2).

Q. What if I serve without calling the score?

The rule is that you serve after you have called the whole score (6.C). If you hit the serve in the middle of the call, it is a fault (6.C.1). We could not find a rule that directly covers serving with no call at all, but it goes against the rule that you call the whole score before serving (6.C). In a match with a referee, follow the referee's decision (17.A).