When the server or the score is wrong

The rules say how to fix mistakes about who serves, where players stand, or the score (5.C, 6.F).

Check before the serve

Before the serve is hit, you can ask the opponents who the correct server and receiver are, and whether everyone is in the right position. The opponents must answer (5.C). You can check the score the same way (6.E.1).

Mistakes about the server, the receiver, or positions

• During a rally, you notice the wrong player or the wrong position and stop play → replay (5.C.1, 5.C.1.a)
• You stop play, but there was no mistake → fault on the side that stopped play (5.C.1.b)
• Positions are correct, but someone other than the correct receiver returns the serve → fault on the side that returned it. Point this out before the next serve (5.C.1.c)
• You notice after the rally is over → the result of that rally stands (5.C.2). From the next rally, the correct players serve and receive from the correct positions (5.B.1)

Mistakes in the score call

• The server gives the wrong score call, and play is stopped before the return → replay with the correct score (6.F, 6.F.1)
• Play is stopped after the return → fault on the side that stopped play (6.F.3)
• The score was correct, but someone said "That's wrong" and stopped play → fault on the side that stopped play (6.F.2)
• You notice after the rally is over → the result stands. Fix the score before the next serve (6.F.4)

The 2026 rule change set out the rules for score mistakes in a more specific way (USA Pickleball). You may stop play only up until the return is hit (6.F).