How to call the score in pickleball doubles (0-0-2)
Short answer: Before each serve, call three numbers: the serving team's score, the receiving team's score, and the server number (1 or 2). A game starts at 0-0-2. Only the serving team can score, and a game usually goes to 11, win by 2.
The three numbers
"4-2-1" means the serving team has 4, the receivers have 2, and the first partner of the serving team is serving.
Why 0-0-2
The first serving team gets only one server on its first turn, so the game starts with the call 0-0-2. If they lose that rally, the serve goes straight to the other team.
Server 1, server 2 and side-out
When the serving team wins a rally, it scores a point and the same server switches sides and serves again. When server 1 loses a rally, the partner becomes server 2. When server 2 loses a rally, it is a side-out: the other team serves, starting with their server 1.
Which side to serve from
When the serving team's score is even, the player who started on the right serves from the right; when it is odd, they are on the left.
Let the app call it
In Deucely's pickleball mode, tap the side that won the rally. The scoreboard shows the full call (for example 4-2-1), who is serving, and switches sides for side-outs — or choose rally scoring if your group plays it.
FAQ
Why does the game start at 0-0-2?
To limit the first serving team's advantage, only one partner serves on the first service turn. Calling it server 2 means a lost rally goes straight to a side-out.
Can the receiving team score?
Not with traditional side-out scoring — only the serving team scores. Some leagues use rally scoring, where every rally scores.
What do games usually go to?
11 points, win by 2. Tournaments may use 15 or 21.
Get Deucely: tennis, padel & pickleball scoreboard (Google Play)