# How does side-out scoring work in pickleball?

https://picklecall.app/features/side-out-scoring · Included · Kallos Labs

> With side-out scoring, only the serving side can win a point. In doubles, when the serving team loses a rally the serve passes from server 1 to server 2, and when server 2 loses it is a side out and the other team serves. Pickle Call handles every step when you tap who won the rally.

## How it works

Side-out scoring is the traditional way to play pickleball and the standard format in Pickle Call. When the serving side wins a rally it gets a point and the server switches sides; when the receiving side wins, no point is scored and the serve moves on: to the partner (server 2), or across the net on a side out. Doubles games start at 0-0-2. Games go to 11, 15 or 21, and you must win by 2.

## When people use it

- Everyday recreational doubles and singles
- Club and league games played to 11
- Checking the score when a rally ends in an argument

## Questions

### Can the receiving team score in side-out scoring?

No. The receiving team wins the serve, not a point. In rally scoring, by contrast, whoever wins the rally scores.

### What happens on a side out?

The serve passes to the other team, and the player standing in their right-hand court serves first as server 1.

### Is side-out scoring included without the unlock?

Yes. Side-out doubles and singles games to 11 can be scored in full without Pickle Call Unlock.