Rally scoring has long been used by some pickleball players — but it is now officially a (provisional) rule in the USA Pickleball rulebook. Rally scoring has been provisionally approved for doubles round-robin and team play, as an optional format for both recreational play and USA Pickleball-sanctioned tournaments.
Traditional side-out scoring is still the official method of scoring.
The most important 2025 pickleball rule changes.
Read the full 2025 USA Pickleball Rulebook.
What is rally scoring?
In rally scoring, a point is scored by winning the rally, whether or not your team served the ball.
On the last point, only the serving team can score.
The winning team must still win by two.
In rally scoring, games are either played to 11, 15, or 21 points (Rule 12.B.1.a.).
Rally scoring (Provisional Rule 4.G.1.)
A point is scored by winning the rally.
Exception: the game point is scored only when serving.
Rally scoring during tournaments (Provisional Rule 12.B.1.)
Each tournament director will have the option to use rally scoring.
This includes singles and doubles round-robins, team play, and singles double-elimination.
For doubles, double-elimination is not a rally scoring option.
For 2025, all USAP Golden Ticket events and the USAP National Championships will use side-out scoring.
All standard rules shall apply to rally scoring except as otherwise provided in the 2025 USA Pickleball Rulebook and in Rules 4.B.3.a, 4.B.6, 4.B.6.c, 4.B.6.d, 4.B.6.e, 4.F.1, 4.G.1, and 4.J.1.
“While traditional scoring remains the official method, these new formats are a response to valuable player feedback,” said Mike Nealy, CEO of USA Pickleball. “Rally scoring, introduced under specific circumstances for tournament play only, is designed to create a more dynamic and engaging experience for both players and spectators. Guardrails and clear guidelines ensure this option complements — rather than replaces — traditional scoring, maintaining the integrity and flow of the game.”
Rally scoring is already provisionally approved for pickleball singles.