Currently, the sport of pickleball uses what is known as “side out scoring.” In other words, you can only score a point on the pickleball court when you are serving. Rally scoring is another format that is becoming more widely used in pickleball, with USA Pickleball even releasing provisional rules for rally scoring in singles pickleball. In rally scoring, a point is scored on every single rally—regardless of who serves the pickleball.
With rally scoring becoming more popular, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of the different scoring systems and make the necessary mindset adjustments to excel on the pickleball court.
High Percentage Pickleball
In side out scoring, the serving team has the sole opportunity to score, which emphasizes the importance of a strong serve and the ability to maintain the serve through consistent play. This can lead to a more conservative and risk-averse style of play, where players prioritize safe shots over aggressive plays to maintain possession of the serve.
With side out scoring, it’s important to reduce your unforced errors and improve your shot selection. In other words, focus on playing “high percentage pickleball.” High percentage pickleball is about hitting shots that give you the highest percentage of success and the lowest chance of making an unforced error, while still remaining unpredictable and taking calculated risks on the pickleball court.
Be Aggressive
Rally scoring encourages a more aggressive and proactive approach to the game. This is one of the arguments in favor of rally scoring in pickleball; it offers faster, more exciting games. Every rally is an opportunity to earn a point, regardless of the serving team. In this format, you can score while on “defense” (i.e., receiving). This incentivizes players to take calculated risks, go for winning shots, and maintain an aggressive demeanor throughout the game. The pressure to earn a point in every rally can create a more intense and fast-paced playing environment.
Embracing the shift to rally scoring requires a shift in mindset from playing to maintain the serve, to playing to win each rally. This means being more assertive with shot selection, looking for opportunities to exploit opponents’ weaknesses, and staying mentally agile and focused throughout the game. Aggressive shots and fast-paced rallies can put pressure on your opponents, forcing them to make quick decisions and potentially make mistakes. This can lead to unforced errors and opportunities for you to capitalize on.
Stay Mentally Tough
Mental resilience is key regardless of the scoring format, but there are important considerations for both side out scoring and rally scoring. In side out scoring, losing a point means losing the serve, which can be mentally challenging. Switching between offense and defense (serving and receiving) requires you to adapt quickly. As the game progresses, mental fatigue can set in. Concentration levels may drop, leading to errors or lapses in decision-making. This can make it harder to execute shots effectively and secure the final point. It’s important to remain determined and maintain focus throughout.
In rally scoring, players must quickly recover from losing a point and refocus on winning the next rally, as every rally offers an opportunity to score. One team can gain momentum over the other in rally scoring. Playing aggressively and winning points with powerful shots can boost your energy and morale. As you start to gain momentum, your opponents might feel demoralized and find it challenging to regain control of the game. On the other hand, rally scoring can also encourage comebacks as each point is a new opportunity. Remember, remain positive and see the possibilities in each shot on the pickleball court.
Whether you prefer the deliberate strategy of side out scoring or the fast-paced intensity of rally scoring, both pickleball scoring systems offer unique challenges and opportunities for growth as a pickleball player. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to stay focused, maintain your composure, and play each point with the same level of intensity and the same sense of urgency as earlier in the pickleball game. Keeping a positive mindset, taking calculated risks, and maintaining good shot selection can increase your chances of successfully closing out the game. Understanding the unique aspects of each scoring method can help you adapt your mental approach and make the necessary strategic adjustments to your game, giving you a competitive edge on the court.
