Calling the Score in Doubles Matches. {Simpler Starting Score (0-0-0 instead of 0-0-2)}

4.J. Calling the Score in Doubles Matches. The score is called as three numbers in doubles matches. The proper
sequence for calling the score is: serving team’s score – receiving team’s score – the server number (one or two), (e.g., “zero – one – one”). To start each game, the score will be called as “zero – zero – zerotwo.”

4.J. Calling the Score in Doubles Matches. The score is called as three numbers in doubles matches. The proper
sequence for calling the score is: serving team’s score – receiving team’s score – the server number (one or two), (e.g., “zero – one – one”). To start each game, the score will be called as “zero – zero – two.”

🎾 Proposal for a Simpler Pickleball Starting Score (0-0-0 instead of 0-0-2)

As a coach and dedicated pickleball player for over six years, I’ve identified a flaw in the game that could discourage new players: the complexity of the scoring system. Instead of being an inviting feature, it can feel like a barrier. How I know this is that I'm also a coach developer for two organizations (RSPA - formerly USPTA and IFP Academy). To address this, I’ve designed a new, easier scoring system that’s intuitive and inclusive.

🌟 The Problem: Confusion in Scoring
• The current scoring system starts at 0-0-2, which many beginners, and others, find confusing.
• Players often forget they’re on the “2” when the score resets after a side-out.
• The terms first server and second server are misleading. They don’t account for the odd (left) and even (right) positioning, which is crucial to the game. Since 0 is an even number it makes sense that that be the start of the game. Also, there is only one start so that's why the 0 is only used for the starting serves scores.

✅ The Solution: Start at 0-0-0

Here’s how it works:
1️⃣ Begin the game at 0-0-0.
• This makes logical sense and aligns with tennis, where “zero” means love or nothing.
• It’s straightforward: every game starts at zero—simple, clean, and easy to remember. 0-0-0.

2️⃣ Progress the scoring logically:
• After the first side-out, the score moves to 0-0-1, then 0-0-2, and so on.
• This eliminates the redundant initial “0-0-2” and reduces confusion about who serves next.

3️⃣ Clarify server positioning:
• The even server (right) is always the starting server, wearing a wristband in tournament play.
• The odd server (left) follows.
• Since zero is even, the starting server is the 0-0-0 server, aligning their position and number perfectly.
• I've discovered that many players and coaches mistakenly call it the "1st" server and "2nd" server, but this is not accurate and only causes confusion. It is the "even", "right" or deuce" side server and the "odd", "left" or "ad" side server.
• Using 0 instead of 2 at the start of every game will eliminate the temptation to call it the 1st or 2nd server because you are starting with an even number (0) that's is NOT 2 (which gets confused with 2nd server)

🙌 Why This System Works
• Easier for beginners: Reduces confusion about starting positions and sequences.
• Syncs with tennis players: Familiarity with zero/love resonates with their scoring logic.
• Eliminates misunderstandings: Players will think in terms of even and odd, not misleading “first” and “second” server labels.

📝 My Credentials

As a pickleball coach and player for over 6 years and a Coach Developer for the past four years for three organizations, I’ve certified pickleball professional coaches in New England, representing RSPA (formerly USPTA) & IFP Academy. In helping create the national written exam and on the national committee for master pickleball professional for RSPA, specifically questions on the scoring, I discovered the flaw and subsequent widespread confusion surrounding the scoring system. My proposal addresses this issue directly, ensuring a smoother transition for new players while honoring the integrity of the game as the change is a simple but profound one. 0-0-0 instead of 0-0-2 to start the game.

I've "beta tested" 0-0-0 in clinics of mine and the players, especially ones new to the game, LOVE the 0-0-0 because it's much easier and makes more intuitive sense. Let’s make Pickleball more accessible and enjoyable for everyone!

Game on, starting at 0-0-0! 🎉

Here's a video of me explaining it briefly
https://youtu.be/WkO0uDhuArE

Respectfully & enthusiastically,
Angelo A. Rossetti
4X Guinness World Records title holder (2 pickleball records)
Founder, Rossetti Brothers Pickleball
203-996-4417
angelo@rossettibrothers.com

The start of every doubles game.