Rally Scoring vs. Side-Out: The Future of Competitive Pickleball

Changing the Pace of the Game

If you've recently tuned into a Major League Pickleball (MLP) match, you might have noticed something different: the score changes on every single play. This is Rally Scoring, and it’s sparking a massive debate in the pickleball community.

Side-Out vs. Rally Scoring

In traditional Side-Out Scoring, you can only score points when your team is serving. This can lead to long, grueling matches. In Rally Scoring, a point is awarded to whoever wins the rally, regardless of who served. This creates a faster, more predictable game clock—perfect for television and high-stakes tournaments.

How It Changes Your Strategy

Rally scoring increases the pressure on every shot. There are no "free" mistakes when you're receiving. At Xephira, we recommend players practice in both formats to sharpen their mental toughness. When every rally counts toward the scoreboard, your focus must be absolute.

Whether you're playing to 11, 15, or 21, ensure your gear can handle the intensity of the modern game.