Who Serves First in Pickleball Doubles

If you’ve ever stood on a pickleball court for the first time, you know that the scoring and serving rules can feel like a foreign language. “0-0-2,” “Second server,” “Side out”—it’s enough to make your head spin. But of all the rules in pickleball, the one that causes the most confusion for beginners is the doubles serving sequence.

In doubles pickleball, the serving rules are unique compared to tennis or badminton. Understanding who serves first, where they stand, and how the “second server” rule works is essential for a smooth, fair game. In this guide, we’ll break down the serving rules in simple terms so you can step onto the court with confidence and never have to ask, “Wait, whose turn is it?” again.

1. The Very First Serve of the Game

At the start of every new game, there is a special rule that only applies to the very first service turn.

• The Rule: The team that wins the coin toss (or the “spin of the paddle”) chooses to serve first. However, to keep the game fair and prevent the serving team from having too much of an advantage, only one person on the starting team gets to serve.
• The Score: The starting score is always announced as “0-0-2.”
• Why the “2”? In pickleball doubles, the third number in the score represents which server is currently serving (Server 1 or Server 2). Since the first team only gets one server for the very first turn, they start as “Server 2.” If they lose the point, the serve immediately goes to the other team (a “Side Out”).

2. The Standard Serving Sequence

After that very first service turn is over and the ball goes to the other team, the standard serving rules take over for the rest of the game.

Server 1

The person standing in the right-hand (even) court when their team wins the serve back is always the first server. They announce the score (e.g., “0-0-1”) and serve until their team loses a rally.

Server 2

When the first server loses a rally, the ball doesn’t go to the opponents yet. Instead, it goes to their partner, who becomes the second server. They announce the score (e.g., “0-0-2”) and serve until their team loses another rally.

Side Out

When the second server loses a rally, it is a “Side Out.” The ball goes to the opposing team, and the process starts over with their first server.

3. Where Do You Stand?

Your position on the court is determined by your team’s score.

• The Switch: You only switch sides with your partner when your team wins a point while serving. You do not switch sides when you lose a rally or when the serve moves from Server 1 to Server 2.

4. The Correct Way to Serve

Knowing who serves is only half the battle; you also need to know how to serve legally. 1. Underhand Only: The serve must be made with an underhand stroke. The paddle head must be below your wrist, and the contact point must be below your waist. 2. The “Drop” vs. “Volley” Serve: You can either hit the ball out of the air (Volley Serve) or let it bounce once before hitting it (Drop Serve). If you use the Drop Serve, you cannot “throw” or “push” the ball down; you must simply let it fall from your hand. 3. Diagonal Placement: The serve must travel diagonally across the net and land within the boundaries of the opponent’s diagonal service court. 4. Clear the Kitchen: The serve must clear the “Non-Volley Zone” (the Kitchen) and its line. If the ball hits the kitchen line on a serve, it is a fault.

5. Common Serving Mistakes (Faults)

• Serving from the wrong side: If the score is 4 and you serve from the left side, it’s a fault.
• Serving to the wrong person: The serve must go to the person standing diagonally from you.
• Stepping on the line: Your feet must be behind the baseline and between the imaginary extensions of the sideline and center line when you hit the serve.
• Wrong Score Announcement: While not always a fault in casual play, in a tournament, announcing the wrong score can lead to a re-serve or a technical warning.

6. Strategy: Who Should Serve First?

If you win the toss, who on your team should be the “First Server”? * The Consistent Server: If one partner has a very reliable, deep serve that rarely faults, they should start on the right side so they can set the tone for the game. * The Stronger Player: Some teams prefer to have their stronger player start on the right so they are involved in more points early on. * The “Lefty” Factor: If you have a left-handed player, you might want to position them so their forehand is in the middle of the court, which may dictate who starts on which side.

7. How to Remember the Score

This is the hardest part for everyone! * The Third Number: Always remember that the third number (1 or 2) tells you if you’re on your first or second server. * The Starting Position: Remember which side you started on at the beginning of the game. If your score is even, you should be on that same side. If your score is odd, you should be on the opposite side. If you’re not, someone is out of position!

Conclusion

The serving rules in pickleball doubles might seem complicated at first, but they are designed to keep the game balanced and exciting. By remembering the “0-0-2” start, the “Server 1 / Server 2” sequence, and the “Even-Right / Odd-Left” rule, you’ll be the one helping everyone else stay on track.

The best way to master the serving sequence is simply to play. After a few games, the rhythm of the score and the movement on the court will become second nature. So, grab your partner, head to the courts, and remember: “0-0-2, let’s play!”