Pickleball Serve First or Choose Side

The Pickleball “Serve First or Choose Side” Dilemma Solved by Math Nerds

Pickleball players face a strategic science experiment when starting a match – to serve first or choose a side? Let’s channel our inner mad scientists and break down the factors in this pickleball serve first or choose side dilemma.

Scoring Systems – The Proof is in the Pudding

Scoring in pickleball can be a bit unique, and there are two primary variations: traditional scoring and rally scoring.

1. Traditional Scoring (Side-out Scoring)

• Only the serving team can score points.
• The game is played to 11 points, but a team must win by 2 points.
• In doubles, each player on the serving team gets a chance to serve before the serve is handed over to the opposing team. The first server only serves once at the beginning of the game, but after that, each server continues to serve until a point is lost.
• The score is often called out in a three-number format: the serving team’s score, the receiving team’s score, and the server number (either 1 or 2). For example, “4-5-2” means the serving team has 4 points, the receiving team has 5 points, and the second server is serving.

2. Rally Scoring

• Points can be scored by either the serving or receiving team.
• The game is typically played to 15 or 21 points, and a team must win by 2 points.
• The serve still rotates between partners in doubles, but because points can be scored on any rally, games tend to be faster.
• Rally scoring is less common than traditional scoring in pickleball but is used in some tournaments and recreational play settings.

Traditional Scoring

Only the serving team can score points in traditional scoring. This means the team that serves first will have a slight advantage in a game to 11, getting to serve one extra time. However, in a game to 15 points, the receiving team will have a tiny edge by getting the last serve. Overall, the differences are negligible.

Rally Scoring

With rally scoring, either team can score on each serve. This eliminates any inherent advantage or disadvantage for the starting server. Some players feel less pressure with rally scoring since you don’t have to hold serve to stay in the game. Rally scoring leads to quicker games and more back-and-forth momentum.

Skill Levels – An Algorithm for Serve First or Side Success?

Beginner Levels

At beginner levels, serves and returns tend to be less consistent. So while serving first provides little advantage with clumsy serves, weak returns mean the serving team may score easier. At this level, serve first could provide a slight edge if players have not developed solid returning skills.

Advanced Levels

When players reach an advanced skill level, serves become more commanding and returns are more reliable. Now the serve first team gets an edge by applying immediate pressure. With strong serves, they may score quick points before receivers get warmed up. This small advantage flips at the very top skill levels.

Pro Levels

At professional levels, returns are vicious and reflexive. The receiving team can attack serves with more force and consistency. This neutralizes any serve first benefit. Instead, side choice becomes more critical to maximize conditions.

Outdoor Conditions to Consider in the Pickleball Serve First or Choose Side

When playing outdoors, environmental factors add complexity to the serve first or side choice decision. Here are some of the outdoor conditions to weigh:

Sun Spots and Sunglasses

Bright sun can cause visibility issues for one side. Pick the side where players won’t be staring into direct sunlight or need to wear sunglasses. Reduce sun blindness.

Harness the Wind

A strong wind usually helps the server. Use the wind to your advantage by serving first into the breeze or picking the downwind side. Let the wind boost your offense or disrupt your opponent’s.

Avoid Dark Shadows

Sidestep shadows across the court that could obscure vision. Align your side choice and service direction to minimize intermittent darkness. Prioritize consistent light conditions.

More Factors in the Pickleball Serve First or Choose Side Decision

Beyond environmental factors, strategic elements around scoring, opponents, and indoor vs. outdoor settings impact the serve first vs side choice decision:

Scoring Formats

The inherent serve first advantage seen in some traditional scoring formats disappears in rally scoring. Consider the scoring format when weighing the serve first vs side decision.

Opponent Knowledge

Scouting your opponents can reveal strengths, weaknesses, and patterns to exploit through smart serve first and side decisions.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

Indoor settings are more controlled in terms of lighting, wind and other environmental factors. Outdoors introduces more variability where side choice may provide an advantage. Even when playing pickleball indoors, there may be distraction behind one side of the court that you may want to avoid.

The Pickleball Serve First or Choose Side Verdict

While small advantages exist in certain scoring formats, the serve first vs side decision need not be over-analyzed. Focus more on having fun playing with friends than complex strategy.

Crunching the Numbers on Serve First Advantage

Traditional Scoring

Research shows in traditional scoring to 11 points, the serve first team wins 49.7% vs. 50.3% for receivers – a tiny disadvantage.

In a game to 15 points, the serve first team wins 50.4% vs 49.6% for receivers – a slim advantage.

Rally Scoring

In rally scoring to 21 points, the serve first team wins only 50.2% vs 49.8% for receivers, nearly equal.

This demonstrates the inherent serve first advantage diminishes significantly with rally scoring compared to traditional.

Should You Serve First or Pick a Side in Pickleball?

Weigh the pros and cons of serving first versus choosing a side in pickleball matches based on scoring system, environment, tournament format, and other strategic factors.