What Does 0-0-2 Mean in Pickleball? Score Call Explained
In pickleball, 0-0-2 is the score call at the very start of a doubles game. It means zero points for the serving team, zero for the receiving team, and 2 for the starting server. The 2 signals a first-serve exception: the team that serves first gets only one server before the serve passes over to their opponents.
That is the short answer. Below we break down why the first server is called "2", how the three-number score call works, and how to say it without sounding like a beginner.
What does 0-0-2 mean in pickleball?
Every score call in doubles pickleball is three numbers, said in this order: the serving team's score, the receiving team's score, and the server number (1 or 2). At the start of a game nobody has scored, so both scores are 0. The last number, 2, tells everyone that the first serving team is on its "second server" already, even though it is the opening serve of the match. So 0-0-2 literally means "no score, no score, starting server".
Why is the first server called "2"?
It comes down to fairness. In doubles, both players on a team normally get to serve before the serve goes over to the other side. That means a team can score several points in a single service turn. To stop the team that serves first from getting a free advantage, the rules give them only one server to open the game. That single opening server is designated number 2, so if they lose the rally, it is an immediate side-out and the other team takes over. Some players call this same moment "0-0-start" instead of "0-0-2", and both are correct.
How do you call the score in doubles?
Say the three numbers clearly before every serve. The server calls it out loud so both teams agree on the state of play.
| Number | What it is | Example in 0-0-2 |
|---|---|---|
| First | Serving team score | 0 |
| Second | Receiving team score | 0 |
| Third | Server number (1 or 2) | 2 |
After the opening side-out, normal service resumes: the next team gets both servers, so you will hear calls like 0-0-1, then 1-0-2, and so on as the game develops.
The first call of every game, on a heavyweight garment-dyed tee. If you have to explain it, they do not play.
Do you say 0-0-2 in singles?
No. Singles pickleball uses only two numbers, your score and your opponent's score, because there is only one server per side. So a singles game opens at 0-0, never 0-0-2. The third number and the first-serve exception exist only in doubles.
A simple way to remember it
Think of 0-0-2 as "nobody has scored, and the first team is already on borrowed time". They have one serve to make something happen before the ball goes over. Say it with confidence at the start of your next game and you will sound like you have played for years. For the rest of the on-court language, see our guide to what "the kitchen" means and other pickleball slang.
Frequently asked questions
What does 0-0-2 mean in pickleball?
It is the opening score call in doubles: zero points for the serving team, zero for the receiving team, and 2 for the starting server. The 2 means the first team has only one server before the serve passes over.
Why does the game start on server 2 and not server 1?
To keep it fair. If the first serving team had both servers, they could pile up points before the other team ever served. Starting on server 2 limits them to one service turn, then it is a side-out.
Is 0-0-2 the same as 0-0-start?
Yes. Many players say "0-0-start" to make the opening serve exception obvious, but it means exactly the same thing as 0-0-2.
How do you call the score in doubles pickleball?
Call three numbers before each serve: your team's score, the other team's score, then your server number (1 or 2). Say it out loud so both teams agree before you serve.
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