Start by asking the other players two questions: what score are we playing to, and are we using side-out scoring? Those answers give the rest of the game a frame. The example here uses doubles with side-out scoring; do not carry its service sequence into a different scoring format without checking that format.
Follow the first three shots
A rally begins with two required bounces
- Serve
Send the serve diagonally into the receiving service court, beyond the non-volley zone.
- Return
The receiving team lets the serve bounce before returning it.
- Third shot
The serving team lets that return bounce. Afterward, either team may volley, subject to the kitchen rules.
The kitchen limits volleys, not all movement
A volley is a shot struck before the ball bounces. You may enter the non-volley zone to play a bounced ball. You cannot volley while touching the zone or its line, and momentum from a volley cannot carry you into it. Getting the shot away before stepping over the line does not make that momentum legal.
Read a doubles score as three separate pieces
Under side-out scoring, only the serving team adds points. The call gives the serving score, receiving score and current server number. Both partners normally get a service turn before a side-out. The opening service turn is the exception: only one partner serves, announced as 0–0–2.
| Event | Next score call |
|---|---|
| Opening server begins | 0–0–2 |
| Opening server wins a rally | 1–0–2 |
| Opening server loses the next rally | Side-out; opponents begin at 0–1–1 |
| That server loses a rally without scoring | Their partner serves at 0–1–2 |
A useful goal for your first session
For a few practice rallies, say “bounce” when each required bounce happens and say the full score before serving. If a rally becomes confusing, pause between points and agree where the sequence changed. Aim to follow one complete service turn confidently before worrying about speed or spectacular shots.
