← Back to Scoreboard
🎯 Getting Started - Quick Setup
Follow these simple steps to start scoring your pickleball match in seconds:
- 1Open the Scoreboard: Visit PickleballScore.net on any device - no download needed!
- 2Set Team Names: Tap on "Team 1" and "Team 2" to customize your team names
- 3Choose Game Mode: Select from Pickleball (11 pts), Rally Point (15 pts), or Badminton (21 pts)
- 4Select Singles/Doubles: Choose your match format
- 5Start Scoring: Tap the score buttons to track points!
🏆 Scoring Your Match
Adding Points
- Tap the + button next to a team's score to add a point
- Tap the - button to subtract a point if you make a mistake
- The serving indicator automatically updates based on official rules
- Server number shows which player is serving (in doubles)
Understanding the Score Display
Doubles Scoring (3-Number System)
Example: 7-5-2
- First number (7): Serving team's score
- Second number (5): Receiving team's score
- Third number (2): Server number (1 or 2)
Singles Scoring (2-Number System)
Example: 7-5
- First number (7): Server's score
- Second number (5): Receiver's score
⚙️ Game Settings & Features
Accessing Settings
Tap the ⚙️ Settings button to access game options:
- Game Mode: Switch between different scoring systems
- Match Format: Toggle between singles and doubles
- Win Condition: Set winning score (default: 11 for pickleball)
- Win by 2: Enable/disable must-win-by-2 rule
- Dark Mode: Perfect for OLED screens and low light
- Fullscreen: Hide browser UI for tournament use
Game Modes Explained
🏓 Pickleball Mode (Side-Out Scoring)
- First to 11 points, must win by 2
- Only serving team can score
- Official USAPA rules enforced
⚡ Rally Point Mode
- First to 15 points, must win by 2
- Either team can score on any rally
- Faster games, great for practice
🏸 Badminton Mode
- First to 21 points, must win by 2
- Rally point scoring system
- Perfect for multi-sport facilities
📱 Live Sharing Feature
Share your match in real-time with spectators, coaches, or family!
How to Share Your Match
- 1Tap Share Button: Click the 📱 Share Match button in settings
- 2Get Your Link: A unique share link is generated instantly
- 3Share the QR Code: Show the QR code for easy mobile access
- 4Spectators Watch: Anyone with the link sees live score updates
🔒 Privacy Note: Only people with your share link can view the match. Links expire after the game ends.
Sharing Benefits
- Family & Friends: Let loved ones follow your tournament matches
- Coaches: Remote coaching and analysis during play
- Tournaments: Spectators can follow multiple courts
- Social Media: Share exciting matches with the pickleball community
👤 User Accounts & Benefits
While you can use the scoreboard as a guest, creating an account unlocks powerful features:
Account Benefits
- Match History: Track all your games and statistics
- Default Settings: Save your preferred team names and game modes
- Cloud Sync: Access your data across all devices
- Statistics: View wins, losses, and performance trends
- Team Management: Save player names for doubles matches
Creating an Account
- 1Click Sign In: Tap the 👤 Sign In button in settings
- 2Choose Method: Sign in with Google for instant access
- 3Confirm Details: Set your display name and preferences
- 4Start Playing: All features are now unlocked!
🏆 Tournament & Advanced Features
Tournament Mode
Perfect for organized play and official matches:
- Match Format: Best-of-3 games with automatic game tracking
- Official Timer: Built-in timeouts and break timers
- Score Verification: Confirmation prompts for important points
- Match Export: Save detailed match reports
Undo & Corrections
Made a mistake? No problem:
- Score Correction: Use the - buttons to subtract points
- Server Changes: Manually adjust server if needed
- Game Reset: Start fresh without losing match history
Fullscreen Mode
Perfect for tournament displays and professional setups:
- Clean Interface: Hide browser navigation and distractions
- Large Text: Easy to read from across the court
- Touch-Friendly: Big buttons for referees and scorekeepers
📱 Mobile Tips & Tricks
Installation (Progressive Web App)
- 1iOS Safari: Tap Share → Add to Home Screen
- 2Android Chrome: Tap Menu → Add to Home Screen
- 3Desktop: Look for install prompt in address bar
Offline Usage
- Works Offline: Score matches even without internet
- Sync Later: Data syncs when connection returns
- Cache Benefits: Loads instantly after first visit
Battery Saving
- Dark Mode: Reduces battery usage on OLED screens
- Screen Timeout: Prevent auto-lock during long games
- Minimal Background: App uses very little battery
❓ Troubleshooting & FAQ
Common Issues
Q: The score isn't updating correctly
A: Make sure you're following the official serving rules. The app enforces USAPA regulations, so only the serving team can score in pickleball mode.
Q: Live sharing isn't working
A: Check your internet connection. Live sharing requires a stable connection for real-time updates.
Q: Can I use this for tournaments?
A: Absolutely! The app follows official USAPA rules and includes features specifically designed for tournament play.
Q: Is there a cost to use this?
A: The app is completely free. We support it through optional ads that help keep the service free for everyone.
🚀 Ready to Start Playing?
Now that you know how to use all the features, you're ready to take your pickleball scoring to the next level!
Need more help? Check out our Pickleball Rules Guide or visit our About Page for more information.