Switching sides in pickleball might seem like a small detail—but it really matters. It’s not just about fairness. It’s about adapting to court conditions, staying comfortable, and keeping your mental game strong. This quick reference will walk you through when, why, and how to switch sides in both typical recreational matches and more competitive settings.
1. Basics of Court Switching
When teams switch sides, what they’re really doing is changing the court halves they’re occupying—so that neither side ends up unfairly advantaged (sun in the eyes, wind at your back, etc.). In recreational play, it often comes down to a simple agreement. In official matches, the rules steer the process.
According to the rule‑summary for doubles:
When the serving team’s score is even… the player who was first server will be in the right‑side court. While that refers to serving positions, it also highlights how positioning and side‑changes relate to scoring.
2. When Do Teams Switch Across the Net?
In many recreational settings and some tournaments:
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After each game ends, players usually switch sides.
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If a match is best‑of‑three games (first to win two), the teams may switch sides at the start of the third game or when one team reaches a midpoint threshold—often six points in an 11‑point game. This midpoint switch helps ensure neither team keeps the more favorable side of the court for the majority of the contest.
3. When Within a Game Do You Switch?
For doubles, most players focus on switching sides after a side‑out or between games, rather than every point. However, here are key moments to be aware of:
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After a side‑out (the serving team loses their serve) in doubles. Some clubs or rulesets require both teams to move sides at that moment—especially outdoors when wind/sun are big factors.
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In recreational play where rules aren’t strict, players sometimes agree “switch at 6 points” in an 11‑point game. This gives each side roughly half the time on each side of the court.
If you’re playing outdoors and one side has strong wind or bright sun in the eyes, switching at an agreed threshold makes sense.
4. Practical Approach for Your Game
Here’s how to handle it in your next match:
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Before the match starts, agree with your opponents and partner: “Switch sides after game one” or “Let’s switch when someone hits six.”
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Be aware of court conditions: If wind picks up or the sun shifts, don’t hesitate to call a “mid‑game switch” if everyone agrees. That’s good sportsmanship.
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Focus on the game, not just the side: Even if you’re on the “bad side” for a while, keep executing your strategy—because scoreboard pressure matters more than side.
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Gear up with the right equipment to reduce disadvantage, for example check our Evo-Series paddles for lightweight, agile play.
5. Why This Matters
Switching sides isn’t just a rule—it’s part of fairness and strategy. Consider:
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Outdoor courts often have predictable advantages: wind direction, slope, sun angle.
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Being stuck on the disadvantage side for 8–10 points can affect your rhythm, your comfort, and ultimately your chances of winning.
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Teams that plan and communicate proactively (even with something as simple as “switch at six”) often avoid mental drift and stay more focused.
Final Thoughts
Next time you step onto the court, know this: Switching sides isn’t optional—it’s part of a fair game and good strategy. Whether you’re playing casual doubles at the park or entering a fun tournament, a quick agreement before play goes a long way.
And if you ever forget the exact rule, just remember: in outdoor or high‑wind conditions, switching at a midpoint (often six in an 11‑point game) keeps things honest.
Ready to take your game further? Dive into our blog entry on rookie pickleball mistakes and find gear that helps you stay sharp from start to finish.