How racquetball scoring works
Racquetball is one of the few racket sports that kept side-out scoring, and its deciding game is shorter than the ones before it. Both facts catch out anyone scoring from habit.
Side-out scoring to 15
Only the serving side can score. Winning a rally as receiver wins you the serve, not a point. Games go to 15, and there is no win-by-two requirement, so 15-14 is a normal finish.
The tiebreaker to 11
A match is best of three games, but the third game goes to 11, not 15. It is called the tiebreaker for that reason.
Serving
The server serves from the service zone and must let the ball bounce once before striking it. Two faults lose the serve; one fault is a second serve.
Rally scoring
Many leagues have moved to rally scoring so game length is predictable, usually to 15. It is a switch rather than a different sport.
Cutthroat
Three players: the server plays against the other two, and when the server loses the rally the serve rotates. Score it with the server as one side and the pair as the other, and rotate as the serve moves.
What Score All does with these rules
Side-out scoring to 15
Only the serving side can score. Games go to 15 with no win-by-two requirement, so 15-14 is a legal finish.
The tiebreaker to 11
A match is best of three, but the deciding third game goes to 11 rather than 15. Score All treats it as a separate target so you do not have to remember mid-match.
Rally scoring
Many leagues now play rally scoring to make game length predictable. It is a switch.
Cutthroat
Three players: the server plays against the other two, and the serve rotates. Score the server as one side and the pair as the other.
Racquetball scoring FAQ
Is there a win-by-two rule in racquetball?
No, not in standard play. A game to 15 can finish 15-14.
Why is the third game only to 11?
It is the tiebreaker, deliberately shorter so a match does not run long.
How many points is a racquetball game?
15, with the deciding third game to 11. There is no win-by-two requirement in standard play.
Can only the server score in racquetball?
In traditional side-out scoring, yes. Many leagues now use rally scoring instead, which is an option here.
What is cutthroat racquetball?
A three-player game where the server plays the other two and the serve rotates. Score the server as one side.