How to Play Pickleball With 3 Players – Rules & Tips

Playing pickleball with three players can be just as exciting as a full doubles match if you embrace the right variation. 

One of the best ways to adapt is by trying Cutthroat or Australian Doubles, which adds a competitive edge and increases the pressure on each individual. Unlike standard games, you don’t have a set teamthe game constantly shifts as each player rotates. 

Every rally is a chance to score points, but when it’s your turn to serve as a single player, it can be daunting to take on two opponents at once. Winning requires skill, adaptability, and strategic shot placement.

I’ve had times when a friend couldn’t make it, and we had to improvise. Once, my partner strained his oblique, so playing doubles was off the table, and we had to opt for 3-person play instead. 

How to play 3 person pickleball

The challenge was finding balance, but using a paddle that felt right and high-quality pickleballs helped. 

The key is to keep moving, anticipate shots, and stay sharp, knowing that once you lose the rally, you need to rotate and fight your way back to the serving side.

If you’re looking for a fourth, there’s a fantastic partner-matching product designed to connect players, ensuring you always have the perfect teammate. 

But if you’re sticking to three, you can introduce handicaps to keep things even and make sure everyone gets a fair shot at winning.

Can You Play Pickleball With 3 Players?

Yes, you absolutely can play pickleball with three players, and it’s a great way to keep the sport going even when you are one person short. The rules stay mostly the same, but there are slight variations to accommodate the odd number. 

Each player takes turns to serve twice in a row, alternating between the right and left side of the court, depending on whether they are in an even or odd position. The ball must be hit diagonally across the net and must clear the non-volley zone. 

The other two players remain positioned near the net, ready to return the ball and keep the rally going. One thing I enjoy about three-player pickleball is the latest trends in pickleball and balance between individual skill and quick decision-making. 

Without a fixed team, every game allows for a different shot strategy in Pickleball, giving each player more opportunities to hit and make plays. 

The goal is still to score points, with the first to 11 winning provided they lead by at least two points. 

This format is not only engaging but also comes with added benefits, like improving reflexes and encouraging a more dynamic play style. Plus, it’s just plain fun to mix things up!

3-Person Pickleball Rules

Cutthroat Pickleball and Australian Pickleball are exciting ways to enjoy the game when there are only three people available, keeping everyone active without making a player sit and wait for their turn. 

Unlike traditional doubles, this format is similar to Canadian Doubles in tennis, where one side of the net has a solo player, while the other has a team of two. 

The match stays dynamic because if the receiving team wins a rally, all players must rotate clockwise, ensuring fairness and an equal chance to play from different positions. 

The fast-paced nature of this variation tests individual skill, shot placement, and quick reflexes, making it a fun and strategic way to enjoy pickleball with fewer people.

Single player side / Server Rules

In pickleball, when playing with three players, the single player on one side always serves, following the same rules as in doubles or regular play. 

The server must announce the score before each serve and position themselves correctly on their side of the court. 

Standing behind the baseline, between the sideline and center line, the ball must be hit cleanly into play while ensuring it stays within bounds. 

The rally continues until a fault occurs or the point is won. The inactive half of the court is considered out of bounds, and the boundary is set by the predetermined serving area. 

The non-serving team must be ready to receive, and when they win a point, all players rotate clockwise. 

With a chance to attempt a new serve, the newly serving player takes control and aims to score more points, ensuring a fast-paced and strategic game.

Double Player Side / Receivers Rules

On the double player side, the receiving team must be ready to return a legal serve that lands within the normal boundaries of the pickleball court. 

The return should be precise, ensuring the ball stays within the correct side of play. A strong hit directed crosscourt can be an effective way to challenge the single player. 

The serve must fall inside the outer edges of the baseline, between the center line and sideline, avoiding the kitchen zone and kitchen line to remain in play. 

On returns, both players must work together to keep the ball within the correct half of the court, using an imaginary extension of the center line as a guideline. 

If the net is cleared and the shot is allowed, the point remains active, putting pressure on the opponent to react quickly. 

A well-placed shot can keep the receiving side in control and force errors from the server.

How to Score in 3-Person Pickleball

Scoring in three-player pickleball can be challenging, but there are different options to make it fair. 

The most common way is to track each player’s score individually, making it a 1 vs 1 vs 1 match where the first to reach 11 wins. The second place finisher is determined by the next highest points total. 

For example, if the scores are 6-7-2, it means one player has 6, another has 7, and the third has 2. The order, such as 6-2-7, doesn’t matter as long as everyone knows the current standing. Just like in doubles or singles, you can only score when serving, and the serve order must rotate after a fault. 

If player 1 serves first and loses the rally, player 2 serves next, then player 3, and back to player 1. Some find it cumbersome to track scores, so simply announcing your score before serving makes it easier.

We found this method worked best for keeping the game smooth and fair while ensuring every player gets a chance to stand out.

Quick Things to Note When play 3 person pickleball

In this variation of pickleball, you can only score when serving, so keeping track of points is essential. The first to 11 wins, but every rotation across the net changes the dynamics of the game. 

Playing cutthroat introduces a different teammate and opponent every few rounds, pushing you to adjust based on their tendencies and weaknesses. This format is a great drill, helping you develop an edge in competitive play and learn how to put away serve shots strategically. 

Since there’s no fixed partner, there’s less pressure and uncertainty, allowing you to focus on improving your shots without needing to second-guess anyone. 

Conversely, playing against a single side demands a precise approach, as the boundary shrinks to half the court. This is the perfect time for practicing deeper slice shots down the lines, aiming for a hard angle, or using a smart diagonal attack from the server side to gain an advantage.

Tips for Playing Pickleball with Three Players

A smart player knows that positioning on the court is key in a three-person game. One should stay at the back, while the other two rotate between the front and the non-volley zone to distribute the workload and give each person a break from constant action. 

Strong communication is the key to success—talk to your teammates about who will hit the ball to avoid confusion and stay on the same page. 

A great way to challenge your opponents is to use different shorts in pickleball, using a variety of dinks, drives, and lobs to keep them guessing and throw off their balance. 

To score more points, stay focused, keep your eye on the ball, and always be alert in this fast-paced game. A well-timed reaction can make all the difference, so be ready to react quickly to every shot that comes your way.

Another smart strategy is to produce killer topspin in pickleball by brushing up on the ball with a low-to high paddle motion. This makes your shots dip faster, bounce unpredictably, and become harder for opponents to return.

In Conclusion

3-person pickleball may feel a bit odd at first, but once you start playing, you might even prefer it over doubles or singles in certain instances. 

This version of the game is incredibly fun and forces you to improve both your singles vs doubles skills while thinking more strategically. 

While it can be difficult at times, the fast-paced nature keeps things exciting, especially when playing on different courts with experienced or seasoned players. Whether you’re new to the sport or just looking for a great way to get some exercise, grab a few friends, pick up your paddles, and give it a tryit’s a truly exciting way to enjoy the game!

FAQs

Can pickleball be played with three people?

Playing pickleball with three people is exciting and keeps everyone engaged. One player is on one side of the net and two players on the other side of the net. When the receiving team wins a rally, all players rotate clockwise to switch positions. Stay alert, play smart, and enjoy the challenge of this dynamic format!

How to play triple pickleball?

Triple Pickle is an exciting variation that brings a total of 6 players, with 3 on each side of the court. After the first out, every team member must serve before the next side out, keeping the flow similar to conventional pickleball. However, unlike standard play, teammates can take their turn in any order after every side out, making strategy key. This format requires quick thinking, coordination, and adaptability, making it a thrilling way to enjoy the game.

How do you score in 3 person pickleball for beginners?

In this version, only the solo player has the chance to score points. If they win the rally, they earn a point, keeping them in the same position for the next serve. However, if they lose, no one scores, and the next player rotates into the solo spot. This keeps the game fast-paced and ensures everyone gets a turn at scoring.

What are 3 rules about the serve in pickleball?

To start a serve, at least one foot must be behind the baseline, ensuring neither foot contacts the court before the ball is struck. The serve is made diagonally crosscourt and must land within the confines of the opposite side. Only one attempt is allowed, but let serves are permitted, keeping the game fair while maintaining precision in every shot.