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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pb-switch-ends

In a USA Pickleball tournament, when do teams switch ends between games?

After each game.

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  1. After each game ✔
  2. After every 6 points
  3. Only in the final game

Why: Tournament teams change ends before the next game. In a deciding game to 11, they also change ends when one team reaches 6.

Huh, didn't know that: In tournaments, players get up to two minutes between games to change ends.

The dad joke
Why did the players switch ends? To give the sun a turn watching them.
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References

Answer: After each game. Tournament teams change ends before the next game. In a deciding game to 11, they also change ends when one team reaches 6.

  1. 2026 USA Pickleball Official Rulebook, Part III Tournament Play usapickleball.org/docs/rules/USAP-Official-Rulebook.pdf
    Singles players or doubles teams must change ends and initial service for the next game of the match.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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