The Padel scoring system is almost the same as tennis, but the gameplay feels faster, more tactical & much more fun. If you’re new to Padel, this guide explains exactly how scoring works, how matches are structured, & what to expect during real play.
1. The Basic Point System
Padel uses traditional tennis scoring:
0 → 15 → 30 → 40 → Game
You need to win points to win games, win games to win sets, & win sets to win the match.
Example progression:
- First point: 15
- Second point: 30
- Third point: 40
- Fourth point: Game (if you’re ahead)
It’s simple once you’ve seen it in action.
2. What Is “Deuce” & How Does It Work?
If both teams reach 40–40, that’s called deuce.
Traditionally, from deuce a team must:
- Win two points in a row to win the game
(First “advantage,” then “game”)
But modern Padel often uses a faster approach…
3. Golden Point: The Modern Rule
Many professional tours & clubs now use the Golden Point rule to speed up matches.
At 40–40:
🔥 There is one deciding point.
🔥 The receiving team chooses which side will receive the serve.
🔥 Whoever wins that point wins the game.
No advantage. No long deuces. Simple & exciting.
4. How Games Form a Set
A standard Padel set is won by the first team to reach:
6 games with at least 2 games of difference
Examples:
- 6–3 = set won
- 6–4 = set won
- 5–5 = continue playing
- 6–5 = keep going
- 7–5 = set won
If teams reach 6–6, the set goes to a tiebreak.
5. The Tiebreak Explained Simply
A tiebreak is played to 7 points, but you must win by 2 points.
Tiebreak scoring is numeric, not tennis-style:
1, 2, 3, 4… up to 7 (or more if tied)
Examples:
- 7–4 = win
- 8–6 = win
- 10–8 = win
Whoever wins the tiebreak wins the set 7–6.
6. How Many Sets to Win the Match?
Most Padel matches are best of 3 sets.
Meaning:
- Win 2 sets = win the match
- Lose 2 sets = match over
- If tied 1–1, the third set decides it
In amateur clubs, some formats use a shortened third set (like a super tiebreak), but most full matches use a standard third set.
7. Serving Rotation Rules
Padel serving is very structured.
- Teams alternate serving each game
- Within a team, players switch who serves first in each set
- Each server serves an entire game
- You must serve underarm, bouncing the ball once & striking it below waist height
After each game is complete, the serve switches sides.
8. When the Ball Is In or Out
A point continues as long as:
- The ball bounces once in the court
- It can hit the glass walls after bouncing
- It is returned before bouncing twice
- It doesn’t hit the fence before bouncing
The walls make rallies longer & much more strategic.
9. How a Point Is Won or Lost
You win a point when your opponents:
- Fail to return before the second bounce
- Hit the ball into the fence on their side
- Hit the ball out of bounds
- Hit the ball into the net
- Double-fault their serve
- Hit their own wall before the ball bounces
The rules are simple once you’ve played a few rallies.
10. Quick Summary for Beginners
Here’s the entire scoring system in one list:
- 0 → 15 → 30 → 40 → Game
- At 40–40, Golden Point decides the game (in modern rules)
- 6 games = set (win by two)
- 6–6 = tiebreak to 7 points
- Best of 3 sets wins the match
- Serve alternates each game
- Underarm serve only
- Ball can hit the glass walls after bouncing
That’s all you need to start playing confidently.
