Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. It’s a fun blend of tennis and squash, played in doubles on a glass-walled court. But to fully enjoy the game and flex your skills on the court, you’ll need to understand how the scoring system works.
For beginners and even spectators, the scoring can be a bit confusing at first. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to walk you through everything you need to know about padel scoring, from how points are earned to how games and matches are decided.
1. How a Game Starts and How Playing Works
Let’s break down the very first thing you need to know: how a point begins and the basic rules of how play unfolds.
The Serve – Getting the Point Started
Every game of padel begins with a serve, and just like tennis, the server must hit the ball diagonally across the court.
Here’s how it works:
● The server must stand behind the service line (not touching it).
● They start by bouncing the ball once, then hitting it underhand, below waist level.
● The ball must land inside the service box diagonally across the court before being returned.
● The receiver can stand anywhere on their side of the court, but typically stands ready in the diagonal service box.
● Like in tennis, the server has two attempts (a first serve and a second serve). If both serves are faults, the point goes to the receiving team.
The Rally – How Play Continues
Once the ball is in play after a valid serve, the rally begins, and this is where padel gets exciting.
Here are the main rules to keep in mind during a rally:
● The ball must bounce on the ground first before touching any walls or fences on the opponent’s side.
● Each team is allowed only one bounce and only one hit before the ball must cross back over the net.
● You can volley (hit the ball before it bounces), but not on the return of serve.
● You can also use the walls to your advantage. For example, after the ball bounces once, it can hit the back or side wall, and you can still return it.
● And yes, you can smash the ball! If you hit it hard enough and it bounces, then flies out of the court, it’s still your point, as long as it bounces before leaving.
● But here’s where padel gets even more fun: the opposing team can run out of the court and try to hit the ball back into play! These are the kinds of points that get the crowd going.
At every point, quick reactions, clever use of the walls, and strong communication with your teammate are key. And now that you know how points begin and play out, you’re one step closer to mastering the game.
2. How to Score in Padel – Points, Deuce & Golden Point
Padel uses the same point system as tennis. Here's how it works:
● 0 (also called “love”)
● 15 – one point
● 30 – two points
● 40 – three points
● Game
So if a team wins the first point, the score is 15–0. Win another, and it’s 30–0, and so on.
When both teams win three points each, the score is 40–40, which is called Deuce. From here, the next point won will give a team the advantage. If they win the following point, they win the game. But if they lose it, the score goes back to deuce.
This back-and-forth can continue until one team wins two consecutive points after deuce to take the game.
Golden Point
But there’s a twist in most modern padel tournaments, especially on the World Padel Tour, called the Golden Point Rule.
This rule replaces the traditional deuce battle with a sudden-death point to speed up play and add some extra drama.
Here’s how it works:
At 40–40 (Deuce): The next point decides the game. No advantage, no extra points. Just one rally to win it all.
Receiver’s Choice: The receiving team chooses which player will receive the serve for the golden point. This adds a layer of strategy, allowing teams to position their best returner in the hot seat.
Sudden Death: Whoever wins the golden point wins the game, simple as that.
The golden point adds pressure, strategy, and excitement. It keeps matches fast-paced, forces teams to think on their feet, and creates clutch moments that fans and players love. It's one of the reasons padel is such a thrilling sport to watch and play.
3. Padel Scoring in a Set
Once you know how games are won, the next step is understanding how they add up to form a set.
A set in padel is usually won by the first team to win six games, but with a two-game lead. So, scores like 6–3 or 6–4 mean the set is over. But if the score reaches 5–5, one team needs to win two more games to take it 7–5.
If both teams win six games each, 6–6, the set is decided by a tie-break.
How the Tie-Break Works:
● The tie-break is like a mini-game, usually played when the set score reaches 6–6.
● Teams take turns serving, and the first team to reach 7 points wins the tie-break, but only if they lead by at least two points.
● If the score reaches 6–6 in the tie-break, play continues until one team pulls ahead by two, such as 8–6 or 9–7.
Tie-breaks are intense. One mistake, one brilliant rally—it can swing the momentum completely. This is where nerves get tested, and players often step up under pressure.
Keep in mind: Some tournaments may use different formats, like best-of-three or even best-of-five sets, depending on the level and rules of the competition.
4. Padel Scoring in a Match
A standard padel match is played in a best-of-three sets format. This means the first team to win two sets takes the match.
Each set is won by reaching six games with a two-game lead, or by winning a tie-break if the score hits 6–6.
While best-of-three is the most common setup, especially in recreational and amateur play, some professional tournaments may use longer formats, such as best-of-five sets.
So, it's always important to check the specific match format beforehand, as it can impact how you pace yourself and approach the game strategically.
5. Quick Recap
● Points: 0 → 15 → 30 → 40 → Game
● Deuce: 40–40
● Golden Point: At deuce, the next point wins the game
● Games: First to 6 games (must win by 2) = 1 set
● Tie-break: At 6–6, the first team to 7 points wins, but they must win by 2. If it’s 6–6 in the tie-break, play continues until one team leads by 2.
● Match: Best of 3 or 5 sets → First team to win 2 or 3 sets wins the match
Final Thoughts
Whether you're just starting out or already a seasoned player, knowing how padel scoring works is your secret weapon. It not only helps you play smarter but also makes every match way more fun. On the court, every point counts, so play with purpose!
