Padel Scoring Explained: Points, Games, Sets and the Golden Point

If you have played tennis, padel scoring will feel familiar. If you have not, it can sound confusing at first: why does 15 follow love, and what on earth is a golden point? This guide explains padel scoring from a single point up to a full match, including deuce, the golden point, tie-breaks and when to change ends.

Points: love, 15, 30, 40, game

Each game is scored the same way as tennis:

• 0 points = love
• 1 point = 15
• 2 points = 30
• 3 points = 40
• 4 points = game (as long as you are at least two points ahead)

The serving team’s score is always called first. So “30-15” means the serving team has won two points and the receiving team has won one.

Deuce and advantage

If both teams reach 40, the score is deuce. Under traditional scoring, the next team to win a point gets the advantage. Win the next point as well and you win the game. Lose it and the score goes back to deuce.

The golden point

Many clubs, leagues and tournaments use the golden point instead of advantage scoring. At 40-40, the next point wins the game. The receiving team chooses which player receives the serve. The golden point keeps matches moving and adds real pressure to the big moments. Always agree before you start whether you are playing advantage or golden point. Some professional events have also trialled variations of deuce scoring, so check the rules of any tournament you enter.

Sets

A set is won by the first team to win six games with a lead of at least two. If the set reaches 6-6, a tie-break is usually played.

The tie-break

In a tie-break, points are counted 1, 2, 3 and so on. The first team to seven points with a two-point lead wins the tie-break and the set 7-6. The player whose turn it is to serve serves the first point, then the serve passes to the opponents for two points, and continues to alternate every two points. Teams change ends every six points.

Matches

Most padel matches are played as the best of three sets. Social games are often more flexible: one set, timed sessions or a fixed number of games to fit your court booking.

Serving order and changing ends

• The serve alternates between teams every game, and between partners each time your team serves.
• Each game starts with a serve from the right-hand side, then alternates sides after every point.
• Teams change ends after the first game and then after every odd game (1, 3, 5 and so on).

Quick serving rules

The serve is hit underarm, at or below waist height, after one bounce behind the service line. It must land diagonally in the opponent’s service box. If it hits the net and lands in, it is a let and you serve again. If it lands in and then hits the side mesh fence before the glass, it is a fault. You get two serves. For the full set of rules, read our padel rules for beginners.

Ready to play?

Now that you can keep score, make sure your kit is match ready. Grab a fresh can of padel balls, a new overgrip and, if you are just starting out, one of our best beginner padel rackets.