Section 6: Scoring
Scoring System
Padel uses the same scoring system as tennis:
- Points within a game are counted as 15, 30, 40, and game.
- When both pairs reach 40 (known as "deuce"), one pair must win two consecutive points to win the game. The first point after deuce is called "advantage" (ventaja). If the pair with advantage wins the next point, they win the game. If they lose it, the score returns to deuce.
- In some tournament formats, a golden point (punto de oro) may be used at deuce instead of advantage: the receiving pair chooses which side receives, and the next point decides the game.
Sets
A set is won by the first pair to win 6 games, provided they lead by at least 2 games. If the set reaches 6-6, a tiebreak is played. In the tiebreak, points are counted numerically (1, 2, 3, etc.), and the first pair to reach 7 points with a lead of at least 2 wins the tiebreak and the set. Players change ends every 6 points during the tiebreak.
Match Format
A match is the best of three sets. The pair that wins two sets first wins the match. In some tournament formats, a super tiebreak (first to 10 points, win by 2) may replace the full third set, as determined by the tournament regulations. Players change ends at the conclusion of every odd-numbered game (after games 1, 3, 5, etc.).
Changeovers
Players change ends at the end of the first, third, and every subsequent odd-numbered game of each set, as well as at the end of each set if the total number of games in that set is odd. During changeovers, players have a maximum of 90 seconds of rest. At the change of ends after the first game of each set, there is no rest — play resumes immediately.
Match Time and Delays
The server must serve within 25 seconds of the end of the previous point. Between the second and third sets, players may take a break of up to 10 minutes (in FIP-sanctioned events; some tours allow only 5 minutes). Medical timeouts and bathroom breaks are permitted under specific rules and at the discretion of the chair umpire.