How Does Scoring Work in Padel? A Simple Guide for Singles and Doubles

Padel is easy to pick up, fast to play, and incredibly social — but scoring is where many matches slow down or spark confusion. While padel scoring is similar to tennis, there are a few important differences, especially when comparing singles vs doubles matches.

Whether you’re new to padel or just want to avoid score disputes mid-match, this guide breaks down how padel scoring works, step by step, for both formats.

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The Basics: Padel Scoring at a Glance

Padel uses the same point structure as tennis:

• 0 points = Love
• 1 point = 15
• 2 points = 30
• 3 points = 40
• 4 points = Game (unless deuce)

To win a set, you typically need:

• 6 games, and
• A 2-game lead

Most padel matches are played as best of three sets.

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What Happens at Deuce?

When both players or teams reach 40–40, the game goes to deuce.

From here, there are two common formats:

Advantage Scoring

• One team must win two consecutive points
• First point gives advantage
• Next point wins the game

Golden Point (Sudden Death)

• At deuce, a single deciding point is played
• The receiving side chooses which side to receive from
• Widely used in social and club matches

Always confirm which format you’re playing before the match starts.

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Scoring in Padel Doubles

Padel is most commonly played in doubles, and this is where scoring confusion tends to happen.

Serving Order

• One player serves for the entire game
• Serve alternates between teams each game
• Partners rotate service games within their team

Court Position

• Server starts on the right side
• After each point, the serving team switches sides
• At deuce, side selection matters (especially with golden point)

Because rallies are fast and games move quickly, it’s easy to lose track of the score — especially during long deuce games.

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Scoring in Padel Singles

Singles padel follows the same scoring system, but with a few practical differences:

• No partner rotation
• You serve every other game
• Court positioning is simpler
• Score tracking is generally easier

That said, singles matches can still get confusing during:

• Long rallies
• Multiple deuces
• Tie-break situations

Even in singles, confirming the score before serving helps keep matches smooth.

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Tie-Breaks Explained

When a set reaches 6–6, a tie-break is usually played.

Standard Padel Tie-Break Rules

• First to 7 points
• Must win by 2 points
• Serve alternates every two points
• Players change ends every 6 points

Tie-breaks are where most scoring mistakes happen, especially in doubles — another reason clear score tracking matters.

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Common Padel Scoring Mistakes

Even experienced players make scoring errors. The most common include:

• Forgetting who is serving
• Serving from the wrong side after deuce
• Miscounting games in a set
• Confusion during tie-breaks
• Restarting play with the wrong score

Catching mistakes early is key — once the next point is played, it’s much harder to fix.

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How to Keep Score Clearly During a Match

To avoid disagreements and interruptions:

• Call the score before every serve
• Confirm the game score when sides change
• Clarify deuce or golden point rules upfront
• Speak up immediately if something feels off

Many players now use digital tools to keep score visible and consistent throughout the match.

👉 Padel Score Tracker on the App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/padel-score-tracker/id6758003547

Using a dedicated score tracker helps:

• Eliminate memory errors
• Keep matches flowing
• Let players focus on tactics, not numbers

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Singles or Doubles — Scoring Shouldn’t Get in the Way

Padel is at its best when the game flows naturally. Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, understanding the scoring system — and keeping it clear — makes matches more enjoyable for everyone on court.

If you want a simple, distraction-free way to track padel scores, Padel Score Tracker from :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} is built specifically for padel players who value clarity and focus.

📲 Download here:
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/padel-score-tracker/id6758003547