The Padel Scoring System Demystified: Learn How to Score Like a Pro

Are you new to the exciting world of padel? Perhaps you’ve watched a match and wondered how the scoring works. Well, fear not! In this article, we’ll demystify the padel scoring system and teach you how to score like a pro. So grab your padel racket, put on your game face, and let’s dive right in!

Understanding the Basics

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of scoring, let’s ensure we’re all on the same page regarding the fundamentals of padel. Padel is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It’s played in doubles on an enclosed court, using solid walls instead of the open boundaries found in tennis.

Now that we’re clear on the basics, let’s jump into the scoring system and how it works.

Game, Set, Match

Just like in tennis, a padel match is made up of games, sets, and ultimately, the match itself. To win a match, you must win the majority of sets played. And to win a set, you must be the first team to reach six games, as long as you have a two-game lead. In the event of a tied score at 6-6, a tiebreak comes into play.

Ace the Serve

In padel, the scoring starts with the serve. The server stands behind the baseline and hits the ball underhand (yes, underhand) into the opposite box diagonally. The serve must pass over the net and land within the boundaries of the receiver’s box. If the serve fails to clear the net or lands outside the receiver’s box, it’s a fault, resulting in a loss of point.

If the serve is successful, the receiver must return the ball before it bounces twice on their side. The game continues with each team taking turns to hit the ball over the net, aiming to outsmart their opponents and score points.

Scoring Points

Now, let’s explore how the scoring works. Padel uses a simple numerical system that goes as follows:

• Love (0): The starting point for both teams.
• Fifteen (15): The first point won by a team.
• Thirty (30): The second point won by a team.
• Forty (40): The third point, but not the last.
• Game (WIN): The fourth point won by a team, securing them the game.

Keep in mind that unlike tennis, where you need to win by two clear points to secure a game, in padel, the team that reaches 40 points wins the game, even if the opposing team is at 30.

Deuce, Advantage, and Tiebreak

What happens if the score is tied at 40-40? Well, in padel, we call this “deuce.” At deuce, the next team to score a point gains the “advantage.” If the team with the advantage wins the next point, they secure the game. However, if the opposing team scores, the score goes back to deuce.

If deuce happens multiple times and you find yourself in a never-ending back-and-forth battle, fear not! Padel has a solution for that too. It’s called a tiebreak, which is a specialized game played to determine the winner when the score is tied at 6-6 in sets.

You’re Ready to Score!

Now that you’ve mastered the padel scoring system, you’re equipped to play like a pro. Remember, the key to success in any sport is practice, so get out on the court and have some fun. Experiment with different shots, strategies, and teamwork to maximize your scoring potential. Before you know it, you’ll be racking up points and dominating the game!

So go ahead, impress your friends with your newfound padel knowledge, and enjoy your journey to becoming a padel pro!