How to score points in padel: scoring system, faults & winning strategies

Padel is one of the fastest-growing racket sports worldwide. Matches are dynamic and demand both physical skill and tactical precision. Points in padel are scored by winning valid rallies, with a scoring system identical to that of tennis. The match progresses through a fixed set and game structure, while points are lost through specific faults like double hits or service errors. In this article, you’ll discover exactly how scoring works in padel, what types of plays are considered faults, and what strategies professional players use to gain an edge. We’ll look at each layer in detail, including rules for different game scenarios, point progression, scoring formats, and error conditions. Whether you’re a beginner or already familiar with the sport, this guide provides a complete and data-supported explanation of how points are scored in padel.

What is the scoring system used in padel?

The scoring system in padel mirrors the traditional tennis point structure: 15, 30, 40, and then game. A game must be won with a minimum two-point lead.

The score at 40-40 is known as deuce. From deuce, a team must win two consecutive points, gaining advantage first, and then the game.

What is a set in padel?

A set is won by the first team to reach six games with at least a 2-game lead. If the score reaches 6-6, a tiebreak is played.

How many sets are played in a match?

Matches are generally played in best-of-three sets. The first team to win two sets wins the match.

When is a tiebreak played and how is it scored?

A tiebreak occurs at 6-6 in games. It is played to 7 points, but a team must win by 2 points (e.g., 7–5, 8–6). Points in tiebreaks are counted numerically (1, 2, 3, and so on), not as 15-30-40.

How is a point won during a padel rally?

A point is won when the opposing team fails to comply with valid return rules.

The following actions result in winning a point:

• The opponent fails to return the ball before it bounces twice.
• The opponent hits the ball out of bounds after a valid bounce.
• The ball hits the net or wall before bouncing on your side.
• The ball hits the opponent or their equipment (except the racket).
• An opponent commits a technical fault (e.g., hits the ball twice).

What are the most common faults in padel?

A fault in padel is any infringement that directly awards a point to the opposing team. Fault definitions and conditions are provided by the International Padel Federation (FIP).

What are serve-related faults in padel?

Serve faults include:

• Ball not hitting within service box cross-court.
• Ball bouncing in own box or not being hit at waist level.
• Foot faults, such as stepping on lines.
• Two invalid serves resulting in a double fault.

What are rally-related faults?

Rally faults that result in point loss include:

• The player hits the ball twice (double hit).
• The player or their racket touches the net.
• Hitting the ball before it crosses the net.
• The ball bouncing twice on one’s own side.
• Both teammates touching the ball in the same shot.

What happens at deuce in padel?

At deuce (40-40), the next point is called advantage. The player/team gaining advantage must win the next point to win the game. If they lose the point, the score returns to deuce, and the procedure repeats.

This format continues until one side wins two points in a row.

How is the advantage structured?

A structured view of the advantage rule is as follows:

• 40-40: Deuce
• Next point: Advantage
• Win next point again: Game
• Lose next point: Back to deuce

Some local tournaments may use a simplified system called Gold Point, where at deuce, the next point wins the game.

Can players use the walls to score or defend points?

Yes, padel uses a glass and mesh wall system. Players may utilize wall rebounds to extend rallies or create unexpected angles.

What wall interactions are legal?

Legal wall interactions:

• The ball bounces once on the floor and then rebounds off the wall.
• A player returns the ball after it rebounds off their own wall.
• A ball hitting the opponent’s back wall after bouncing is valid.

Hitting the ball directly into the opponent’s wall without bouncing on their side is fault.

How do you lose a point in padel?

Points are lost from infractions, unreturned balls, or rule violations.

Scenarios where a point is lost:

• Failing to return the ball over the net.
• Hitting ball out of court boundaries unless indirect.
• Ball bouncing twice before the return.
• Volleys from outside the designated area.
• Contact with net, walls, or opponent’s court during play.

What are the best strategies to win points in padel?

Winning strategies in padel rely on net dominance, tactical positioning, and applying pressure.

Key scoring strategies:

• Secure net control for offensive volleys and smashes.
• Use lobs to disrupt opponent positioning.
• Capitalize on opponent errors, like double faults or poor wall use.
• Maintain consistency in rallies to provoke mistakes.

Statistical data shows that over 60% of winning points occur when the team is controlling the net area.

How does anticipation influence scoring?

Predicting opponent decisions allows players to:

• Cut off incoming lobs early.
• Prepare for glass rebounds.
• Trap players into weak returns.

Why is shot selection critical?

Choosing the correct shot:

• Forces defensive mistakes.
• Opens court angles.
• Limits opponent’s reaction time.

Examples include chiquitas (slow shots to feet), bandejas (mid-force smashes), and viboras (angled smashes).

What tactics should beginners focus on to gain points?

Beginner-level tactics to focus on:

• Build cross-court consistency.
• Use lob shots to avoid net aggression.
• Reduce unforced errors via safer shot selection.
• Communicate with partners to minimize double touches.

How do advanced players maximize point opportunities?

Advanced players utilize:

• Wall and angle exploitation.
• Synchronization with partners to close gaps.
• Aggressive transitions from defense to net approach.
• Targeting weaker opponent (usually backhand side or less dominant player).

What are special scoring situations in padel?

Unusual scoring situations occur in cases such as:

• Let (if a serve touches the net but lands validly): replay point.
• Obstruction by an object or player: authorized replay.
• Injury default: results in point or match awarded to the opponent.

Does padel have tie-breakers in deciding sets?

Yes, tie-breakers are played when the set score is 6-6. The format requires one team to reach 7 points with 2-point margin.

How should a tie-break be played?

The first server serves once, then players alternate serves every two points. Sides are switched every 6 points. The team that wins the tiebreak wins the set 7-6.

Scoring points in padel involves understanding the tennis-based scoring progression of 15-30-40-game, executing rallies within the rules, and avoiding faults that lead to penalty points. Points are awarded for offensive play, consistent serves, and exploiting strategic flaws in the opponent’s court control. Winning strategies hinge on net control, tactical wall use, and partner coordination. With rule-based enforcement and fault definitions provided by the International Padel Federation, players must maintain accuracy and foresight to score. Whether playing recreationally or competitively, mastering the rules and optimizing scoring opportunities directly improves player performance.

For more in-depth guidance, court bookings, or training sessions, visit Padel N Play—your trusted hub for padel excellence.