How Padel Scoring
Works.
A complete guide to padel scoring - points, games, sets, tie-breaks, serve rotation, and the star point rule. Everything you need to keep score correctly.
Points
Padel uses the same point system as tennis: 0 (love), 15, 30, 40, game. Points are called out as 15-0, 30-15, and so on.
At 40-40 (deuce), most clubs now use the star point rule - a single sudden-death point decides the game. The receiving team chooses which side to receive on. In some casual games, players still use advantage/deuce, so check with your opponents before you start.
The Star Point Rule
At 40-40 in padel, instead of playing deuce and advantage, a single sudden-death point decides the game. This is called the star point (formerly golden point).
At 40-40, the receiving team gets to choose which side to receive the serve from. The server serves normally. Whoever wins that point wins the game.
Scorepion shows a clear star point banner at 40-40 so every player on court knows what is at stake. No discussion, no confusion.
Games and Sets
First team to 6 games wins the set - but they must be at least 2 games ahead. So 6-4 is a won set, but 6-5 is not.
At 6-6, a 7-point tie-break decides the set. The tie-break uses regular point numbers (1, 2, 3...) rather than 15, 30, 40. First to 7 wins, with a 2-point lead required. At 6-6 in the tie-break, play continues until one team leads by 2.
Most recreational matches are best of 3 sets. If the match is 1 set each, a third set is played to decide the winner.
Serve Rotation
Padel is almost always played as doubles (2v2). Each player serves a full game in rotation.
Team A starts with player 1 serving. After that game, Team B serves (player 3). Then Team A again (player 2), then Team B (player 4). This rotation continues throughout the match.
Scorepion tracks the server automatically. A visual indicator always shows who is serving and from which side.
Tie-break Rules
At 6-6 in a set, a 7-point tie-break is played to decide the set. Points are counted 1, 2, 3... not 15, 30, 40. First to 7 with a 2-point lead wins.
Serve in the tie-break alternates every 2 points (except the first point, which is served by one player alone). At 6-6 in the tie-break, it continues until one team is 2 ahead.
In some competitive formats, a super tie-break (first to 10) is played instead of a full third set. Check your tournament rules.
Never lose track of the score again.
Scorepion handles every rule in this guide automatically. Star point, serve rotation, tie-breaks - all tracked in real time from your Apple Watch or Wear OS watch.
