How do you score points in paddle tennis?

Paddle tennis scoring follows the traditional tennis sequence, using 15, 30, 40 and game to mark points within a game, with deuce and advantage resolving ties. This framework is shared across modern variants such as padel and platform tennis because of their direct descent from lawn tennis; the International Tennis Federation describes the historical and rule connections that tie these sports together. The consequence of using tennis-style scoring is that individual points can carry outsized strategic weight, making momentum shifts and psychological pressure important parts of match outcomes.

Scoring system and match structure

A match is built from points into games, games into sets, and sets into a match. Most paddle formats use best-of-three sets, and many competitions apply the same tiebreak procedures used in tennis to decide a set at six games all. The International Padel Federation explains that padel competition adopts tennis scoring for clarity and international consistency, while the American Platform Tennis Association provides rules that mirror tennis scoring for platform or paddle tennis played in the United States. These institutional rules create predictable match lengths and allow players and organizers to plan tournaments and social play.

How points are won

Players and teams score a point when the opposing side fails to legally return the ball. Common ways to win a point include the opponent hitting the ball out of bounds, letting the ball bounce twice, failing to clear the net, committing a service fault or double fault, or striking the ball into the fence or wall in a way not permitted by the local rules. Because walls or fencing are used in some paddle variants, rallies can extend with complex angles, which influences tactical choices and elevates the value of placement over raw power. The result is a game dynamic where precision and anticipation often decide points rather than outright force.

Causes and consequences: strategy, culture, environment

The adoption of tennis scoring in paddle tennis stems from shared origins and the desire for a familiar competitive structure. That cause produces several consequences. Strategically, the 15-30-40 progression with deuce and advantage rewards consistency: a single lapse at deuce can turn an entire game. Culturally, the scoring system helps transfer fans and players between racket sports, aiding the rapid international spread of padel in Spain and Latin America and of platform tennis in parts of the United States. Environmentally, compact courts and the inclusion of walls make paddle formats well-suited to urban settings and seasonal play; for example, platform tennis courts are often heated for winter use in the northeastern United States, supporting community play through colder months.

Evidence from governing bodies supports these points and helps players and organizers understand both the letter of the rules and their practical implications during play. Following institutional guidance ensures consistent scoring, preserves competitive fairness, and connects paddle tennis to the broader racket-sport tradition.