Tie-Break Rules

A tie-break is used to decide a set that has reached a 6-6 deadlock in games. Padel uses two types: the standard tie-break (first to 7 points) and the match tie-break (first to 10 points). See scoring system for how sets and games are scored, and changes of sides for end-change rules.

When a Tie-Break is Played

A tie-break is triggered when the game score in a set reaches 6 games all. One of two formats then applies depending on which set is being decided:

• Sets 1 and 2: A standard 7-point tie-break is played
• Set 3 (deciding set): A match tie-break (10-point tie-break) is played in most professional and club formats, replacing a full third set

Some tournaments may use a full third set instead of a match tie-break — always check the specific tournament format before competing.

Standard Tie-Break (First to 7)

The standard tie-break uses point-by-point scoring: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 — not the 15/30/40 game scoring system.

Scoring to Win

• First pair to reach 7 points wins the tie-break, provided they lead by at least 2 points
• If the score reaches 6-6, play continues until one pair leads by 2 (e.g., 8-6, 9-7, etc.)

Service Order in a Tie-Break

1. The team whose turn it is to serve at 6-6 serves first — one point only, served from the right side of the court
2. After the first point, service changes every two points, with the first of each two-point block served from the left side
3. Players within each team must alternate serve in the same way they would in a normal game — each player on a team serves their two consecutive points in turn

Changing Ends

During the tie-break, players change ends after every 6 points (i.e., when the total points played reaches 6, 12, 18, etc.). This balances any advantage from court conditions. At the change, players switch ends without a rest interval (play is continuous through the changeover).

Match Tie-Break (First to 10)

The match tie-break follows the same rules as the standard tie-break, except:

• First pair to 10 points wins, with a minimum 2-point lead
• If the score reaches 9-9, play continues until one pair leads by 2
• Service order and end changes follow the same pattern as the standard tie-break (ends change every 6 points)

Calling the Score

During a tie-break, the server must call the score before each point, stating the server’s score first (e.g., “4-3”). This is the same convention as during a regular game.

Summary

Format	Used in	Win condition
Standard tie-break	Sets 1 and 2 at 6-6	First to 7, lead by 2
Match tie-break	Deciding set (3rd set)	First to 10, lead by 2