The odd-game rule
Add up both teams' games in the current set. Whenever the total is odd – 1, 3, 5, 7 … – the teams change ends. At 1–0, 2–1 or 4–1 you switch; at 2–0, 3–1 or 4–2 you stay.
| Games in the set | Total | Change ends? |
|---|---|---|
| 1–0 | 1 | Yes |
| 1–1 | 2 | No |
| 2–1 | 3 | Yes |
| 2–2 or 3–1 | 4 | No |
| 3–2 or 4–1 | 5 | Yes |
| 6–3, set over | 9 | Yes – and again after the 1st game of the next set |
| 6–4, set over | 10 | No – change after the 1st game of the next set |
| 7–6, set over | 13 | Yes – and again after the 1st game of the next set |
In short: the teams always change ends after the first game of a set, and at the end of a set only if its total is odd.
Tie-break and match tie-break
Inside a tie-break the teams change ends every 6 points: after 6, 12, 18 … points played. The same rule applies to the match tie-break to 10.
How long is the break?
Under the FIP rules the time limits are:
- 20 seconds between points
- 90 seconds at a change of ends
- 120 seconds between sets
After the first game of a set and during a tie-break, the teams change ends without a rest. In friendly matches, short changeovers leave more of the booked time for playing.
Why change ends at all?
Outdoor courts face the sun and wind differently, and even indoor courts differ in light, glass and wall bounce. Swapping ends regularly keeps the match fair for both teams.
How not to miss a change
Look at the total games after every game: odd means switch. Or let the scoreboard do the counting – PadelCounter shows a reminder or starts the changeover clock at every change of ends.
Side changes in PadelCounter
PadelCounter knows when the players change ends. With the changeover timer on, a break clock shows the games of every set and the next server; with it off, a full-screen reminder appears on the Apple Watch, iPhone and iPad. Automatic side swap turns the iPhone and iPad scoreboard around so it matches the court, and the announcer can call the change out loud.
- A reminder after odd games and every 6 tie-break points
- Changeover timer of 60, 90 or 120 seconds; set break of 90, 120 or 180 seconds
- Timer between points: 15, 20 or 25 seconds
- Automatic side swap for the scoreboard
Timers and automatic side swap are part of PadelCounter Pro, with a free trial for new players.
Frequently asked questions
Do you change ends after the first game in padel?
Yes. The first change comes after game 1 of every set, then after games 3, 5, 7 and so on.
Do you change ends at the end of a set?
Only if the set's total number of games is odd, as in 6–3 or 7–6. After an even set such as 6–4, the teams change after the first game of the next set.
How often do you change ends in a tie-break?
Every 6 points, in the 7-point tie-break and in the 10-point match tie-break alike.
How long is a changeover in padel?
Up to 90 seconds under FIP rules, and up to 120 seconds between sets. After the first game of a set and inside a tie-break there is no rest.