The tie-break at 6–6
When a set reaches 6 games all, the next game is a tie-break. Its points are counted 0, 1, 2, 3 … instead of 15, 30, 40. The first team to 7 points wins – but it needs a lead of two: 7–5 ends the tie-break, 7–6 does not, and play goes on to 8–6, 9–7 and so on.
The winner of the tie-break wins the set 7–6. Deuce rules such as the golden point don't apply inside a tie-break; the two-point lead always does.
Who serves in a tie-break
- The player whose turn it is to serve serves the first point, from the right.
- The next player in the serve order serves points 2 and 3: first from the left, then from the right.
- Every following player serves two points, again starting from the left – in the normal order of team A player 1, team B player 1, team A player 2, team B player 2.
- In the next set, the team that served the first point of the tie-break receives in the first game.
Because of this pattern, the serve changes after the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th … point – a quick check whether you are on track.
Changing ends in a tie-break
The teams change ends every 6 points – after 6, 12, 18 … points played – without a rest. A set that ends 7–6 has an odd number of games, so the teams change ends again before the next set starts.
More on side changes: when to change ends in padel.
The match tie-break (super tie-break)
A match tie-break replaces the deciding set. At one set all, the teams play one tie-break to 10 points, won by two. Serve order and changes of ends work exactly like in the tie-break at 6–6. The winner of the match tie-break wins the match.
It is also called super tie-break, champions tie-break or third-set tie-break. Leagues and club tournaments use it because it keeps matches inside the booked court time. Results are usually written with its points, for example 6–4, 3–6, 10–7.
A tie-break as the whole match
Short on time, or settling a draw at the end of a session? Play a single tie-break to 7 or 10 points as the whole match. It follows the same serve and side-change rules.
Common mistakes
- Playing the 6–6 tie-break to 10. The set tie-break goes to 7; only the match tie-break that replaces a set goes to 10.
- Serving two points first. The first server serves one point; everyone after serves two.
- Changing ends at the wrong time. Inside a tie-break it is every 6 points.
- Forgetting who serves in the next set. The team that received the first tie-break point serves first.
Tie-breaks in PadelCounter
PadelCounter switches to tie-break counting at 6–6 by itself, keeps track of the server and reminds you to change ends every 6 points. Turn on Match-Tiebreak to play the deciding set as a tie-break to 10, or pick Tie-break under Sets (to 7 or 10) for a quick match – the scoreboard then shows TB-7 or TB-10.
- Tie-break at 6–6, won by two points
- Match-Tiebreak to 10 instead of a deciding set
- A single tie-break to 7 or 10 points
- The announcer can call the score, set and match points and side changes
Match-Tiebreak and the single tie-break are free in PadelCounter.
Frequently asked questions
Is a padel tie-break to 7 or 10 points?
A set tie-break at 6–6 goes to 7. The match tie-break that replaces a third set goes to 10. Both need a lead of two points.
Who serves first after a tie-break?
The team that received the first point of the tie-break serves the first game of the next set.
When do you change ends in a tie-break?
Every 6 points (after 6, 12, 18 … points), and once more after a 7–6 set, before the next set begins.
What is a super tie-break in padel?
Another name for the match tie-break: a tie-break to 10 points, won by two, played instead of a deciding third set.
How do you write a match tie-break in the result?
Usually with its points, for example 6–4, 3–6, 10–8.