Stéphane Penso, a former squash player, suggests that we completely rethink the counting system at padel.

Squash as a precursor?

For nearly 20 years, world squash authorities have not hesitated to overturn their scoring system because it was no longer in phase with modern squash. Indeed, with the professionalization of athletes, they have become real defensive machines and it was not uncommon to see matches lasting more than 120 minutes.

As a reminder, one of the old scoring methods was based on an indirect system, meaning that only the server could score. If the server did not win the point, the service changed player but no point was awarded. They therefore migrated first to a system with 15 direct points and then definitively validated the one with 11 direct points, in 2009.

The “punto de oro” as a basis for change?

When we see the success of this change in squash, we wonder why not transform the padel present by proposing a new counting system?
The latest development is the gold point. Today I speak of revolution. This famous “punto de oro” that everyone criticized so much after its introduction, but that everyone applauds today.

This pressure which surrounds the players of the WPT at 40 everywhere, which we perceive in their gaze, which we guess in their attitude, and which is confirmed in action, where the slightest misstep is today directly sanctioned by the loss of the game, could be transferred to an entire match, by opting for scoring at 21 direct points*.

Lebron and Galan WPT Master Final

The matches would be much more dynamic and the audacity to finish a point by not being in the best position would be much more tempered.

It is not uncommon to see players at different levels losing the point too quickly, which penalizes everyone because the general fervor is immediately interrupted.

Therefore, go-getters will think twice before attempting anything and everything, as the penalty of losing a direct point is more critical than 15 all.

I therefore sincerely believe that this scoring system is more suited to the padel today.

It would allow us to get out of the yoke of the tennis authorities which still have a huge hold on our favorite sport, and we could thus begin a global restructuring so that the padel can take off without historical and political pressure.

In your opinion, would a change in the counting system be beneficial for our sport or should we keep a method that has already proven itself and which seems to work quite well?

 

*3 sets of 21 direct points (2 points difference at 21 everywhere. The server serves 4 times (twice to the right, twice to the left) then we alternate. Change of side every 2 points (2, 12, 12 , 24)

Stéphane Penso

Fan of padel, Stéphane has become the official tester of the planet padel in Europe. Everything goes through his expert hands. Thanks to his extensive experience in the snowshoeing world, he is able to scan your gear from head to toe!

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