FFT-sanctioned padel tournaments can adopt several game formats depending on the level, type of event, and logistical constraints. Although all matches count equally for ranking, the format can have an impact on the duration, effort management, and pace of the tournament. Here's an overview of the currently authorized formats.

 Classic formats (complete sets) 

  •  Format A1  : 3 sets to 6 games, with a tiebreaker at 6-6
  •  Format A2  : same as A1 but with  decisive point  (no advantage at 40A)

 Intermediate formats (with super tie-break) 

  •  B1 size  : 2 sets of 6 games with a tiebreak at 6-6; the 3rd set is replaced by a  super 10-point tie-break 
  •  B2 size  : same as B1 with  decisive point 
  •  C1 format  : 2 sets of 4 games, tiebreaker at 4/4; 3rd set =  super 10-point tiebreaker 
  •  C2 format  : same as C1 with  decisive point 

 Shortened formats (short matches) 

  •  D1 format  : 1 set to 9 games, tiebreaker at 8-8
  •  D2 format  : same as D1 with  decisive point 
  •  Format E  :  1 super tie-break at 10 points  (often used for classification matches or in case of rain)
  •  Format F  :  1 set of 4 games , with  decisive point  et  decisive game at 3-3 
    (new ultra-short format, used in exceptional cases)

 Things to remember for youth competitions 

  •  Obligation to use formats with a decisive point , except for format E (super tie-break alone).

 Ranking: a single coefficient 

Regardless of the format used (A1, B2, F, etc.), all matches have the  same calculation coefficient for the FFT classification The format therefore only influences the duration of the match, but not the points won.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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