A padel americano is a social format where players change partners every round and every point you win counts towards your own individual total. It is the most common way UK clubs run social sessions because everyone plays everyone and nobody sits out.
How an americano works
- Typically 8, 12 or 16 players across several courts.
- Each round is a short match played to a fixed number of points (often 16, 21, 24 or 32), with players taking turns to serve.
- You keep the points you win, whoever your partner was.
- Partners and opponents rotate each round on a set schedule.
- The player with the most points at the end wins.
Why people like it
It's sociable, fair across levels and finishes on time. It is also a good way to meet regular playing partners.
Related: mexicano · padel scoring · padel level test