Who serves in a padel Americano?
Usually one player serves four points in a row, then the serve crosses to the other side and partners take turns. With 24 points both sides serve 12. Within a side one player serves 8 and the other 4, so some groups use blocks of two points instead, which gives everyone 6.
What is the usual rule?
One player serves four points in a row, then the serve crosses the net. Each time it comes back to a side, the other partner takes it. In a 24-point match:
- You serve points 1 to 4.
- An opponent serves points 5 to 8.
- Your partner serves points 9 to 12.
- The other opponent serves points 13 to 16.
- You serve again, and so on to 24.
Within your four serves, alternate the service box: right, left, right, left.
Does everyone serve the same amount?
Both sides serve equally when the total splits into an even number of blocks. Within a side, the block size decides:
| Points | Blocks of 4: each side | Each player | Blocks of 2: each side | Each player |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 8 each | 4 each | 8 each | 4 each |
| 20 | 12 and 8 | 8, 4, 4, 4 | 10 each | 6, 4, 6, 4 |
| 21 | 12 and 9 | 8, 4, 5, 4 | 11 and 10 | 6, 5, 6, 4 |
| 24 | 12 each | 8, 4, 8, 4 | 12 each | 6 each |
| 32 | 16 each | 8 each | 16 each | 8 each |
With 24 points in blocks of four, the first server on each side serves 8 points and their partner 4. Most groups don't mind. If yours does, use blocks of two and everyone serves 6.
On r/padel, one club plays 20 points in blocks of five, so every player serves five. Another group uses blocks of two at 24 points, because short blocks are easier to remember and stop one strong server racing ahead (r/padel, April 2025).
Which side serves first?
It doesn't change the points. Spin a racket, or let the side nearest the court door serve first, and keep that rule all evening.
Do normal padel serving rules apply?
Yes, only the order of servers is special:
- Serve underarm, after letting the ball bounce once.
- Hit the ball at or below waist height.
- Aim diagonally into the opposite service box.
- You get a second serve if the first is a fault.
Next: how many rounds to play.
Questions people ask
How many serves does each player get in an Americano?
Most groups use four serves in a row, then the serve crosses the net and partners take turns. Some use blocks of two, which spreads the serves more evenly in a 24-point match.
Who serves first in an Americano match?
It doesn't change the points, so keep it quick. Spin a racket, or let the side nearer the court door serve first, and use the same rule all evening.
Is an odd points total unfair for serving?
Yes. In blocks of four, 21 points means one side serves 12 and the other 9. Totals that split into an even number of blocks, such as 16, 24 and 32 in fours, give both sides the same number of serves.
Do normal padel serving rules apply in an Americano?
Yes. Serve underarm, let the ball bounce first, hit it at or below waist height, and aim diagonally into the opposite service box. Alternate the right and left boxes within your block of serves.