Americano and Mexicano: Padel's Social Formats Explained

A standard padel match is two against two, best of three sets. But some of the most enjoyable padel happens in social formats, where you play lots of short games with different people. Here are the ones you will hear about most.

Americano

In an Americano, partners change every round, so over the session you play with and against almost everyone. Each game is played to a fixed number of points (often 16, 21 or 24), and every point you win counts towards your individual total. At the end, the player with the most points wins.

It is perfect if you are new, turning up alone or keen to meet people, because nobody is stuck with the same partner all evening.

Mexicano

A Mexicano starts like an Americano, but after each round players are regrouped based on the scores so far. The top players face each other, and so do those lower down. The result is closer, more competitive games as the session goes on.

King of the Court

Winning pairs stay on the main court, losing pairs rotate down. Fast, energetic and a lot of fun with a big group.

Why social formats matter

Padel is one of the most social sports around. Formats like these mean you do not need a fixed group of four to play, and they are the quickest way to find new partners at your level. They are exactly the kind of play we want to see filling the courts at DOME PADEL.

Opening soon in Birmingham

DOME PADEL is opening soon in Stechford with 8 indoor courts, coaching for every level, free parking and dedicated disabled padel courts. Register your interest at domepadelltd.com and you will hear about the opening date before anyone else.