Padel is booming in South Africa. For many, weekends now revolve around the courts as much as around braais.

But a new scoring format – padel Americano – makes it even more sociable. Each player competes as an individual across a series of short rounds, changing partners after every round.

You play to a fixed total – 16, 24, or 32 points – and every point won by a pair is added to both players’ personal tallies.

If a round ends 20–12, both winners record 20 and both losers record 12.

Partners then split and everyone rotates for the next round.

The format works because everyone plays with everyone, rounds are brisk, and pressure never sits on one partnership for long. Because the tally is personal, a newcomer can place well by winning small margins consistently, while stronger players are nudged to lift whoever is on their side.

Short rounds keep energy high, partners change often to spread the fun, and the winner is simply the player with the most points at the end. For beginners it removes the awkwardness of a fixed mismatch. For regulars it sharpens instincts, rewards smart shot selection, and turns every point into a chance to help a partner shine. Americano is padel without the sulk; a light, competitive frame that builds skills, friendships, and a reason to linger for a drink when the padel court floodlights are switched off.