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Serve Rotation in Doubles Padel

doubles

Serve rotates: Player A serves one game, then C (opponent's partner), then B (A's partner), then D.

The rule

Serve rotation in doubles padel follows a specific pattern to ensure fairness and balance. The rotation is A-C-B-D, where A and B are partners (one team) and C and D are partners (other team). Player A serves the first game, C (opposing partner) serves the second game, B (A's partner) serves the third game, and D serves the fourth game. After D completes their game, the rotation repeats: A serves again. This rotation pattern means each team serves twice per four-game cycle, and every player serves equally. The rotation prevents one team from gaining advantage from serving order. During tiebreaks, serve rotates after every point (not after every game), but the overall player sequence remains A-C-B-D. Confusion about rotation often occurs at the start of sets or matches; players should confirm the rotation order before play begins. Understanding serve rotation is crucial for competitive doubles play and prevents disputes about whose turn it is to serve.

Examples

Related questions

Does serve rotation change at set start?

The next player in the A-C-B-D sequence serves game 1 of the new set.

What if a player is not present for their serve?

The team defaults that game (loses it without playing), and rotation continues with next player.

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