Padel Rule Changes 2026
The International Padel Federation (FIP) introduced several significant rule changes effective January 1, 2026. The headline change is the new Star Point scoring system, but the update also covers warm-up duration, service regulations, ball specifications, and player conduct.
Star Point: The New Scoring System
The Star Point is the most significant rule change of 2026, replacing the Golden Point (Punto de Oro) that was used in professional padel since 2020.
How It Works
The Star Point system activates when a game reaches deuce (40–40):
- First advantage cycle: One pair wins the deuce rally and gains advantage. If they win the next rally, they take the game. If they lose, the score returns to deuce.
- Second advantage cycle: Another advantage rally is played. Again, winning secures the game; losing returns to deuce.
- Star Point: If after two full advantage cycles the game remains undecided, a single decisive Star Point rally determines the winner.
Star Point Rules
- The receiving pair chooses which side of the court to receive from
- Players are not allowed to switch positions for the Star Point rally
- In mixed doubles, the receiver must be the same sex as the server
Why the Change?
| Aspect | Golden Point (2020–2025) | Star Point (2026+) |
|---|---|---|
| At deuce | Immediate sudden death | Up to two advantage cycles first |
| Advantages | None | Two full cycles allowed |
| Philosophy | Maximum speed | Balance between rhythm and tension |
| Criticism | Too random, punished serving pair | Preserves advantage format |
The Star Point is a compromise: it prevents indefinitely long deuce games (as in the traditional format) while giving players more chances than the immediate sudden death of the Golden Point.
Where It Applies
The Star Point system is used across all FIP-governed competitions:
- Premier Padel (from the Riyadh Season P1)
- CUPRA FIP Tour (from FIP Bronze Melbourne Padel Open)
- FIP Promises
- FIP Beyond (amateur circuit)
Warm-Up and Pace of Play
Shorter Warm-Up
Pre-match warm-up time has been reduced from 5 minutes to 3 minutes. Warm-up time following interruptions (rain, lighting issues) has also been shortened.
Eating and Drinking
Eating and drinking between points is now prohibited. Players may only eat and drink during changeovers and set breaks. This change aims to maintain the pace of play and prevent deliberate time-wasting.
Service Changes
Imaginary Line Extension
A clarification has been introduced for the service: an imaginary line extends the service line toward the side walls. The ball must not cross the service line, nor its imaginary extension, before impact. This provides a clearer definition of the legal service position.
Ball Specifications
Color Flexibility
The ball is no longer restricted to yellow or white. Any color is now acceptable, provided it provides sufficient contrast with the court surface. This change opens the door for colored balls that may improve visibility on certain surfaces or during televised matches.
Safety Rules
Outdoor Safety Zone
The minimum outdoor safety zone around the court has been increased from 2 meters to 3 meters, providing more space for players retrieving balls outside the court.
Racket Loss
If the safety cord breaks or the racket leaves the player’s hand during a rally, the pair immediately loses the point. Previously, this was handled less strictly; the 2026 rule makes the penalty automatic and immediate.
Tournament Organization
- Daily match limit: Pairs cannot be required to play more than two matches per category daily without consent
- Heat break: A mandatory 5-minute break between sets is now required during extreme heat conditions
- Continental Tour Finals: Only the top 16 players per category qualify; competitors must participate in a minimum of five tournaments annually
Summary of Changes
| Change | Before | After (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Deuce format | Golden Point (sudden death) | Star Point (2 advantages + decisive point) |
| Warm-up | 5 minutes | 3 minutes |
| Ball color | Yellow or white only | Any contrasting color |
| Service line | Physical line only | Physical line + imaginary extension |
| Safety zone (outdoor) | 2 meters | 3 meters |
| Racket loss | Warning | Immediate loss of point |
| Eating/drinking | Unrestricted | Changeovers only |
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