Padel: A major rule change officially announced for 2026

A pivotal decision for the future of padel

Padel continues to evolve, not just sportingly or in the media. Starting from the 2026 season, a major new rule will be introduced into the international regulations: the Star Point, also known as golden point. Officially adopted by the International Padel Federation (FIP), this modification aims to regulate deuce situations in games differently, with concrete consequences for the tempo of matches and the tactical management of key moments.

The announcement marks an important regulatory turning point. It primarily concerns professional padel, but could, in the long term, influence the entire pyramid, from international circuits to amateur competitions.

The Star Point: A new framework for deuces

The Star Point applies when a game reaches a 40-40 score. Until now, these situations could drag on, with a sometimes very long series of advantages. The new rule introduces a precise framework, designed to limit these excesses without immediately switching to a decisive point.

• The game proceeds normally until deuce.
• A maximum of two advantages are allowed.
• If neither team manages to conclude, a single point is played.
• The winner of this point directly wins the game.

This mechanism creates a clearly identified moment of tension, without completely removing the concept of advantage, dear to many players.

Star Point, Golden Point: note the distinction

In padel terminology, many players quickly speak of “golden point” as soon as a decisive point is mentioned. However, from a regulatory standpoint, the FIP clearly distinguishes the formats:

• Star Point: The decisive point only occurs after a structured sequence (with a limited number of advantages).
• Golden Point: it’s the “no-ad”, a decisive point played immediately at the first deuce, without going through advantages.

Another important detail at the decisive point: the returning team chooses the side (right or left) to receive, and players do not change their positions at the last second. In a mixed match, the reception of the decisive point must be a male/male or female/female duel (receiver of the same sex as the server).

The rule is detailed in the official regulations published by the FIP, available here:
Official FIP Regulations – Star Point

Why the FIP is changing the rules now

This change doesn’t come out of nowhere. The international schedule has become more packed, matches follow one another, and the duration of encounters has become a central issue for organizers, broadcasters… and the players themselves.

Extended games, frequent in tight matches, pose several issues: increased fatigue, scheduling difficulties, and loss of readability for the uninitiated public. The Star Point addresses these challenges by stabilizing the duration of games, while maintaining a strong strategic dimension.

A decision designed with “court + spectacle” in mind

What’s interesting is that the FIP presents this evolution as a compromise: modernize without distorting. Simply put, the DNA of padel is preserved (pressure, momentum, strategy), while avoiding interminable sequences that make some matches difficult for the public to “read” and for organizers to plan.

An immediate tactical impact on the game

Changing the management of deuce situations directly affects tactics. With the Star Point, each point played at 40-40 takes on a particular value.

• The serve becomes a key issue: to play safe or dare more?
• The return gains importance, with more decisive choices.
• Mental management is reinforced: knowing how to play well under pressure becomes essential.

Players will have to adapt their patterns, especially in tight game endings, where every decision can swing a set.

The little “game within the game” that will appear

Expect to see more signals, routines, and prepared scenarios for these specific moments: who takes responsibility? which side to choose for the return? which zone to target first? The Star Point will create ultra-coded mini-sequences, and the most disciplined pairs could gain a clear advantage.

Which Circuits Are Primarily Affected

The Star Point will be implemented starting in 2026 in major international competitions. Professional padel will serve as a full-scale laboratory before a possible extension to other levels of play.

National federations could then decide to integrate this rule into their own competitions, based on on-court feedback and player adoption.

Deployment from the Start of the 2026 Season

The FIP announces implementation in 2026 across several levels: Premier Padel, CUPRA FIP Tour, FIP Promises, and part of the amateur circuit. The launch is expected very early in the year, with a first practical application in FIP events from January, then on the Premier Padel circuit from the start of the season.

Clubs and Players: An Adaptation to Anticipate

Even if the rule primarily targets the elite level, its adoption will have broader repercussions. Clubs will need to train referees and coaches, while amateur players will have to learn to manage these new decisive moments.

In the medium term, this evolution could also facilitate the understanding of padel for new players, by making game endings clearer and more readable.

The FIP 2026 regulations are not limited to the Star Point

The Star Point is the most “visible” measure, but the 2026 version of the regulations is also accompanied by concrete adjustments that will impact the daily routine of matches, especially in competition.

A stricter game tempo

The goal is clear: limit dead time.

• Shortened warm-up before the match (shorter format).
• Resumption after interruption: reduced restart time, even after an unplanned break.
• Between points: no snacking or “on-the-go” drinking (everything is managed during side changes).

Serve: The “Imaginary Line” to Clarify Officiating

Another notable point: the FIP clarifies the serve rule with an “imaginary” extension of the line. The idea is simple: to more precisely frame the ball’s trajectory before impact and limit grey areas.

• The ball must not cross the service line (nor its extension) before being hit.
• The server must remain in the regulatory corridor, without “biting” the lines.

Balls, altitude, safety areas: details that matter

The 2026 regulations also address the material framework and playing conditions:

• Balls gain flexibility (especially regarding colors, as long as the contrast remains good).
• Competitions at altitude are better regulated, with a clearer reference for the use of suitable balls.
• Requirements around the off-court safety area are strengthened, an important point for “out of court” play.

An often-forgotten point: the wrist strap

This is typically the kind of detail that can be costly: if the wrist strap breaks or if the racket clearly escapes the player, the point is lost. A rule already applied in practice, but now much more clearly stated in the text.

Key takeaways

• A major rule change will come into effect in padel from 2026.
• The Star Point (golden point) frames deuces to avoid overly long games.
• Players’ tactics and mental management will be directly impacted.
• Deployment begins at the professional level before a possible generalization.

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