- Ten surprising padel rules in brief
- 1. Star Point is the main scoring change in 2026
- 2. A dropped racket or broken wrist cord loses the point
- 3. Teammates’ rackets may collide legally
- 4. A ball touching the net post may still be good
- 5. After the first game, players change ends with no normal break
- 6. A serve clipping the net may be replayed
- 7. A perforated racket has no stated numerical hole minimum
- 8. Playing outside the court is possible on suitable courts
- 9. Reaching over the net with a racket may be allowed
- 10. A ball stuck in a fence hole can win the point
- Which shots are not allowed in padel?
- Playing rules versus tournament regulations
- FAQ: unusual padel rules and changes in 2026
- Official FIP sources
What changed in padel rules in 2026? The Star Point scoring format arrives at the third deuce in designated competitions. Nine other surprising rules govern wrist straps, racket collisions, the net, the serve, racket holes and play outside the court.
Most of these unusual padel situations existed before 2026. Here are ten official FIP rules with their conditions and practical outcomes.
Ten surprising padel rules in brief
| Situation | FIP decision |
|---|---|
| Star Point | Deciding point at third deuce |
| Broken safety cord | Immediate loss of point |
| Net post | A ball may remain legal |
| Change at 1-0 | No normal rest |
| Metal fence | Trapped ball may win a point |
1. Star Point is the main scoring change in 2026
At the first deuce, a pair can earn advantage. A return to deuce allows a second advantage opportunity, and a third deuce is resolved by a single deciding Star Point. The receivers choose the receiving side without changing their positions. Premier Padel, CUPRA FIP Tour, FIP Promises and FIP Beyond adopted it for 2026. Unlike Star Point, golden point resolves the first deuce.
2. A dropped racket or broken wrist cord loses the point
Rule 13 makes the loss of the point immediate if the safety cord breaks or a player drops the racket during a rally, even after an apparent winner. The non-elastic cord must be attached to the handle, no longer than 35 cm and worn around the wrist. It is a safety measure, not a new rule from 2026.
3. Teammates’ rackets may collide legally
If both players strike the ball, their pair loses the point. Rule 13 makes an exception when only one strikes the ball and the teammate accidentally hits that player’s racket. The collision itself is not a double hit. The question is who touched the ball.
4. A ball touching the net post may still be good
Rule 14 allows a ball that clips the net or supporting post and then lands properly in the opponents’ court. It does not allow a player to touch the net, posts or cable with their body or racket while the ball is live: that loses the point.
5. After the first game, players change ends with no normal break
Players change ends after the first and every subsequent odd game. The normal 90-second changeover does not apply after the first game of each set. During the tie-break, ends change every six points with 20 seconds allowed to move. Rest between sets can last up to 120 seconds.
6. A serve clipping the net may be replayed
A serve touching the net or its post and landing in the correct service box is a net provided it avoids the metal fence before a second bounce. Under Rule 9, a first-serve net gives two attempts again, while a second-serve net means replaying that attempt. A service ball hitting the fence before a second bounce is a fault.
Find more examples in our guide to the let serve.
7. A perforated racket has no stated numerical hole minimum
FIP describes a perforated racket face, with central cylindrical holes between 9 and 13 mm. It specifies no numeric minimum count. A fully solid face does not fit the description, but saying the rules literally demand just one hole is incorrect. Maximum overall length is 45.5 cm and thickness 38 mm.
8. Playing outside the court is possible on suitable courts
Under Rule 16, out-of-court play is allowed only if access and safety clearance meet FIP requirements. A player may then chase and return a live ball outside the enclosure, even towards an opponent standing there. A point that has already ended cannot be revived this way.
9. Reaching over the net with a racket may be allowed
A ball that bounces legally can return over the net after spin or a glass rebound. Rule 14 allows the opponent to reach across and play it without touching the net, posts or opposing court. This exception is not permission to intercept any ball before it crosses the net.
10. A ball stuck in a fence hole can win the point
If the ball bounces legally in the opponents’ court and then gets stuck in a hole in the metal fence, Rule 15 awards the point to the striking pair. The same applies when it passes through the hole. A ball trapped on the flat horizontal top of a wall after a valid bounce also awards the point.
Which shots are not allowed in padel?
Double bounces, a double hit, both partners striking the ball, touching the net during a rally and hitting the opponents’ fence before the ball bounces on their court all lose the point. Two consecutive service faults do as well.
Playing rules versus tournament regulations
The FIP governs the action on court, while national federations also set tournament categories, registration conditions and eligibility. Those organizational rules are not the same as the playing rules on serves, racket specifications or the net.
FAQ: unusual padel rules and changes in 2026
What changed in padel rules for 2026?
The main scoring change is Star Point on the circuits using it. The other nine situations mostly existed beforehand.
Which shots are illegal in padel?
Touching the net, playing after two bounces, a double hit or both teammates striking the ball loses the point.
Are national tournament rules the same as playing rules?
No. National regulations also address tournament categories, qualification and registration.
Where are the official padel rules?
FIP publishes the rules for serves, scoring, equipment, fences, walls and out-of-court play.
How many holes must a racket have?
The hitting surface must be perforated, but there is no written numerical minimum.
Can the ball touch a net post?
Yes, if it then lands correctly, unlike a player who cannot touch the post during play.
Are Star Point and golden point the same?
No. Golden point decides on the first deuce; Star Point follows two advantage opportunities.
Official FIP sources
The official FIP 2026 rulebook explains these cases, notably Rules 1, 2, 5, 7, 9 and 13 to 16. The Star Point introduction was announced in December 2025. FIP Rules of Padel 2026 ; Star Point FIP.
