Table of Contents
1What is Star Point?
Star Point is a revolutionary new scoring system approved unanimously by the International Padel Federation (FIP) on November 28, 2025. It was ratified by all 100 national federations and officially came into effect on January 1, 2026.
The system is designed to eliminate the problem of infinite deuces that plagued professional padel, where games at 40-40 could go on indefinitely with advantage after advantage. Some matches exceeded three hours, creating scheduling nightmares for broadcasters and exhausting players.
Key Stat: FIP testing in 2025 showed that Star Point reduces average game duration from 4:30 minutes to 2:45 minutes - a 39% reduction in time.
2How Star Point Works
Star Point activates when a game reaches 40-40 (deuce). Here's the complete breakdown:
First Advantage
At 40-40, one team wins a point and gets advantage. If they win the next point, they win the game. If they lose, the score returns to deuce (40-40).
Second Advantage
Same rules apply. Win on advantage = win game. Lose on advantage = back to deuce. But if neither team has converted after two advantages each...
Star Point (Decisive Point)
One single point decides the game. No more advantages. The receiving team chooses which side to receive. Winner takes the game.
| System | How It Works | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional (WPT) | Golden point at first deuce | Fast but controversial fairness |
| Premier Padel (2024) | Infinite advantages | Fair but 3+ hour matches |
| Star Point (2026) | 2 advantages then decisive point | Balanced: fair + predictable timing |
3New Serve Rules for 2026
The 2026 regulations also bring significant changes to the serve, making it more flexible while maintaining fairness.
Old Rule (Before 2026)
- -Both feet had to be behind the service line
- -Serve below waist height
- -Contact behind the baseline
New Rule (2026)
- +Only one foot needs to be behind or touching the line
- +Serve below waist height (unchanged)
- +Contact behind the baseline (unchanged)
Why this matters: The new serve rule allows for approximately 20% more fluid advancement to the net, giving servers a tactical advantage while keeping the serve's fundamental limitations intact.
4Other Rule Changes for 2026
Warm-up Time Reduced
Pre-match warm-up reduced from 5 minutes to 3 minutes. After interruptions: 1 minute (for stoppages under 20 min) or 3 minutes (over 20 min).
Hydration & Nutrition
Players can only drink or eat during side changes at the bench area. No more hydrating between points on court.
Safety Cord Rule
Automatic point loss if the safety cord breaks or the paddle escapes from your hand during play. This is now formally in the official regulations.
Court Safety Zones
Protected perimeter zones expanded from 2m to 3m width (4m length unchanged). Players who suffer accidental impact can request 5 minutes recovery with arbiter approval.
Coach Discipline
First verbal infraction: warning. Second violation: direct expulsion (previously resulted in point loss). Coaches can only provide instructions during medical/bathroom pauses with arbiter approval.
Equipment Standards
Maximum paddle hole diameter: 20mm. Ball colors restricted to white or yellow only. Men's sleeveless shirts now permitted.
5When & Where It Applies
Star Point Implementation Timeline
Official Start Date
Star Point and all new rules enter effect
FIP Bronze Melbourne Padel Open
First tournament to use Star Point
Riyadh Season P1
Premier Padel debut of Star Point
Applicable Tours:
- Premier Padel
- CUPRA FIP Tour
- FIP Promises
- FIP Beyond
6Why These Changes?
FIP President Luigi Carraro stated that Star Point was designed to achieve multiple objectives:
🏆 Preserve Tradition
Unlike the golden point, Star Point maintains the advantage system that players and fans are familiar with.
💪 Player Welfare
Shorter games mean less physical toll. Players won't be exhausted by 3+ hour matches with infinite deuces.
📺 TV Predictability
Broadcasters can now schedule matches with confidence. No more overruns disrupting programming.
🏅 Olympic Alignment
Aligns with IOC objectives on sports innovation as padel pushes for Olympic inclusion.
"Designed to preserve tradition and improve player welfare and TV predictability, this advance aligns with IOC objectives on sports innovation."
— Luigi Carraro, FIP President
How Top Players Are Adapting
The world's best padel players are already adjusting their strategies for the Star Point era. The new rules will particularly benefit aggressive players who thrive under pressure situations.
Men's Tour Impact
Top players like Arturo Coello, Alejandro Galan, Agustin Tapia, and Franco Stupaczuk are known for their ability to perform under pressure - a skill that will be crucial during Star Point situations.
View Men's RankingsWomen's Tour Impact
On the women's side, dominant players like Ariana Sanchez, Paula Josemaria, Gemma Triay, and Beatriz Gonzalez have the mental fortitude to excel when games come down to a single decisive point.
View Women's RankingsReady for 2026?
The Star Point system and new rules represent the biggest evolution in professional padel history. Whether you're a player adapting your strategy or a fan watching the action, 2026 promises to be a transformative year for the sport.