Padel rules 2026: the 5 changes almost nobody applies

Padel's rulebook changed on 1 January 2026, and half the internet is still explaining the old one. These are the five changes you notice most on court, told with the rulebook in front of us.

1 · The Star Point: at the THIRD deuce, and it is an option

Here is the most repeated mistake: the Star Point is not played at the first deuce. It is played at the third deuce — two advantages wasted and, on the third, one decisive point. The returning pair picks the side.

And there is a second, equally important nuance: it is not padel's new standard, it is one option out of three. Each competition chooses which system it plays, which is why you can meet all three at your club on the same weekend.

The Star Point does not replace the golden point or the advantage: it joins the list. Whoever runs the tournament chooses.

2 · The serve: one foot behind the line

One foot behind the service line until the moment of contact is now enough — previously both had to be. And the ball cannot cross the line before the strike.

3 · The wrist cord, mandatory

The cord on your wrist becomes mandatory. It is not red tape: a racket flying out of a hand on a twenty-metre court is an accident waiting to happen.

4 · The clock, in writing

Padel wants rhythm, and the rulebook now puts it in writing:

5 · Coaches can be sanctioned too

The umpire can sanction a coach just like a player. And advice is only given during the breaks and with accreditation: no coaching between points.

What does NOT change: the tiebreak

The tiebreak stays as it was: seven points with two clear, and the set ends seven-six. If someone tells you that changed too, they have not opened the rulebook.

All five, in one table

Does this affect you?

All of this has been in force since 1 January 2026 in competitions that follow the FIP. If you play federated, it already affects you. At your club it depends on what each tournament adopts — which is why it is worth writing it on the poster: stating which deciding-point system and which times apply prevents half the arguments of the day.

And if someone argues a rule with you, the official FIP PDF is public: look it up and the argument is over.