La International Federation of Padel (FIP) has formalized several major regulatory changes which will come into effect from January 1, 2026Stated objective: to streamline the game, clarify certain grey areas of the regulations and improve referee readabilitywhile strengthening security.

Here is an overview of Key changes to the FIP 2026 regulation, which are expected to impact all international competitions.

An accelerated pace of play

The FIP has revised several time-related rules, with the aim of reduce downtime.

Warming up

  • Before 2026 5 minutes required
  • From 2026 : 3 minutes

Resumption after interruption

  • Before :
    • 5 to 20 minutes rest → 3 minutes warm-up
    • More than 20 minutes → 5 minutes
  • Henceforth :
    • 5 to 20 minutes → 1 minute
    • More than 20 minutes → 3 minutes

Another important point:
Eating and drinking will be prohibited between points.
These actions will not be permitted. than to the changes of sides.

Official introduction of the STAR POINT system

The FIP officially introduces the STAR POINT, a new game format designed to break ties.

  • At the third tie (40-40) In a game, this will be decided by a decisive point
  • The pair in return chooses the side
  • En mixteThe return is necessarily made to the player of the same sex.

This system differs from Classic Golden Point, since it only intervenes after several ties.

Service: clarification with the “imaginary line”

One important change concerns the Service, with the introduction of a imaginary line extending the service line.

From now on:

  • The ball must not cross the service line, nor its imaginary extension, before impact.

Important precision

Even though the regulations now require thatat least one foot remains behind the line, The server's actual position does not change :

  • two feet must remain in the service box
  • No foot may touch or cross the lines

When serving, both feet must remain behind the baseline, in line with the service box, without touching any lines.
Rule 2026 does not change the server's position, but more strictly regulates the ball's trajectory before impact.

This modification is primarily aimed at simplify arbitration control, and not to change the gestures of the service.

Balls: more flexibility

Ball color

  • Before only white or yellow
  • From 2026 : any color allowedprovided that she contrast with the track

High-altitude balls

  • Before : mandatory from 500 meters
  • Henceforth : uniquely from 1 meters

Runways and safety: enhanced requirements

The FIP is strengthening safety standards around the pitches.

  • Outdoor security zone
    • Before: 2 meters
    • From 2026: minimum 3 meters

An adjustment that aims to reduce the risk of collision and to improve playing conditions, particularly indoors.

Racket: a rule now clearly written

This is a important clarification of regulation 2026.

It is now explicitly stipulated that:

  • If the safety cord breaks
  • or if the racket slips from the player's grasp

The pair in question immediately loses the current point

This rule was already being applied in practice, but it is now written in black and white, without possibility of interpretation.

A reform focused on clarity and fluidity

With these adjustments, the FIP 2026 regulations This marks a significant evolution, without revolutionizing the essence of the game. The changes mainly concern:

  • le match rhythm
  • la readability of the rules
  • la security
  • and arbitration standardization

These are all points that should gradually impact the whole of international padel from the start of the 2026 season.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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