From 2026, Star Point officially becomes the scoring format applied across the entire FIP Promises circuit, dedicated to young people. A regulatory change formalized by the International Federation of Padel, which marks a new stage in thinking about the pace of matches and the management of intensity among players in training.

Where does Star Point come from?

The Star Point is an evolution of the decisive point, already known in padel in various forms. Unlike the Golden Points, which immediately breaks the tie at 40-40, Star Point does not intervene that at the third tie in a game.

In concrete terms, the process is as follows:

  • game with classic advantages up to two ties,
  • , third tie (40-40)The game is decided on a single point,
  • la pair in return chooses the side,
  • en mixteThe return is necessarily made to the player of the same sex.

This system aims to reduce the duration of the longest gameswithout completely eliminating the logic of advantage.

Why is the FIP introducing it first to young people?

The choice to apply the Star Point to the FIP Promises, and not immediately on all circuits, is far from insignificant.

In the youth categories, the FIP aims to:

  • better control over match duration,
  • limit the accumulation of mental fatigue,
  • reduce excessive discrepancies in playing time between matches,
  • preserving the quality of the draws in tournaments that are sometimes very crowded, such as the FIP Promises Paris by WME

In a circuit where players can play several matches in a single day, time management becomes a central issue.

A format designed for training, not for entertainment

Contrary to some misconceptions, Star Points were not introduced to make the game more spectacular. Their primary objective is... educational and organizational.

For young players, repeated games of break points and deuces can:

  • to increase emotional pressure,
  • to create very long set endings,
  • generate disproportionate fatigue compared to the stakes.

The Star Point allows you to empower the players at a key momentwhile avoiding overly drawn-out sequences.

A logic already tested on other circuits

Prior to its integration into FIP Promises, similar formats had already been tested on:

  • certain tests of FIP Tour,
  • national competitions,
  • and private circuits seeking to optimize schedules.

The FIP therefore relies on existing feedback, rather than a sudden break with traditional formats.

A clear implementation plan starting in 2026

Starting the 1st January 2026, all matches disputed on the:

  • FIP Promises World Tour,
  • FIP Promises Continental Tour,

will be played entirely with the Star Point, without exception.

This uniformity aims to guarantee a clear reading of the regulations, for players, coaches and referees alike.

A first step before possible expansions?

The introduction of Star Point on FIP Promises could serve as observation phaseIts impact on:

  • the pace of the matches,
  • managing emotions,
  • physical load,
  • and acceptance by the players

will be scrutinized closely.

It remains to be seen whether this format will remain confined to youth circuits or whether it could eventually be extended to other levels of competition.

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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