Padel 2026: 6 New Rules You Need to Know

Padel changes its face. The International Federation has promoted six new rules that will significantly change the game. The color of the balls also changes.

Star Point

From the new year, to replace the third advantage there will be a decisive point, called Star Point, to reduce playing times and speed up the game.

Colors of the balls

The color of the balls may vary: it will only be enough that the color contrasts with the pitch.

Imaginary line for service

An imaginary line will be installed for the height of the service. Both feet must remain behind the baseline.

New safety standards

External safety standards are expanded. Each field must have at least 3 metres, no longer the 2 meters initially imposed.

Point penalty

The penalty point will be awarded directly to the pair if a player loses control or breaks his racket during the point.

Reduced heating

The initial warm-up will be reduced to 3 minutes, instead of the usual 5. Furthermore, it will no longer be possible to eat and drink between points, prohibiting these small breaks which can only be taken at court changes.

Aiko Tanaka

Aiko Tanaka is a combat sports journalist and general sports reporter at Archysport. A former competitive judoka who represented Japan at the Asian Games, Aiko brings firsthand athletic experience to her coverage of judo, martial arts, and Olympic sports. Beyond combat sports, Aiko covers breaking sports news, major international events, and the stories that cut across disciplines — from doping scandals to governance issues to the business side of global sport. She is passionate about elevating the profile of underrepresented sports and athletes.

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