La International Federation of Padel (FIP) recently joined the Star Point in its official padel rules. This new scoring format is now part of the FIP-recognized scoring systems, in the same way as the advantageous format and Golden Point (Punto de Oro).

It is important to clarify that this recognition does not imply its automatic application on professional circuits such as the FIP Tour or Premier PadelEach circuit remains free to choose the padel scoring format that he applies.

Le Star Point relies on a classic operating principle up to 40-40. Contrary to Golden PointsThe game is not decided immediately on a single point. After this tie, the system introduces several successive phases called deuce 1, deuce 2 et deuce 3If no pair manages to conclude the game after these three ties, a decisive final pointCalled Star Point, is then played.

During the Star Point, The receiving pair chooses the receiving side., to the right or left. Players cannot change position for this decisive point. The pair that wins the Star Point wins directly the padel game. In mixed matchthe receiver must be of the same sex as the server, still without any change of position.

La difference between Star Point and Golden Point constitutes a central point of the debate on the evolution of the padel scoring. The Golden Points, also called Golden Point, imposes a immediate decisive point at 40-40. The Star PointConversely, it delays this key moment and introduces an additional phase of play before the final decision. This system aims to maintain a strategic dimension while avoiding games that are too long.

The objective of Star Point at padel is to propose a compromise between advantageous format, often considered too long, and the Golden Points, sometimes perceived as too radical. It allows better control of match duration, while limiting the element of randomness to a single point.

Even though it is now recognized by the FIP, Star Point is not yet widespread in official competition. Its use will depend on the circuit selection, organizers and national federations. Its potential adoption on professional circuits could mark a significant evolution of scoring in padel in the coming seasons.

Comparative table of padel scoring formats recognized by the FIP

CriterionAdvantage (classic format)Golden Point / Punto de OroStar Point (new format)
Recognition by the FIPYesYesYes
Automatic use on circuitsNoNoNo
Key situationThe score is tied at 40-40The score is tied at 40-40The score is tied at 40-40
PrincipleTwo consecutive points requiredAn immediate decisive pointDecisive point deferred
Number of possible equalitiesUnlimitedOnly oneThree (deuce 1, 2, 3)
Moment of the decisive pointAfter advantageAt onceAfter the 3rd tie
Name of the decisive pointNoGolden PointsStar Point
Choice of receiver's sideNoYesYes
Change of position permittedYesNoNo
Specific rule in mixed matchesNoReceiver of the same sex as the serverReceiver of the same sex as the server
Average game durationLongshortIntermediate
Primary objectiveSports justiceRhythm and spectacleCompromise between duration and fairness
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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