Round-the-post return
A ball sent back from outside the court that passes beside the net post, outside the court, instead of over the net. It is very rare, and the FIP rules do not say whether it counts.
When to play it
Only on courts with open side entrances and a clear safety area, in a match where out-of-court play is allowed. Only when you have already run out through your side entrance to reach the ball.
How to play it
Run out through your entrance, staying behind the ball. If you play it back past the post, it must come in through their entrance without touching their walls or fence and bounce in their court. Agree with the referee or the organiser before the match how it would be judged.
Common mistakes
Assuming it is allowed because it is allowed in tennis: the FIP text is silent on it. Clipping the edge of their entrance, which counts as hitting their wall or fence before the bounce. Trying it on a court without a safety area, where out-of-court play is not allowed at all.
Rules for this shot
Questions
Is the round-the-post return legal in padel?
The FIP 2026 text does not address a ball passing outside the net post. Rule 16 allows out-of-court play only where the court meets the safety area conditions, and Rule 14 says a return from outside is good if it meets the normal tests, such as bouncing in their court without hitting their walls or fence first.