Valid Return

Definition

A valid return is a shot that meets all FIP requirements: the ball is struck by the racket (not hand), the ball clears the net and lands in the opponent's service box (on serve) or court, at least one player foot remains in court, and the racket is not thrown or carried. A valid return must occur before the ball bounces twice on the same side or goes out of play. Returns may use walls if the ball is in bounds when it strikes the wall. Returning with a volley, ground stroke, or wall play is valid as long as the fundamental rules are followed. Invalid returns include hitting the ball twice (on the same stroke), hitting before it clears the net, or stepping completely out of court. The validity of returns is determined by line judges and chair umpires.

Origin: Derived from tennis rules, adapted for padel's unique wall-play and out-of-court elements.