Planets don't actually have a "general shape" as they go around the sun. They maintain their spherical shape throughout their orbit.

Here's why:

* Gravity: The massive force of gravity pulls equally in all directions towards the planet's center. This force is what gives planets their roughly spherical shape.

* Rotation: Planets also rotate, which contributes to their spherical form. The rotation creates a centrifugal force that slightly counteracts gravity, making the planet bulge slightly at the equator.

* Orbiting the Sun: While planets orbit the sun in an elliptical path, their shape doesn't change as they move. It's like a ball rolling around a track – the ball's shape stays the same even as it moves.

So, while planets might appear to be slightly flattened or elongated when viewed from a particular angle, they are fundamentally spherical.