If you’re looking to add some serious flair to your pickleball game, the Around The Post (ATP) shot might just be the coolest shot you can learn—especially for players at the 3.5 level and above.
The ATP is a legal and thrilling move where you send the ball around the outside of the net post, bypassing the traditional over-the-net route. Done right, it’s a jaw-dropping play that leaves your opponents scrambling.
What Is an ATP?
The ATP, or Around The Post shot, occurs when you hit the ball from outside the sideline, allowing it to curve around the net post and land inbounds on the other side.
Unlike typical shots, the ATP doesn’t need to pass over the net—just around it—making it both legal and highly effective. It’s a blend of precision, timing, and a bit of audacity.
Check out how its done:
Why Use the ATP?
The ATP is not just a flashy move; it’s a strategic play often born out of necessity. When your opponent forces you wide off the court, an ATP can be your best option to stay in the rally and possibly win the point. It’s particularly useful in singles when you need to turn the tables quickly.
However, the ATP isn’t a shot you’ll use every match—it’s more situational. But when the opportunity arises, it can catch your opponents completely off guard, giving you a significant advantage.
How to Execute the ATP
- Anticipation: Start by recognizing the setup. The ATP becomes an option when your opponent hits a sharp cross-court shot that forces you wide. If the ball bounces near the sideline and continues off the court, you’ve got a prime ATP opportunity.
- Footwork and Setup: Position yourself early by moving your feet quickly. Stay low to the ground, keeping an athletic stance, and stay aligned with the ball. Depending on the ball’s pace and spin, you might need to use an open stance or take a crossover step to track it down.
- Patience: The key to a successful ATP is patience. Let the ball travel far enough off the court and drop low to the ground before making contact. If you rush, you’ll likely miss the shot or hit it into the net.
- Compact Execution: Keep your swing short and compact. Focus on a short backswing and making contact with the ball in front of your body. Your paddle should be positioned on the outside of the ball to direct it back into the court.
- Targeting: Aim for a spot a few feet inside the sideline to give yourself some margin for error. The goal is to make the ball land low and challenging for your opponent to return.
Here, Matt from the Pickleball Clinic breaks down how to hit an ATP shot:
When to Hit an ATP
You’ll want to consider the ATP when you find yourself in a cross-court dink rally, and your opponent hits a wide enough shot that forces you off the court. The ATP is all about timing—don’t rush it. Wait until the ball has dropped low and is traveling wide enough to give you the right angle.
For example, if you’re in a backhand dink rally, don’t attempt the ATP if the shots are landing too close to the center. Instead, wait for a wide shot that gives you a clear path around the net post.
Should you Practice the ATP?
You should absolutely practice the ATP with a partner who can hit or toss balls that bounce in the kitchen and kick out wide. This will help you develop the anticipation, footwork, and patience needed to execute this shot effectively. While it might not be a shot you use often, having the ATP in your arsenal can make for some unforgettable moments on the court.
Nail the ATP, and not only will you have a reliable weapon for those tough rallies, but you’ll also earn some serious bragging rights when you pull it off in a match!
