Do you remember the first time you hit the Pickleball ATP (Around-the-Post) shot? Maybe you’re new to pickleball and hit one without realizing it. They’re exciting to hit and nearly un-returnable when executed correctly.
Let us tell you about these adrenaline-inducing shots!
What is an ATP Shot?
Basically, an Around-the-Post shot (also known as an ATP) is when you hit a ball around the pickleball net post. Some may think this shot is illegal, but if you’re coming from the tennis world, it is definitely a legal shot.
Although not known for his pickleball skills, Rafael Nadal is known to hit an around-the-post shot during some of his matches.
When to Attempt an ATP
The best time to hit an ATP shot is during sharp-angle dink rallies when the ball can be struck beyond the sideline. Pay attention to how your opponents are dinking – what their dinking strategies are. Do they like to push you out wide, then after several of those shots, try to attack the middle?
As you are in a dinking game, anticipate and look for opposing shots that take you off the court, past the sidelines. Look for opportunities like that. The ATP is easy enough to execute, especially during sharp-angle rallies. A key thing to take into consideration when you’re going to hit this shot is to anticipate and wait for a low shot during cross-court rallies. When you are out wide, let the ball drop down around your knee or shin level. Then smoothly hit the shot “around the post” into your opponents back court.
Keep your body and paddle low. When it comes to hitting an ATP shot, the lower the opposing shot, the better, because it makes it a hard shot for your opponents to defend. Many times your opponent will angle his / her body to try and defend the ATP. Hitting the ATP low and at a nice angle is very challenging to return back over the net.
Try it next time you are playing. It may take a few times for you to think about hitting the shot, then it may take a few times to hit is successfully, however once you hit one you’ll anticipate it more often. Have fun!
A Little Pickleball ATP History
Back in 2019, the International Federation of Pickleball updated their Official Tournament Rulebook with respect to around-the-post shots. So, the next time you’re on the pickleball court channel your inner Rafael Nadal (or Ben Johns) and crush an around-the-post shot! Vamos!
For videos and information on ATP and Erne shots, see our Pickleball 3.5 skill level page.