The ABCs of ATPs: Nail Each Around the Post Shot with These Tips
Last Edited
Sep 03 2024
Category
Instruction
The ATP, or "Around the Post" shot, is one of the most exciting and challenging shots in pickleball.
Unlike most shots, the ATP doesn’t require the ball to travel over the net. Instead, it goes around the outside of the net post, often at a low trajectory, before landing on the opponent’s court.
The ATP is completely legal according to USA Pickleball rules, making it a powerful weapon in a player’s arsenal.
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How to Hit an ATP
There are a few keys to successfully landing an ATP. At first, it's going to feel difficult to master every part of it at once, but the more you practice, the easier it'll be.
Anticipation: Identify ATP opportunities by watching for sharp crosscourt angles from your opponent. When the ball travels wide and fast towards the sideline, prepare yourself for the shot.
Footwork: Quickly move towards the sideline. Staying low and using an open stance will help you stay balanced. If the ball is particularly fast, a crossover step may be necessary to reach it.
Patience: Wait for the ball to move well off the court before striking. The lower the ball, the better your angle for an ATP.
Compact Execution: Keep your swing short and focus on making contact with the ball out in front of your body. Aim to keep the ball low and inside the court by two to three feet.
Recovery: After executing the shot, quickly recover to your position to defend against a potential return.
When to Use the ATP
The ATP is best used when your opponent forces you off the court with a sharply angled shot.
Instead of a desperate return dink, the ATP turns the tables, often catching your opponent off guard.
However, it's a high-risk, high-reward shot. Only attempt it when you’re confident in your positioning and the ball's trajectory.
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How to Defend Against the ATP
On the other side of the court, defending against an opponent's ATP requires awareness and quick reflexes.
The best defenses against ATPs are made by people who have successfully executed the shot many times before since they know to look for the ideal conditions to attempt one.
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It's easy to get nervous and freeze up once you realize the opponent across from you is winding up an ATP. But remember: it's an all-or-nothing attack, and by running out wide, they're leaving a bit of the court wide open for you.
Avoid Creating ATP Opportunities: Don’t hit wide crosscourt shots that give your opponent a clear ATP chance.
Positioning: When you suspect an ATP, step back from the kitchen line, especially on the side closest to your opponent. Lower your paddle and get into a backhand-ready position, as this offers better coverage.
Anticipation and Reaction: Drop back diagonally and drop your paddle to cover low shots. Aim to deflect the ball into the center of the court, where your opponent will be less likely to retrieve it.
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