Pickleball requires skill, strategy, and creativity. One of the most creative and impressive shots in pickleball is the around-the-post (ATP) shot. This shot lands around the net post instead of over the net and lands on the opponent’s court. It is a legal and practical shot that can surprise and win points against your opponents.
This article will answer these questions and provide everything you need about the ATP shot. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, a casual or a competitive player, this article will help you master the ATP shot. It will also add flair to your game.
Let’s learn more about the ATP shot!
What is Around the Post Shot?
Players can hit the ball over or around the net post, called an “around-the-post shot or ATP.” An ATP is a specialty shot that requires skill, timing, and accuracy. It is usually attempted when the ball is hit wide on one side of the court, beyond the sideline.
An ATP player must hit the ball under and around the net post. It is so that it lands on the opponent’s court without crossing into their half of the court. The ball does not need to travel back over the net, and there is no restriction on return height.
An ATP shot is a legal and exciting shot that surprises and challenges opponents. However, it takes work to execute and involves risk. ATP players must have good footwork, patience, and angle awareness. They must also avoid hitting the net post, the net, or any permanent object outside the court. If they do, they lose the rally.
An ATP is ideal for pickleball players who want variety and creativity. It can also be a fun way to practice skills and coordination. However, ATP should not be overused or abused, as it can backfire if not done correctly or at the right time. ATP should be used sparingly and strategically, complementing other shots and strategies.
How to Hit an Around the Post (ATP) Shot?
To hit an ATP in pickleball, you should follow these steps:
- Stay Low to the Ground: This will help you keep your eye on the ball and allow you to react quickly.
- Keep Your Paddle Low: When you bring it up too high, it’s more challenging to control.
- Aim Inside the Sideline: Your chances of hitting the ball around the post are increased if you do this.
- Use an Open Stance: Stay available toward the pickleball net rather than taking any crossover step. It will help you stay balanced and ready for the next shot. However, this may not always be possible if the ball has a lot of pace and spin. Crossover steps are okay in these circumstances, as it may be your only chance to track down the ball.
- Be Patient: Wait for the ball to travel off the court so you have a clear pathway to hit the ball around the post and into the court.
- Swing Smoothly and Confidently: Use a forehand or a backhand stroke, depending on which side of the court you are on. Follow through with your swing and aim for the opposite corner of the court.
When to Use Around the Post Shot?
To know when to use an ATP in pickleball, you should look for these opportunities :
- When your opponents hit a sharp crosscourt angle that sends the ball off the side of the court after the bounce, you can hit the ball around the post and into the court.
- When your opponents are out of position or not expecting an ATP, this can catch them off guard and give you an advantage in the rally.
- When you have confidence and control in your ATP shot, you have practiced and mastered the shot and can hit it with accuracy and consistency.
How to Avoid Using an ATP in Pickleball?
You should avoid using an ATP in pickleball in these situations:
- When the ball is not wide enough or high enough to go around the post, this can result in hitting the net, the post, or the permanent object, which will cost you the rally.
- When your opponents are ready and waiting for an ATP, this can make your shot predictable and easy to return or counter.
- When you have a better or safer option to hit the ball, you can hit a more effective or less risky shot, such as a crosscourt dink, a lob, or a drive.
How to Defend an Around-the-Post (ATP) Shot?
To defend an ATP in pickleball, you should follow these steps:
- Recognize that your opponent is about to hit an ATP. It usually happens when your opponent receives a high, wide-angled shot that sends the ball off the side of the court after the bounce.
- Stand in the correct location. The best place to stand is roughly two feet behind the non-volley line and inside the sideline. Ensure that your body and paddle are still inside the court because you do not want to defend balls going out or hitting an out ball.
- Bend your knees to keep your body weight low and forward.
- Place your paddle low to the ground and block the ball before or after it bounces.
- Watch where the ball is going. Since the ATP is a tricky shot for your opponent to hit, there is a good chance that they may miss it wide. So, be ready to let the ball go out if it does.
FAQs
Pickleball’s ATP stands for Around The Post, which means you can return a shot to your opponent’s court without crossing the net. In sports such as tennis, an opponent can hit a ball around the post and land it legally on your court instead of over the net.
In pickleball, hitting the post during a rally is considered a fault. The post, part of the net system, is considered out-of-bounds. If the ball touches the post before landing in the opponent’s court, it is considered out of play, and the point is awarded to the opposing team. Players are encouraged to aim for the area within the court boundaries and avoid hitting the post during gameplay.
To hit harder in pickleball, you should focus on footwork and technique. Ensure your body weight is transferred through the shot and you use an explosive follow-through. You can also try adjusting your grip to increase your racquet head speed or snapping
your wrist through the shot for added power. Finally, make sure you use a paddle with reasonable ball control and ample tension to maximize the impact of each shot.
Bert is a pickleball stroke involving a heavy-duty forehand grip and striking the ball with an exaggerated low-to-high upswing. It is named after Bert Trautman, who popularized the technique in tournaments during the 1960s and 1970s.
Let’s Wrap Up!
The around-the-post shot, or ATP, is one of the most thrilling and rewarding shots in pickleball. It can give you an edge over opponents and add spice to your game. However, it is also a challenging and risky shot that requires practice and strategy.
To master ATP, you need to know when to use it, how to hit it, and how to defend. You must also follow the game rules and etiquette and respect your opponents. By learning and applying these tips, you can become a more confident and versatile pickleball player.
So, try the ATP shot next time you play pickleball. You might surprise yourself and your opponents with this amazing shot!
I am a professional physiotherapist and the author of the BallSportsPro. I worked with athletes of all levels, from amateur to professional, and i helped them overcome injuries and improve their performance. I am a certified Pickleball instructor and has been playing the sport for over 10 years.
