The Around the Post (ATP) shot represents one of pickleball's most spectacular moments – but beneath the flashy exterior lies a technically demanding shot requiring precise timing, positioning, and court awareness. Converting this highlight-reel move into a consistent weapon demands understanding both when to attempt it and how to execute it flawlessly.
Understanding ATP Opportunity Recognition
Success with the ATP begins before your opponent even strikes the ball. The shot becomes possible only when your opponent hits the ball wide enough that it travels outside the court's sideline before crossing the net plane. This creates the legal pathway around the net post that makes the ATP possible.
Developing this recognition requires studying your opponent's positioning and paddle angle. When they're pulled wide or attempting sharp cross-court angles, start preparing mentally for the ATP opportunity. Players who consistently execute successful ATPs aren't just reactive – they're anticipating these moments based on court positioning and shot selection patterns.
Reading the Ball Trajectory
The critical moment occurs at ball contact. Watch for these indicators that signal ATP potential:
- Opponent positioned well behind the baseline and wide
- Paddle face angled sharply cross-court
- Ball trajectory heading toward or beyond the sideline
- High, looping flight path that will clear the net post
Mastering ATP Footwork and Positioning
Once you've identified the opportunity, explosive lateral movement becomes essential. Your first three steps determine whether you'll have a clean shot or find yourself cramped and off-balance.
Sprint laterally toward the sideline immediately upon recognizing the wide trajectory. Your goal is positioning your body completely outside the court's sideline before the ball arrives. This external positioning provides the angle necessary to clear the net post while maintaining shot accuracy.
The Setup Position
Proper ATP positioning requires your outside foot (right foot for right-handed players going around the right post) to be planted beyond the sideline. This stance opens your hips and shoulders, creating the natural swing path needed to direct the ball around the post and into your opponent's court.
Maintain your paddle in the ready position throughout your sprint. Many players make the mistake of running first and preparing their paddle second, which costs precious milliseconds in setup time.
Execution Techniques for Consistent Success
The ATP swing differs significantly from standard groundstrokes. Because you're hitting from outside the court, your swing path must arc around the net post while maintaining enough pace and accuracy to land the ball in bounds.
Focus on a compact, controlled swing rather than attempting to overpower the shot. The ATP's effectiveness comes from placement and surprise, not raw power. Aim for a smooth, abbreviated motion that emphasizes placement over velocity.
Contact Point and Follow-Through
Contact the ball slightly in front of your body, similar to a regular forehand, but with your paddle face slightly more open to account for the curved trajectory needed. Your follow-through should naturally arc around toward your target area rather than straight through like conventional shots.
The most successful ATP shots land deep in your opponent's court, forcing them into defensive positioning. Avoid the temptation to hit sharp angles – the ATP's curved flight path naturally creates difficult angles for your opponent to handle.
Strategic Applications and Court Awareness
Beyond technical execution, successful ATP usage requires strategic thinking. The shot works best when your opponent expects you to let the ball go or attempt a difficult defensive return from inside the court.
Use the ATP sparingly to maintain its surprise element. Overusing this shot allows opponents to anticipate and counter your strategy. Save it for crucial points or when you need to shift momentum in your favor.
Recovery and Transition
After executing an ATP, quickly return to court position. Many players admire their shot instead of preparing for the next ball. Successful ATP execution often leads to weak returns that can be put away with aggressive follow-up shots.
Common ATP Mistakes to Avoid
Most ATP failures stem from poor timing decisions rather than technical flaws. Attempting the shot when the ball hasn't traveled sufficiently wide results in net violations or impossible angles.
Another frequent error involves inadequate lateral movement. Players who don't get completely outside the sideline find themselves cramped and unable to generate the proper swing path around the net post.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is an ATP shot legal in pickleball?
An ATP is legal when the ball travels outside the sideline before crossing the net plane. You cannot hit around the post if the ball stays within the court boundaries while crossing the net.
What's the most important factor for ATP success?
Early recognition and explosive lateral movement are crucial. You must identify the opportunity immediately and sprint to position yourself outside the sideline before the ball arrives.
Should I attempt ATPs during competitive play?
Use ATPs strategically and sparingly in competitive situations. The shot works best as a surprise element rather than a frequently employed tactic. Practice extensively before attempting in important matches.
