How To Get Your First ATP In 3 Simple Steps & Feel Like A Pickleball Pro
The Around The Post (ATP) shot stands as a pinnacle of skill in pickleball, blending precision, anticipation, and athleticism to deliver a low, curving winner that bypasses the net entirely and leaves opponents scrambling.
Mastering this shot can elevate your game from competent to dominant, forcing errors and securing points in high-stakes rallies. This guide breaks it down using the simple APT acronym—Anticipate, Position, Technique—to make execution accessible for players at intermediate levels and beyond.
What is an ATP Shot?
An ATP shot, short for Around The Post, is a specialty maneuver where the pickleball is hit around the net post rather than over the net.
The ball travels under the height of the net, outside the court boundaries, and lands inbounds on the opponent’s side. It requires the ball to be struck from a position wide of the court, typically after an opponent’s angled shot pulls you off the sideline. This shot is legal and adds an element of surprise, as it exploits angles that standard net play cannot counter.
Key characteristics:
- Trajectory: Low and flat or with slight topspin, curving around the post.
- Difficulty: Advanced, but rewarding in competitive play.
- Impact: Often results in outright winners or weak returns, especially in doubles.
Rules Governing the ATP Shot
Understanding the rules ensures your ATP attempts are valid and fault-free. According to official USA Pickleball guidelines:
- The ball must land within the opponent’s court boundaries without touching the net or post.
- You cannot touch the net, posts, or opponent’s court while the ball is live.
- Momentum cannot carry you, your paddle, or any item (e.g., hat) into the opponent’s court before the ball bounces twice or is returned.
- You may cross the imaginary extension line of the net after hitting the ball, but not before contact.
- The shot is invalid if the ball bounces twice before you hit it or if it fails to clear the post cleanly.
| Rule Aspect | Allowed | Not Allowed | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ball Path | Around post, under net height | Over net or touching post | Fault if invalid path |
| Player Movement | Cross extension line after contact | Touch opponent’s court while live | Fault |
| Contact Point | Outside court, low | Before ball travels wide | Invalid shot |
| Momentum | Carry forward after hit | Enter opponent’s side prematurely | Fault |
These rules prevent chaos while allowing creative play.
The ATP Acronym: Easy Steps to Master the Shot
The ATP mnemonic—Anticipate, Take Position, Perform—breaks execution into logical phases, informed by pro strategies for consistent success.
A: Anticipate the Opportunity
Spot setups early to seize the moment.
- Monitor crosscourt dinks or drives with sharp angles, pace, or spin nearing sidelines.
- Look for bounces that carry the ball off-court, opening clear angles around the post.
- In doubles, watch partner-forced wide replies.
- Drill: Partner hits angled shots to sharpen recognition.
Anticipation buys time, converting defense to offense.
T: Take Position
Move swiftly to optimize your stance.
- Use quick footwork: Crossover or open steps to sideline, staying low and athletic.
- Align near the post for angle creation; bend knees, weight forward.
- Adjust for pace/spin: Track ball’s path, position wide.
- Handedness tip: Forehand preferred on matching side.
Drill wide runs to ingrain balance and speed.
P: Perform the Shot
Execute with precision and control.
- Exercise patience: Wait for low contact (~6 inches off ground), near second bounce.
- Paddle prep: Short backswing, contact front, paddle sideways/outside ball.
- Swing: Low-to-high, add topspin for curve; aim flat initially.
- Follow-through: Balanced, target 2-3 feet inside lines, low at feet.
- Grip: Continental for versatility.
Target practice: Focus on inbounds low spots.
When to Use the ATP Shot
Strategize for maximum effect:
- In soft dink exchanges with wide angles.
- Countering paced drives pulling you off-court.
- Doubles: Exploit net-stacked opponents.
- Sparingly: High-percentage only to avoid faults.
Disrupts flow, pressures defense.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Sidestep pitfalls for reliability:
- Impatience: Wait longer for width; practice delays.
- Bad contact: Strike low; drill 6-inch heights.
- Momentum faults: Plant post-hit; avoid early crosses.
- Angle misses: Hug sideline closer.
- Excess spin: Flatten first, layer topspin.
Log errors in sessions for targeted fixes.
Defending Against an ATP Shot
Counter effectively:
- Position wide/low along sideline.
- Shorten swings for quick returns.
- Anticipate setups; communicate in doubles.
- Back up, paddle down for low balls.
Turns threats into resets.
Pro Tips
| Tip | Description | Source Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Early Movement | Quick feet to sidelines ease setup. | Briones emphasis. |
| Low Aim | Target socks for margin/error. | Pickler strategy. |
| Topspin Control | Low-to-high for trajectory. | Hudef technique. |
| Wide Drills | Crosscourt dinks build anticipation. | Consistent reps. |
| Balance Post-Hit | Stay ready for rallies. | Pro observation. |
Apply these for rapid improvement.
Embracing the ATP framework through dedicated practice unlocks this elite shot, propelling your pickleball prowess to new heights.