An around the post shot, also known as an “ATP,” is a specialty shot in pickleball where you hit the pickleball under the top of the pickleball net and around the post of the pickleball net. An ATP typically happens when a player hits “too good” of a shot, meaning that a player hits a shot with a sharp angle that causes the pickleball to travel across and off of the pickleball court. However, when this happens a receiving player can chase down the pickleball and be so far off the court that the receiving player has a clear, unobstructed view of the other side of the pickleball court and the ability to hit the pickleball around the net post and into the other side of the pickleball court.

To hit an ATP:

1. Chase down the pickleball and split step into an open stance, so that your chest and body is open toward the other side of the pickleball court;

2. Wait as long as possible to strike the pickleball in order to allow the pickleball to travel as far off the court as possible, which will give you a better angle to hit the ATP. In other words, wait until the pickleball is about to bounce for the second time. This will be a shot with a very low point of contact, about 6 inches or so off of the court surface.

3. Take a short backswing and get your paddle positioned on the outside (and possibly top side) of the pickleball in order to hit the pickleball back into the court;

4. Aim for your opponents’ socks and keep the pickleball low. Make sure that you do not try to be too perfect and hit lines. Aim for your opponents’ socks and get the pickleball back into the court.

As a reminder, this is a specialty shot, but the ATP can be very effective in circumstances where your opponents have caused you to run off the sides of the pickleball court.

Key Takeaways:

1. An around the post shot, or ATP, is a specialty shot that is hit under the top of the pickleball net and around the post of the pickleball net.

2. To hit an ATP:

a. Look for a pickleball that takes you off wide of the court, so that you have a clear, unobstructed view of the other side of the court;

b. Chase down the pickleball and plant your feet in an open stance;

c. Wait as long as possible to hit the pickleball—until the pickleball is about to bounce for the second time;

d. Take a short backswing and hit the outside, top of the pickleball; and

e. Aim for your opponents’ socks inside the court lines.