The ATP Shot: Setup, Execution, and Counterplay

Pickleball has its fair share of specialty shots, but few moves stir up excitement like the around-the-post shot, or ATP. Known for turning defense into offense in an instant, the ATP is the ultimate advanced pickleball shot; a true test of anticipation, footwork, and finesse. When played well, it feels like cheating physics, using the court’s geometry to sneak the ball outside the net post and land it fair in your opponent’s court. In this post, you'll learn exactly what the ATP shot is, when to attempt it, how to master the set-up and execution, and the most effective ways to defend against it.

Understanding the ATP Shot: What It Is and When to Attempt It

The ATP shot in pickleball, short for “around the post,” allows a player to hit the ball outside the net post, as long as the ball lands inside the opponent’s court. Rather than clearing the net, the ball wraps wide around the pole, traveling at a low height.

ATP shots usually become possible after a sharp crosscourt angle pulls you far off the court. This is most common during intense rallies, when opponents dink pulls you wide of the net post close to the sideline, making a straight, in-bounds return over the net nearly impossible. The ATP creates a new angle, catching opponents off guard.

ATP Rules in a Nutshell:

• The ball may travel below the net’s height and around the net post.
• Your paddle, body, clothing, or anything you carry cannot touch the opponent’s court.
• Players are allowed to cross the net’s imaginary extension line after the shot—just ensure contact happens before crossing into the opponent’s side.
• No restriction exists on the height at which the ball can be hit around the post.

With new updates in the official rulebook, everything about the ATP remains legal as long as these basics are followed.

Key scenario: Look for ATP opportunities when your opponent sends a ball with extra angle and spin, causing it to bounce low and wide off the sideline. When you see this, act fast, the window to shoot around the post is small but powerful.

Mastering ATP Shot Setup and Execution

Landing a clean ATP isn’t luck. It takes calm anticipation, quick and precise footwork, refined paddle skills, and a patient mind. Each element works together, and missing one often leads to errors.

Anticipation and Recognizing ATP Opportunities

The ATP shot starts long before contact. Great players read the play, noticing when an opponent aims a crosscourt shot or when a ball skids toward the sideline. Watch your rival’s paddle angle and body language, wide, low setups often preface these angled balls.

As soon as you see that telltale bounce, mentally prepare. Decide to go for the ATP if the open lane around the post is there. Timing takes priority over power; if you wait too long, you’ll either miss the shot entirely or lose the angle.

Fast reactions and split-second judgment make the difference. When you spot the chance, commit. Any hesitation usually means the point goes to your opponent.

Footwork, Positioning, and Set-Up Essentials

Don’t stand rooted. ATP success demands athletic movement and smart positioning.

Essential steps:

• Stay low: Keep knees bent and center of gravity down.
• Lateral movement: Shuffle quickly or use a crossover step to run off-court, tracking the sideline.
• Face the net: An open stance keeps you balanced and lets you recover fast after your shot.
• Set up outside the sideline: Give yourself a clear path, paddle ready and forward, eyes locked on the ball.

By moving early and controlling your sprint, you give yourself the best chance to strike the ball in front, not behind your body. This set-up leads to controlled, accurate contact.

Paddle Technique, Spin, and Compact Swing Mechanics

The right grip and a steady swing deliver the accuracy the ATP shot needs. Favor a continental grip for control and flexibility. Guide your paddle slightly under and around the ball, aiming to brush with gentle topspin or underspin depending on the shot.

Keep these in mind:

• Short, compact backswing: Large swings usually result in over hitting or missed angles.
• Open paddle face: Allows clean contact and guides the ball low around the post.
• Watch your target: Never aim for the extreme edge of the sideline. Give yourself a two- to three-foot margin.
• Hit in front of your body: This control point is critical for placement and power balance.

Finesse trumps force. Unlike a drive, the ATP shot uses touch and spin, not muscle, to keep the ball low and unpredictable for your opponent.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mastering the ATP means dodging some classic errors:

Rushing the Shot
Don’t hurry, even when under pressure. Take a moment to get balanced before swinging.

Over hitting
It’s easy to add too much power, sending the ball out. Prioritize a smooth, controlled stroke instead.

Poor Angle Judgement
Misjudging the ball’s curve or aiming too close to the post leads to errors. Always allow a safety margin.

Wrong Positioning
Being too upright or late to the ball ruins your angle. Commit to a fast and low approach.

How to correct these:
Consistent practice with focused drills helps. Set up repeat wide-angle balls with a partner and work on recognizing the bounce, moving quickly, and swinging with compact technique.

Counterplay: Defending Against the ATP Shot

Strong players don’t just learn to hit the ATP, they make it hard for their opponents to do the same. Defense against the ATP is equal parts smart court tactics and reading your rival.

Limiting ATP Opportunities Through Smart Shot Selection

Keep opponents off-balance by making them move, but avoid shots that feed them wide. Instead:

• Focus your dinks and drives toward the middle third of the court.
• Avoid extreme crosscourt angles unless you’re sure your opponent can’t reach the sideline.
• Use consistent pace and depth to force neutral rallies.

This approach makes it much harder for your rival to reposition for an ATP shot.

Positioning and Reading Opponent Cues

Stay active, especially when an opponent is wide near the sideline. Watch for cues like a player sprinting off-court or lowering their paddle for a sharp angle.

Shift your stance quickly so your body faces the predicted ATP path. Stay low, with knees bent, and get your paddle ready for a soft return.

Anticipating the ATP lets you set up for a controlled block or scoop, giving you time to recover even if the opponent surprises you.

Best Practices for Returning an ATP and Keeping the Rally Alive

If your opponent pulls off an ATP, don’t give up on the point. Use calm footwork to recover and square up for the next shot.

• Keep your paddle low and angled to guide the ball back.
• Be ready for a low scoop or soft block to keep the ball in play.
• If possible, send the ball to the center or opponent’s weaker side, regaining control of the rally.

Patience beats panic. A composed, strategic reply often forces your opponent to make the next mistake.

Conclusion

The ATP shot is one of the most thrilling and advanced moves in pickleball. When executed with skill and precision, it can tilt a close match in your favor and shift momentum in seconds. Mastering it is about much more than power. Fine-tuned anticipation, agile movement, clean technique, and disciplined practice bring consistent results.

Whether you’re working to add the ATP shot to your arsenal or aiming to defend against it, deliberate practice and focus will set you apart. Keep studying opponents, set up wide-angle drills, and above all, stay patient on every point. A well-timed ATP on offense or defense proves you’re thinking several steps ahead in every rally.

The next time you play, watch for those sideline bounces. The ATP opportunity might be closer than you think. Stay low, stay sharp, and keep the rallies alive.

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