The Pickleball ATP (Around the Post) is an advanced play that usually happens during a dinking rally.
As you advance to the 3.5+ skill level you will understand the ATP well and will likely have hit a few of them.
Pickleball ATP
In pickleball you can hit a shot that doesn’t go over the net but lands in your opponent’s court. The illustration below shows an “Around the Post” shot.
This shot is made on the side of the net and the ball goes “Around the Post”.
Referred to as ATP, this is a great play that almost always gets applause from everyone, including your opponents.
When you are in a cross-court dinking rally, you may get this opportunity. If the dink lands close to the sideline it will bounce outside of the net post. As it starts to fall towards the ground, reach out and hit it down the line.
The key is patience and letting the ball travel outside of the post and hitting it just before it lands.
If you are in a cross-court dinking rally, be ready for a good setup for the ATP attempt.
Many times, this is your only good play anyway, if the cross-court dink played at you is good and you try to play it back to the middle it will be a tough shot to make, and you will likely make a mistake by hitting it too hard and popping it up.
Advanced players may expect an ATP attempt and will cover the line against the ATP shot but they are usually expecting you to try and hit it back over the net.
Summary
As you gain experience, you will see the court better and realize you have more time to make a shot. You will see the ball is going outside the post. You will be patient and let it drop to a good spot just off the ground. This is when you will get your first ATP.
Pickleball ATP Action Video…
Courtesy of Pickleballwest.com.au
Pickleball ATP How To Video…
Courtesy of the Pickleball Clinic