Pickleball ATP [Rules, Strategies, How to Hit it]
If you’ve been playing pickleball for a while, you’ve probably heard people talk about the ATP shot, or Around-the-Post shot. It’s one of the most exciting shots in the game—not just because it looks impressive, but because when executed correctly, it’s nearly impossible for your opponent to return.
But here’s the thing: Most players don’t know when or how to hit an ATP properly. Some try it too early, some overhit the ball, and some don’t even recognize when the opportunity is there. This guide will walk you through exactly what an ATP is, when to attempt it, how to hit it, and how to defend against it.
At 11 PICKLES, we don’t just cover the basics—we go deep into the strategy, technique, and mechanics that help players level up their game. The Around-the-Post (ATP) shot is one of the most effective and exciting shots in pickleball, and we’re here to make sure you know exactly when and how to use it.
Unlike a simple drive or lob, an ATP is all about recognizing the opportunity and executing with precision. If you’ve ever attempted one and missed, chances are you either hit too early, mistimed the angle, or lost control of the shot.
The good news? ATPs are teachable, and with the right technique, you can start using them to win points and put pressure on your opponents. Here’s a breakdown of how to set up, execute, and master the ATP shot.
Watch the ATP in action:
What Is an ATP Shot in Pickleball?
The ATP (Around-the-Post) in pickleball shot happens when the ball is hit so wide that you can return it around the net post instead of over the net. Unlike most pickleball shots, it doesn’t have to go over the net at all—it just needs to land inbounds on your opponent’s side.
This is completely legal in pickleball, and it happens more often than you might think, especially at higher levels of play.
When Is an ATP Shot Possible?
- The ball is hit at a sharp angle cross-court and is moving wide.
- The bounce is low and close to the sideline, giving you the right angle.
- You are positioned far enough out of bounds to see a clear path past the net post.
If the ball is still inside the court or hasn’t traveled far enough out, the ATP isn’t there—forcing it will just send the ball into the net or out of bounds.
Recognize a pickleball ATP opportunity:
How to Hit an ATP Shot
The ATP shot is all about timing, positioning, and control. Unlike a drive or a lob, you’re not trying to overpower your opponent—you’re using their shot against them. The key is recognizing when the opportunity is there and executing with precision.
If you’ve ever tried an ATP and missed, you probably hit too early, mistimed the angle, or lost control of the shot. The good news? All of these issues can be fixed with the right technique.
Here’s how to do it step by step:
Step 1: Get Into Position
Once you see a wide shot coming, you need to react fast.
- Move toward the sideline as soon as you recognize the ball is going out wide.
- Keep a low, balanced stance—if you’re too upright, you’ll lose control.
- Angle your body toward where you want to hit the ball.
Step 2: Let the Ball Drop
This is where most people mess up. You need to let the ball drop low before hitting it. The lower it is, the better your angle around the post.
- If you hit it too early, you’ll send it too high and risk it going out.
- If you wait too long, you’ll run out of space and won’t have a good shot.
Common Pickleball ATP Mistakes and How to Fix Them
If you’ve ever attempted an ATP and completely botched it, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Even experienced players misfire this shot, either sending the ball sailing wide, into the net, or right into their opponent’s strike zone. The ATP is a high-reward shot, but only if executed properly.
Here’s what usually goes wrong and how to fix it:
- Hitting the ball too early
- Overhitting the shot
- Not moving fast enough
- Poor footwork ad balance
Hitting the Ball Too Early
The biggest mistake players make is rushing the shot. ATPs work best when the ball is low and wide, creating the angle you need. If you hit too soon, the ball is still too high, which makes it easier to return—or worse, you hit it into the net.
Fix It: Let the ball travel further out of bounds before you commit. The lower it drops, the cleaner your ATP will be.
Overhitting the Shot
Some players treat the ATP like a power shot, cranking it with everything they’ve got. That’s a mistake. ATPs aren’t about brute force—they’re about precision. A heavy swing can send the ball long or make it an easy put-away for your opponent.
Fix It: Focus on placement, not power. A controlled shot down the line is much harder to return than a wild, overhit attempt.
Not Moving Fast Enough
ATP opportunities don’t wait for you—they happen in an instant. If you hesitate, the ball is either out of reach or already bouncing twice. Footwork is everything when it comes to executing an ATP.
Fix It: Train your lateral movement so you can get to the sideline faster. The sooner you’re in position, the more time you have to line up the shot.
Poor Footwork & Balance
Even if you recognize the ATP opportunity, bad footwork can wreck your shot. If you’re off-balance or reaching too much, you’ll either lose control or won’t be able to recover for the next shot.
Fix It: Stay low and balanced. Instead of lunging, move smoothly toward the sideline and set your feet before swinging.
If you’re making any of these mistakes, don’t stress—every great pickleball player has been there. Mastering the ATP takes practice, but once you get it right, it’s a deadly shot that will win you points over and over again.
How to Defend Against a Pickleball ATP
If you’re on the receiving end of an ATP, you probably feel like you never even had a chance to return it. The ball zips past before you can react, landing perfectly inside the line. But here’s the truth: ATPs aren’t magic—they’re predictable. And if you know what to look for, you can make your opponent think twice before attempting one.
Stop Giving Your Opponent ATP Opportunities
Most ATPs happen because of poor shot placement. If you’re hitting wide, high-bouncing shots to the sideline, you’re basically handing your opponent a golden opportunity.
Fix It: Keep your cross-court dinks and shots low and controlled. If you force your opponent to hit higher or straighter, you take away their ATP angle.
Recognize the ATP Before It Happens
ATPs happen fast, but they’re not unpredictable. If you see your opponent moving wide with their paddle prepared, it’s coming. Instead of standing still and watching the highlight unfold, get in position to counter.
Fix It: The second you see your opponent sprint wide, adjust your stance and shift slightly back. This gives you a better chance to react if they try to fire one past you.
Keep Your Paddle Low and Ready
One of the biggest mistakes players make when defending an ATP? They hold their paddle too high. ATPs are almost always hit low and fast—if your paddle is up, you won’t get there in time.
Fix It: Keep your paddle low and slightly out in front so you can react quickly. A short, controlled block is better than a desperate lunge.
Disrupt the Angle
Even if your opponent is in position for an ATP, you can still make their shot harder. A well-placed step or shift in positioning can cut off their clean angle and force them into a tougher shot.
Fix It: Instead of watching from the middle, take a step toward the sideline to make their ATP target smaller. This forces them to be more precise—and precision under pressure leads to errors.
Watch this video to learn how to defend yourself from a pickleball ATP:
ATP Shot Drills to Improve Your Game
Knowing when and how to hit an ATP is one thing—executing it consistently under pressure is another. The best way to improve is by drilling the specific movements that make an ATP possible.
- Wide Shot Recognition Drill → Have a partner hit sharp-angled cross-court shots so you learn to recognize ATP opportunities before they happen. The sooner you react, the more control you’ll have.
- Footwork Speed Drill → ATPs require quick lateral movement. Work on getting to the sideline faster with shuffle drills, crossover steps, and explosive first steps.
- Controlled ATP Shots → Many players overhit ATPs because they feel like they need extra power. Instead, practice hitting low, flat ATP shots with a controlled swing—placement is key.
Why You Should Master the ATP
The ATP shot isn’t just a flashy highlight—it’s a tactical weapon that can flip a defensive rally into an offensive win. When executed well, it puts immediate pressure on your opponent, often forcing an error or an outright winner.
But here’s the real secret: The best ATP players aren’t just good at hitting it—they’re good at setting it up. By controlling the pace of play, keeping your shots low, and recognizing ATP opportunities early, you’ll turn the ATP from an occasional trick into a regular threat in your game.
At 11 PICKLES, we’re obsessed with the strategy behind high-level pickleball. Whether you’re learning to attack, defend, or master footwork, we’ve got you covered. Want to take your game to the next level? Check out these related articles:
- How to Keep the Ball Low in Pickleball → A critical skill for setting up (and preventing) ATPs.
- What is Dinking in Pickleball → Master dinking to control rallies and open ATP opportunities.
- Best Pickleball Rackets for Beginners → The right paddle can improve your control and execution.
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