What Is an ATP (Around the Post) Shot in Pickleball?

An ATP (Around the Post) shot is a shot where the ball travels around the outside of the net post — not over the net — and lands in the opponent's court. It is completely legal under USA Pickleball rules and is one of the most exciting and visually spectacular shots in the sport.

Is the ATP Shot Legal?

Yes — the ATP is fully legal. USA Pickleball rules do not require the ball to cross over the net. The ball only needs to land in the opponent's court. When the ball travels wide enough to go around the post rather than over the net, the shot is valid as long as it lands in bounds.

Note

The ball does not need to pass over the net at all on an ATP — it can travel entirely outside the net post. This surprises many players who assume all shots must cross the net. As long as the ball lands in the opponent's court, the shot is legal.

When Does an ATP Happen?

An ATP opportunity arises when an opponent hits an aggressive, sharply angled shot that pulls you wide — often well past the sideline. Rather than trying to redirect the ball back over the net from an extreme wide position, you instead swing around the outside of the post and angle the ball back into the opponent's court.

ATPs most commonly occur during fast-paced kitchen exchanges when one player hits an extremely wide cross-court angle, pulling their opponent off the court entirely. The ball has traveled so far to the side that going over the net isn't a realistic option from that position — but going around the post is.

How to Hit the ATP

Recognize the opportunity: As you're pulled wide, assess quickly whether the ball is traveling far enough past the sideline for an ATP to be feasible.
Get low: The ATP is typically hit at a low height, around net level or below. Bend your knees and get down to the ball.
Swing around the post: Your swing arc goes around the outside of the net post — not upward over it. The paddle path curves to send the ball back into the opponent's court at an angle.
Aim cross-court: The ball needs to travel back into the opponent's court after rounding the post. Aim for the near side of the court, angling back in.
Follow through: Let the swing follow through naturally — don't jab or stop at contact.

ATP vs. Erne: What's the Difference?

Both the ATP and the Erne are flashy wide-angle shots, but they are executed from completely different positions. The Erne is hit from beside the net post — the player positions themselves outside the kitchen and volleys a ball that is coming cross-court at net height. The ATP is hit from wide off the court when you've been pulled beyond the sideline — you're not beside the net, you're well outside the court entirely, and the ball goes around the post rather than over it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you hit an ATP from anywhere on the court?

In practice, ATPs only happen when you're pulled wide past the sideline — usually well off the court. From a normal court position, there's no reason to go around the post since you can simply hit over the net. The ATP is an improvised shot forced by a specific situation, not a planned tactical choice.

Does the ball have to stay below the net height on an ATP?

No — there's no height restriction on an ATP. The ball simply needs to travel around the post (not over the net) and land in the opponent's court. In practice, ATPs are typically hit at a low trajectory because the player is stretched wide and low, but there's no rule requiring this.

Can you hit an ATP in doubles?

Yes. ATPs occur in both singles and doubles. In doubles, the partner who isn't hitting the ATP should be ready to cover the court in case the shot doesn't land in, as the ATP player will be well out of position after hitting it.

Questions about pickleball shots and techniques? Email [email protected].