An effective ATP (“Around the post”) in pickleball is one of those shots that looks flashy but is really about recognizing the right moment and using clean fundamentals. 

Here’s how to do it well:

1) Know when it’s possible
You can only hit an ATP when the ball is hit wide enough that it travels outside the sideline before crossing the net. If it stays inside the sideline, you can’t legally go around the post. So the first step is awareness. Watch your opponent’s angle and anticipate early.

2) Move quickly and get outside the ball
As soon as you see that wide angle, sprint laterally. You want your body positioned outside the sideline so you have a clear path to swing around the net post. Good footwork is what makes this shot realistic.

3) Keep the swing simple
Don’t overcomplicate it. This isn’t the time for a big, loopy swing:

- Use a compact motion
- Aim more like a firm push or controlled drive
- Keep your paddle face slightly open to guide the ball back in

4) Aim low and into the court
You don’t need power. You need placement. The net is actually higher at the posts than in the middle, so:

- Hit low over the outside of the net
- Aim crosscourt or down the line into open space
- Keep it controlled so it lands in bounds

5) Stay balanced (or recover fast)
ATP attempts often pull you way off the court. If you’re stretched:

- Focus on making clean contact rather than hitting hard
- Be ready to recover quickly in case it comes back

6) Practice the read, not just the shot
Most missed ATPs happen because players react too late. Work on drills where partners hit sharp crosscourt angles so you can practice recognizing the opportunity early.

 

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ATPs get much easier once you train the recognition and footwork, not just the swing.

Here’s a simple, progressive drill routine you can actually use in a practice session.

1) Recognition & First Step (No hitting at first)

Goal: Train your eyes and reaction.

- Have a partner stand at the kitchen line and hit sharp crosscourt dinks or angles.
- Your job: Call out “ATP” or “No” as soon as you see the ball’s path.
- Don’t even swing yet, just move your feet and track it.

Focus:

- Does the ball pass outside the sideline before the net?
- Take your first step immediately when you recognize it.

Do this for 3–5 minutes. It sounds simple, but this is what most players skip.

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2) Catch & Position

Goal: Get your body in the right spot.

- Same setup, but now run and catch the ball after it bounces.
- Try to catch it outside the sideline, where contact would happen.

Focus:

- Sprint early, not late
- Get low and balanced
- Notice your spacing relative to the net post

If you’re consistently late here, your ATP will never be reliable.

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3) Controlled ATP Contact

Goal: Build consistency with a simple swing.

- Now hit the ball instead of catching it.
- Use a short, controlled push or punch swing—not a full drive.

Targets:

- Crosscourt into the open court
- Or down the line if that’s clearly open

Aim a little higher than you think. You’re going around the net, not over the middle.

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4) Live Angle to ATP

Goal: Make it realistic.

- Partner tries to pull you wide with aggressive crosscourt shots.
- You decide: ATP if it’s there, otherwise reset or dink

This builds decision-making, not just execution.

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5) ATP and Recovery

Goal: Don’t admire the shot. Recover.

- After every ATP attempt, your partner sends the next ball back into play.
- You must recover quickly and stay in the rally.

This is huge. Many players hit a great ATP and then lose the point immediately.