Pickleball Around the Post Shot: Tips, Rules, Defenses

One of the trickiest moves to master in pickleball is the around the post shot, widely known as the ATP. From my own experience playing and coaching, this specialty shot often happens unexpectedly when your opponents think they have hit a shot that is simply too good to return.

Usually, they’ll deliver a ball at a sharp angle, forcing you, as the receiving player, to chase down the ball far off the court. 

At that moment, an incredible opportunity opens up you get a clear, unobstructed view of the other side of the pickleball court. With enough skill, you have the ability to hit the ball under the top of the net, maneuvering it neatly across and perfectly around the net post. 

What is a pickleball around-the-post shot?

It’s undoubtedly a difficult shots in pickleball , and there’s always some risk involved, but once you have perfected it, the ATP offers a significant advantage, making it nearly impossible for your opponents to defend.

Achieving ATP success changes the dynamic of any game, making you a much stronger player as the ball continues to travel strategically.

Pickleball around-the-post shot Rules for 2025?

Many players think the ATP (Around-The-Net) shot might be illegal, but it’s actually perfectly legal according to USA Pickleball Rules.

As highlighted by referee Maddie Toren, the latest Official Rulebook clearly confirms under Rule 11.M. that hitting pickleball shots around the net post is an effective shot, completely valid within official rules.

From my personal experience, executing a properly executed, fist pumping shot like this brings unmatched excitement during pickleball gameplay. Feel free to leave your comments if you have successfully made an ATP yourself or have further questions about this official ruling.

1. Rule #11.M

One rule players often overlook in pickleball is that a player is allowed to return the ball around the outside of the net post. This move surprises many, but it’s perfectly legal, and from my own games, I have seen it turn matches around instantly when executed well.

2. Rule #11.M.1

In pickleball, the ball doesn’t have to pass directly over the net to be considered a good shot. It’s completely valid even if it travels around the net post, as long as it lands properly in the court.

3. Rule #11.M.2

One great thing about the net post shot, which surprises many players, is that there’s no restriction on the height of your return.

According to Rule 11.M.2., a player is fully allowed to hit the ball below the level of the net when performing this skillful maneuver.

From personal experience, this flexibility can significantly improve your pikleball game, especially if your opponent expects a more traditional shot.

4. Rule #11.L.3

In pickleball, a player is actually allowed to move around the net post and even cross the imaginary extension line of the net after hitting the ball, as stated clearly in Rule 11.L.3.

However, from personal experience, it’s essential to stay careful and controlled make sure neither you nor any item you are wearing or carrying makes any touch with the opponent’s court, or else you might unintentionally lose the point.

How to Master the Around-the-Post Shot on the Pickleball Court

The ATP is a difficult shot to master, but when the opportunity comes, you should go for it. A well timed hit is hard for opponents to defend, though it comes with risk if not perfected.

I always consider the moment and take advantage of smart ATP opportunities on the pickleball court. With the right help and focus on key techniques, what I call my 5 keys you’ll find real success.

1. Short Anticipation

Mastering the around the post shot (also known as an ATP shot) in pickleball relies heavily on your anticipation and how swiftly you react to your opponents. From personal experience, successfully executing an ATP requires precise footwork, a careful set-up, immense patience, and flawless execution.

When your opponent delivers shots with sharp, crosscourt angles that cause the ball to bounce close to the sideline, be ready these are prime opportunities for an ATP.

Such shots typically carry extra pace and spin, forcing the pickleball to travel off the court, leaving you a clear, unobstructed view to counter effectively.

Stay alert to quickly recognize this scenario and capitalize on it before your opponent realizes you’ve anticipated their move.

2. Know Your Target

One of the smartest habits I have built with the post shot is learning to know your target. When hitting an ATP, I always allow for a small margin for error. Instead of aiming right at the sideline or baselines, I aim about two to three feet inside the lines.

A favorite trick is targeting my opponents’ socks and trying to keep low with the shot. The ATP opportunity often comes in fast paced circumstances, like when you are forced to run off the sides of the pickleball court.

But when it’s there, I say go for it, because it’s both difficult to defend and incredibly satisfying to execute correctly especially when it earns extra points for you and your partner.

To truly master this advanced shot, I always tell players to drill with intent. Grab a partner and commit to building these habits into your muscle memory.

Practice wide crosscourt dinks and work on your anticipation, footwork, set-up, patience, and compact execution. Most importantly, focus on hitting your targets that’s what brings the whole shot together and turns strategy into execution.

These are your true keys to success, and I’ve seen them make the difference in competitive games time and again.

3. Footwork and Set-Up

To anticipate an ATP opportunity, your set up starts early and it’s all about your feet, not just your paddle or any other body part.

I have learned that the moment you see the chance, you need to move, stay low, and stay in an athletic stance, ready to hit the pickleball as it skims close to the ground.

The ball often comes with extra pace and spin, so staying quick and stable is key. Using an open stance toward the net helps you stay balanced and ready for the next shot.

But if the ball pulls you wide, don’t hesitate to turn your body toward the sideline and run. Sometimes a crossover step is your only chance to track down the ball and keep the point alive.

4. Compact Execution

When it’s time for compact execution, everything starts with proper position and being patient through the attack. Once you see the moment to hit your ATP, you must stay compact and ready to execute the ATP shot with control.

Keep your eye on the pickleball and focus on taking a short backswing. Make sure your paddle is positioned on the outside or even top side of the ball.

I have found this helps me hit the pickleball cleanly and guide it back into the court, especially when the contact point is out in front right at the front of your body.

Staying balanced is just as critical. Always stay balanced, so you can get back into your stance and ready for the next shot.

In matches where opponents manage to defend, you have got to think ahead. If you are advanced, or aiming to play like the pickleball pros, learning to shape the ball with spin can let you curve it perfectly around the post.

To do this, you’ll need both your feet and paddle aligned just right, giving you enough time to execute your shot. I recommend practicing with a flatter ball first; it’s much easier to control, especially without much spin before trying more complex angles.

5. Patience

One thing I have learned through experience is that the ATP shot rewards patience more than anything. You have to let the pickleball travel far off the court to create a clear pathway for your shot around the post.

The farther it goes, the easier the angle becomes. So I always remind myself to wait even if it feels risky until the ball is just about to bounce for the second time.

That’s usually when the point of contact is at its lowest, barely 6 inches off the court surface, which is exactly why I make it a habit to stay low and ready. If you rush, you lose that perfect window where the ATP shot becomes truly effective.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Attempting an Around-the-Post Shot

When attempting an ATP (Around the Post shot), it’s important to avoid rushing your shot. Many players make the mistake of attempting the ATP without being properly positioned, which leads to missing the shot entirely.

The key is to take your time, focus on your footwork, and move into the right position before making the attempt. Remember, positioning yourself correctly is crucial to executing a successful ATP.

1. Rushing the shot

One of the biggest mistakes in pickleball you can make when attempting an ATP is rushing the shot. If you try to make the ATP without giving yourself enough time to get into the right position, you’ll likely miss.

Rushing the shot can lead to poor execution, so take a moment to properly align yourself and prepare for the shot.

2. Overhitting

Another common mistake when going for an ATP is overhitting the ball. The ATP doesn’t require excessive power, so it’s easy to fall into the trap of overhitting, which can cause the ball to sail out of bounds.

Additionally, overhitting makes it easier for your opponent to return the shot. The ATP is more about precision and finesse than raw power, so focus on controlling the ball rather than trying to hit it too hard.

3. Misjudging the angle

It’s also important to avoid misjudging the angle of the shot. If you don’t angle the ball correctly, it can result in hitting the ball either into the net or past the post, both of which are costly errors.

Successful execution of an ATP requires you to aim with precision. Control over the angle and placement of the shot is what makes the ATP a game-changer.

How to Defend Against an Around-the-Post Shot

Defending against an ATP (Around the Post shot) requires keen awareness and preparation. To start, always anticipate wide shots early. The best way to defend against an ATP is to limit the opportunity for your opponent to execute it.

Keep your shots more centered to avoid pulling your opponent off the court, which could set them up for an ATP. Aim for the middle of the court as much as possible to reduce the chances of your opponent attempting this powerful shot.

1. Position Yourself Correctly

When your opponent is preparing for an ATP, positioning is everything. Make sure you are positioned correctly, facing the angle of the shot. To do this, move your foot closest to the sideline back towards the baseline to get into a strong defensive stance.

Don’t just stand there and watch; most players make the mistake of not reacting fast enough. By getting your body low and your paddle ready, you’ll be able to return the ball.

If the ATP comes toward you, focus on a scoop motion to guide the ball back into play rather than trying to hit it with excessive power.

2. Watch the Opponent’s Body Language

An experienced opponent will often give away their intention to hit an ATP through subtle body language.

Keep an eye on their stance, as a shift or an exaggerated reach towards the sideline can signal an impending ATP.

By staying alert and watching for these cues, you’ll have a better chance to prepare yourself and defend against the shot, particularly when they start moving wide.

3. Keep the Rally Going

Even if your opponent successfully lands an ATP, don’t let it end the point. The goal is to return the shot with control, keeping the rally alive.

Focus on placing the ball with a soft and controlled shot. This will allow you to regain your position, either returning to a neutral stance or even shifting to an offensive position.

Don’t panic or rush your return; maintain composure to give yourself the best chance to continue the game.

In Conclusion

The around-the-post (ATP) shot in pickleball is one of those thrilling moments that can turn a game around. While it’s challenging and takes practice, the key lies in patience, sharp anticipation, quick footwork, and aiming smartly.

Don’t rush or overpower the shot; instead, focus on finesse and control. Once you master it, there’s nothing quite like landing an ATP it not only fires you up but keeps your opponents guessing and on their toes. So, get out there, practice with purpose, and when the moment comes, trust yourself to go for it.