In the fascinating world of Pickleball, your ability to surprise your opponent with an unanticipated shot can significantly up your game. One such shot that has been making rounds in the Pickleball community is the ATP shot or the Around-The-Post shot. This complex shot allows the player to hit the ball around the net post, instead of over the net, to win a point. Mastering the ATP shot can be an intriguing yet rewarding journey. This blog will walk you through detailed steps on how to learn and perfect the ATP shot in Pickleball.

Understanding the ATP Shot:

Before diving into the mechanics, it’s essential to understand what an ATP shot is. Unlike traditional shots that go over the net, the ATP shot is aimed around the net post, staying within the boundaries of the court. This shot is legal and can be a game-changer when executed correctly.

When to Use the ATP Shot:

The ATP shot is ideal in situations where the ball is hit wide, and it’s drifting towards the out-of-bounds area near the net post. Instead of letting the ball go or attempting a difficult angled shot over the net, you can use the ATP shot to hit around the post.

Step 1: Recognizing the Opportunity:

Identifying the right moment for an ATP shot is crucial. Look for situations where:

• Your opponent hits a wide shot that is drifting outside the court near the net post.
• You are in a good position to run towards the net post.
• You have enough space to hit the ball around the post.

Step 2: Positioning and Footwork:

Positioning is vital for executing an ATP shot successfully.

• Quickly move towards the net post while keeping your eyes on the ball.
• Position yourself in a way that you have enough room to swing your paddle around the post.
• Ensure that your feet are well-placed, providing a strong base for the shot.

Step 3: Grip and Paddle Preparation:

The grip and paddle preparation are similar to executing a forehand or backhand groundstroke.

• Use a continental or eastern grip for better control.
• Prepare your paddle early, with the face open, to guide the ball around the post.

Step 4: Executing the Shot:

Now comes the crucial part – executing the ATP shot.

• Swing your paddle forward while rotating your hips and shoulders.
• Aim to hit the ball with a slight upward trajectory, guiding it around the post and into the court.
• It’s essential to hit the ball with enough pace to pass the net post but also with enough control to keep it within the court boundaries.

Step 5: Recovery:

After executing the shot, it’s essential to quickly recover and get back into a ready position for the next shot.

Step 6: Practice:

The ATP shot requires practice to master.

• Start by practicing the shot without an opponent, aiming to hit around the post and within the court consistently.
• Progress to practicing the shot during drills or friendly matches to get comfortable executing it in a game situation.

Additional Tips:

• Visualization: Visualize executing the ATP shot successfully. Visualization can help reinforce muscle memory and improve your execution.
• Analyze and Adjust: Record your practice sessions and analyze them to make necessary adjustments.
• Seek Professional Guidance: Consider seeking advice from a Pickleball coach to refine your technique further.

Conclusion:

The ATP shot, though complex, can be a valuable addition to your Pickleball toolkit. It not only adds a surprise element to your game but also can be a decisive factor in tight match situations. With the right guidance, practice, and determination, mastering the ATP shot is within your grasp. As you embark on this exciting journey, remember that every master was once a beginner. So, grab your paddle, head to the courts, and start practicing your way to master the intriguing ATP shot in Pickleball.

The journey towards mastering the ATP shot may be challenging, but it’s filled with learning, improvement, and ultimately, the satisfaction of seeing your practice pay off on the court.