New pickleball players or those interested in learning more about the game may have heard about ATP. However, what is ATP in pickleball, and what does it do? Those questions and more will be answered in this blog post! Here’s everything you need to know about ATP, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player!
What Is ATP In Pickleball?
As the name suggests, ATP stands for “Around The Post.” This is referred to as a legal shot in pickleball, and it is when a player hits the ball around the post and into the court of their opponent without crossing over to his side of the court. In this shot, the net is crossed rather than walked around, just as in tennis. Your opponent may often be expecting an entirely different direction from where you hit the ball when you hit this shot, so it can be very challenging for them to return it. Pickleball players can also win points by using ATP as a method. You can also read our guide on Top 10 Female Pickleball Players
An ATP’s special considerations
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Remember:
- Net posts are always out of bounds when they are hit, which is an automatic fault. A foul was just committed if the ball just brushed against the post and landed in bounds.
- What is the legality of an ATP? Getting the ball into your opponent’s court is the only rule in the game. The ball does not have to cross the net according to any rule.
- You should keep an eye on the players on the court next to you.
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How To Hit An ATP In Pickleball?
Pickleball can be challenging when hitting an ATP shot, or around the post shot. Practice makes perfect, so you’ll be able to do it like a pro in no time! Here is a video you should watch. An ATP can be executed successfully if you follow these tips;
- An ATP opportunity usually comes when a player hits their opponent’s shot past the net post in a wide direction.
- Don’t lose sight of the target and stay low
- It is best to strike the ball at a low point before allowing it to drop. You have more of your opponent’s court to hit if you hit the ball lower (or later) because the ball travels further, increasing your margin of error.
- Be sure to keep your paddle low
- Giving yourself a margin for error means aiming inside the sideline.
The tips above will help you take ATP shots like a pro in no time at all once you take them into consideration.