Unpacking the “Around the Post” (ATP) Shot in Pickleball
The “Around the Post” (ATP) shot is a truly spectacular play in pickleball, often eliciting gasps from spectators and frustration from opponents. In its essence, an ATP shot is when the ball travels *outside* of the net post and lands in the opponent’s court. The video explains its legality, but let’s break down why this seemingly impossible shot is perfectly within the rules. The key to the ATP’s legality lies in how the pickleball rules define the net. While the net itself acts as a barrier, the play area extends beyond its boundaries. As long as your paddle does not cross the plane of the net *before* the ball has gone around the net post, the shot is good. It’s a strategic maneuver that leverages the full width of the court, bypassing the common net-centric play.The Mechanics of a Legal ATP Shot
For an ATP shot to be legal, two primary conditions must be met: * **The Ball’s Path:** The ball must travel entirely outside of the net post and land within the opponent’s playing boundaries. This means it cannot touch the net or the net post before landing in. * **The Paddle’s Position:** Your paddle cannot cross the plane of the net *before* contacting the ball, especially if the ball is still technically on your side. Crucially, your paddle *can* cross the plane of the net *after* hitting the ball, provided the ball itself has already cleared the net post. This distinction is vital for understanding why so many seemingly “over the net” paddle swings are actually legal. Think of it this way: the net posts define the physical boundaries for standard net play, but they don’t restrict the ball’s ability to travel *around* them. This specific interpretation of the pickleball rules allows for creativity and surprise tactics.Strategic Value of the Around the Post Shot
While the video humorously questions the strategy of blocking an ATP with another ATP (and rightly so, given the difficulty!), the ATP shot itself carries significant strategic value. It’s not just a fancy trick shot; it’s a tool that can fundamentally disrupt an opponent’s defense.Why Players Attempt ATPs
* **Surprise Element:** Most pickleball players are conditioned to defend against shots coming *over* the net. An ATP shot, by coming from an unexpected angle, often catches opponents off guard. * **Bypassing the Kitchen Line:** The no-volley zone (or “kitchen”) dictates that players cannot volley the ball while standing in it. An ATP shot can effectively bypass opponents who are positioned defensively at the kitchen line, forcing them to move laterally or back up. * **Creating Extreme Angles:** An ATP can generate angles that are impossible with an overhead shot. This can pull opponents far off the court, leaving open areas for subsequent shots. Imagine if your opponent has a weak backhand and you can consistently send the ball wide to their backhand side, forcing them to scramble. * **Returning Wide Shots:** If an opponent hits a wide shot that barely clears your sideline, an ATP can be a fantastic way to return it legally and aggressively, turning defense into offense.When to Execute an ATP
An ATP shot is typically a low-percentage shot, meaning it’s difficult to pull off consistently. It’s best attempted when: * **The Opponent is Vulnerable:** If your opponents are both pushed to one side of the court, leaving a vast open space wide of the other net post. * **The Ball is Wide and Low:** The incoming shot needs to be sufficiently wide and low enough to allow you to get outside the net post and hit it with a downward trajectory. * **You’re in a Calculated Risk Scenario:** In high-stakes matches, a well-executed ATP can be a game-changer. However, it’s generally not a shot to attempt if you need a guaranteed point.Defending Against the ATP Shot
Knowing the pickleball rules for the ATP isn’t just about offense; it’s crucial for defense. Anticipating and defending against these shots can turn a potential losing point into a winning one. * **Court Positioning:** Maintaining good court position is paramount. If you and your partner are disciplined in covering the sidelines and staying relatively centered, it makes ATPs much harder to execute effectively. * **Anticipate Wide Shots:** When an opponent hits a wide drive or volley, be prepared for the possibility of an ATP. Don’t assume the ball will go out. * **Communication:** In doubles play, clear communication with your partner is vital. Call out “around!” or “post!” if you see an opponent setting up for an ATP. * **Look for the Angle:** An ATP requires the hitting player to be positioned fairly wide. If you see an opponent moving aggressively wide and trying to get low, anticipate the shot. * **Return Low and Cross-Court:** If you manage to defend an ATP, your best bet is often a low, cross-court dink or a controlled drive that keeps your opponents honest and prevents them from setting up another difficult shot.The “ATP Blocking an ATP” Scenario: A Deeper Look
The video briefly touches upon blocking an ATP with another ATP, calling it “crazy” and “probably not a smart strategy.” Let’s expand on this truly rare occurrence under the umbrella of pickleball rules. Is it legal? Absolutely, assuming both “blocking” ATPs meet the initial criteria for an ATP shot. Player A hits an ATP. Player B reacts quickly, moves wide, and hits another ATP back, essentially blocking Player A’s shot with a similar maneuver. Is it strategic? Almost never. The precision, speed, and court awareness required to execute one ATP is immense. To then react to an incoming ATP and counter it with another, all while maintaining accuracy and power, is exceptionally difficult. It’s a testament to extreme skill and reflexes, more so than a planned strategic play. Such a moment might happen once in a blue moon during highly competitive play, largely due to pure instinct and athleticism rather than calculated design. It’s an example of the wild possibilities within advanced pickleball rules.Beyond ATPs: Other Commonly Confused Pickleball Rules
While the ATP is a prime example of a confusing rule, pickleball has several others that often trip up players, particularly those transitioning from tennis or badminton. Understanding these nuances solidifies your grasp of the game’s official rulebook. * **The Two-Bounce Rule (Serve & Return):** The ball must bounce once on each side of the court after the serve and the return of serve before either team can hit it out of the air (volley). This rule is fundamental to preventing an aggressive “serve and volley” strategy seen in other sports. * **The Kitchen (No-Volley Zone) Violations:** This is perhaps the most frequent source of confusion and faults. A player cannot volley the ball (hit it in the air) while any part of their body or clothing is touching the kitchen line or is inside the kitchen. This includes the follow-through of a stroke. The intent is to keep players from dominating the net. * **Line Calls:** A ball that touches any part of the line (sideline, baseline, kitchen line) is considered in. This is a common point of contention, especially in casual play. * **Serving Rules:** Serves must be underhand, contact the ball below the waist, and be hit with the paddle head below the wrist. The ball cannot bounce before being served. Mastering these pickleball rules, especially advanced ones like the ATP shot, transforms your game. It moves you from simply playing to strategically thinking and executing complex maneuvers, ultimately making you a more formidable and knowledgeable player on the court.Serving Up Clarity: Your Pickleball Rule Q&A
What is an “Around the Post” (ATP) shot in pickleball?
An ATP shot is when the pickleball travels outside of the net post and lands in the opponent’s court, rather than going over the net. It’s an advanced and often surprising maneuver.
Is the “Around the Post” (ATP) shot legal in pickleball?
Yes, the ATP shot is perfectly legal in pickleball. The ball must travel entirely outside the net post, and your paddle cannot cross the net plane *before* contacting the ball.
What is the “Two-Bounce Rule” in pickleball?
The Two-Bounce Rule states that after the serve and the return of serve, the ball must bounce once on each side of the court. This means players cannot volley the ball until it has bounced twice in the rally.
What is the “kitchen” in pickleball?
The “kitchen” is also called the no-volley zone, which is the area close to the net. Players are not allowed to hit the ball in the air (volley) while any part of their body or clothing is touching this zone or its line.
