Advancedstrategy

The ATP: when the geometry is actually there

Ninety percent of missed ATPs fail because the ball wasn't wide enough to begin with. The Pickleball Clinic breaks down the exact conditions that make an around-the-post shot viable, and how to spot the trap version opponents bait you into.

Watch: How to Hit an ATP: The Coolest Shot In Pickleball
10 min
Watch “How to Hit an ATP: The Coolest Shot In Pickleball” The Pickleball Clinic · captions

Key takeaways

  • The ball must be traveling well past the sideline post and below net height; if either is missing, reset or dink instead.
  • Swing outside-in, flat and low. You're clearing the post, not the net, so there's no need to lift; a compact flat swing gives the most margin.
  • Aim deep crosscourt to maximize landing area; down the line is low-percentage from that angle.
  • The ATP legally needs no part of the ball to cross over the net. Knowing the rule lets you swing confidently.
  • Watch for the 'trap ATP': opponents pushing wide angles on purpose are baiting you into the lane they already cover.

Drill to try

Stand at the sideline with a partner feeding progressively wider balls past the sideline extension, beyond the net post. Swing only when the ball clears the post; otherwise reset. 10 attempts, count clean ATPs.

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