Hitting Around The Post (ATP)
Did you say you can hit "around the post"? YES!
A perfectly placed shot that goes around the post and not directly over the net is legal. In pickleball, the ball does not need to go directly over the net to the other side to be a legal shot. As long as the ball remains in play and is hit to your opponent's side of the court, and lands in, that shot is good!
So, how is the best way to make the shot? Simple, patience! Well, not that simple. Typically, this shot is best used when your opponent hits towards the outside lines on your courtside. it can be a dink or drop shot or even a drive to your side of the court. The key is WAITING, waiting for the ball to bounce and continue moving outside of the court. The longer you wait, the more chance for the ball to get out of the way of the net to hit back over.
Once the ball has reached as far as it can before hitting the ground after a bounce, take the shot! You have a few options to get the ball in: Aim to the back part of your opponent's side, usually the back corner. This will get usually get the ball past your opponent and hopefully land in. You can also go for a "tag" where you hit the opposing player who is looking to block your shot if it comes into their courtside. This can also anger your opponent (because no one likes to be hit with the ball, but Hey!; its part of the game). Just be careful not to hit too slowly, if you plan for that option, otherwise your opponent will have a great chance to just tap it back over and win the rally.
Steps to hit an ATP:
WATCH -for the opportunity of the ball heading out towards the side of the court
WAIT -for the ball to travel as far out as possible
WAIL -Attack the ball outside of the net area and hit towards the back corner of your opponent's courtside
ATP Success! - Try it in your next game!
photo cred: pickleball central