How to Hit ATPs Like a Pickleball Pro

Patience, footwork, weight transfer, and confidence. Get those right, and you'll be hitting ATPs like a pro.

If you've watched pickleball content online, you've probably seen an Around-the-Post (ATP) shot at least once. It's flashy, it's difficult, and when it works, it feels incredible. At this point, it's a common occurrence in the pro ranks.

Mari Humberg, a skilled pickleball instructor at @marihumberg, breaks down exactly how to hit ATPs from both sides of the court, when to attempt them, and how to defend against them when your opponent goes for the shot.

Love pickleball? Then you'll love our free newsletter. We send the latest news, tips, and highlights for free each week.

What Makes an ATP an Offensive Shot

Before you start practicing ATPs, it's important to understand what you're actually doing. An ATP is an offensive shot, which means it's meant to be aggressive and put pressure on your opponents. Yes, they look cool. Yes, they're tough to execute. But the real reason to hit one is because it gives you a scoring opportunity or because you're already so far off the court that it might be your only option.

The key is finding balance. You don't want to go for an ATP just because it looks flashy. You want to go for it when the situation calls for it. That's what separates a show-off from a strategic player.

Right Side ATPs: Patience and Weight Transfer

On the right side, Humberg primarily hits topspin ATPs. The setup usually happens during a crosscourt dink rally. Your opponent opens up a dink a little too wide, and suddenly you have an ATP opportunity.

Here's what you need to focus on:

• Move laterally or diagonally to get into position, depending on how wide and deep the dink is.
• Put all your weight on your right leg to generate the leverage needed to pull the ball across the net.
• Wait for the ball to get around the net post before you swing. This is critical.

That last point can't be overstated. Patience is everything with an ATP. If you rush and don't wait for the ball to clear the post, you'll either hit the net or what players call an HTP (Hit The Post). Neither outcome is good. Give the ball space to travel, then curve it back in or slap it with a flat or slice shot.

Left Side ATPs: More Options, More Complexity

The left side is where things get interesting. Humberg works with three different ATP variations from the left: a two-handed topspin ATP, a one-handed topspin ATP, and a slice ATP. Each one has its moment, and knowing when to use which is part of the skill.

The fundamentals stay the same: move your feet, be patient, and transfer your weight onto your left leg. But the execution changes depending on which variation you're attempting. The more you practice, the more instinctive it becomes which option to choose in the moment.

When You Miss (And You Will)

Here's something Humberg doesn't shy away from: she misses ATPs. A lot. Sometimes the dink isn't quite there. Sometimes you misjudge the depth or width. Sometimes you just go for it and it doesn't work out. That's part of the game.

The point is to keep practicing and to understand that even pros don't make every ATP they attempt. If you're going for ATPs in your matches, you're going to have some failures. That's okay. The key is trusting yourself enough to go for it when the opportunity is there.

Defending Against an ATP

What if your opponent is the one hitting the ATP? Don't give up on the point. You have options:

• Back up and get low, since ATPs often come in low over the net.
• Try to reset the ball if you can get your paddle on it.
• If you're feeling adventurous, try to Ernie the ATP (hit it from outside the court). It's rare, but it's possible.

The main thing is to stay in the point. An ATP being hit doesn't mean the rally is over. You can still fight back and potentially win the point.

Heads up: hundreds of thousands of pickleballers read our free newsletter. Subscribe here for cutting edge strategy, insider news, pro analysis, the latest product innovations and more.

The Mental Side of Going for It

One of the most interesting parts of Humberg's breakdown is the confidence piece. She emphasizes that ATPs are possible at all levels of play, but you have to actually believe you can make them. You have to practice them. And then you have to go for them in matches, not just in practice.

ATPs aren't a fundamental shot that every player needs to master. But if you're looking to add something exciting to your game and you're willing to put in the practice time, they're absolutely worth learning.

Just remember: patience, footwork, weight transfer, and confidence. Get those right, and you'll be hitting ATPs like a pro.