In the latest installment of “10 Pickleball Rules for Beginners,” professional pickleball official Maddie Toren explains the rules surrounding the “around-the-post” shot.
As the name suggests, an around-the-post shot — more commonly known as an ATP — is a specialty shot where a player hits the pickleball around (rather than over) the net post and into the opponent’s court.
What is an around-the-post shot in pickleball?
Although this shot may seem illegal, according to the USA Pickleball rulebook, a player may return the ball around the outside of the net post.
When hitting an around-the-post shot, the ball does not need to travel back over the net and there is no restriction on the height of the return.
This means a player may return the ball around the net post below the height of the net. The shot height could be as low as possible so long as it’s returned on the opponent’s side of the court.
What is an around-the-post shot fault?
After the shot is hit, the player is allowed to move their body around the net post and cross the imaginary extension line of the net.
However, a fault is declared if the player or any item the player is wearing or carrying touches the opponent’s court.
So, if a player hits a fair around-the-post shot but their momentum carries them onto the opponent’s court, a fault is called. Likewise, if a player’s momentum causes their pickleball paddle or hat, for example, to fall onto the opponent’s court, a fault is called.
Finally, a player cannot cross the imaginary extension line of the net if they do not make contact with the ball. So, if a player sets up for an around-the-post shot or an Erne shot and crosses the imaginary extension line of the net without first making contact with the ball, a fault is called.
Keep up with other videos
Follow the 10-video installment to learn all the rules and regulations every beginner must know before stepping onto the court. Check out the previous episodes below:
- Episode 1: The two types of legal pickleball serves
- Episode 2: Where to stand as the server and other service rules
- Episode 3: How to keep score in pickleball
- Episode 4: Understanding the two-bounce rule
- Episode 5: The non-volley zone (kitchen) explained
- Episode 6: When you can cross the plane of the net in pickleball
- Episode 7: Breaking down approved pickleball paddles, apparel, and balls
- Episode 8: How do you call a pickleball in or out?
Be sure to follow along for each new installment of the series. Download the Selkirk TV app HERE to watch other SelkirkTV original shows, podcasts, lesson series from the pros, and much more.
