Hey, Dink Fam! 👋 It's your girl, Daisy, here to talk about the shot that's got everyone buzzing (and maybe a little salty) on the pickleball courts in 2026: the Around the Post shot, or ATP for short. This isn't your grandma's dinking strategy – unless your grandma is secretly a pickleball ninja. 😉
The ATP is that audacious, outside-the-kitchen-window shot where you curve the ball around the net post instead of going over it. When executed perfectly, it lands in your opponent's court for an untouchable winner. Sounds epic, right? Well, hold your horses (or should I say, paddles?) because it's also stirring up some serious debate.
What's the Hype About?
Okay, so why is everyone losing their minds over this shot? Here's the lowdown:
- It's a Total Surprise: Let's be real, most players aren't expecting you to go full-on Maverick and try to bend the ball around the post. That element of surprise can throw even seasoned players off their game.
- Angles, Baby, Angles: The ATP opens up a whole new world of angles you can exploit. It can force your opponent way out wide, leaving the middle of the court wide open for your partner.
- It Looks Freakin' Cool: Admit it, there's a certain swagger that comes with pulling off an ATP. You'll feel like you're in a pickleball highlight reel!
But here's where things get tricky. Is it a legit strategy, or just showing off? Let's dive into the controversy.
The Controversy: Is It Fair Play?
Here's the pickle (pun intended!): some players think the ATP is unsportsmanlike, arguing that it goes against the spirit of the game. Their main gripes?
- Interference, Maybe?: Some argue that the ball might technically be "out" if it travels significantly outside the sidelines before curving back in. This is a tough call, as the rules are a bit vague on this.
- Too Much Risk, Not Enough Reward?: Attempting an ATP can leave you vulnerable if you miss, giving your opponents an easy point. Is the high risk worth the potential reward?
However, the official USA Pickleball rulebook doesn't explicitly prohibit the ATP shot as long as the ball lands in the correct service box. The rules state that a legal serve must clear the net and land within the service court diagonally opposite the server.
ATP in Action: Examples From the Pro Circuit
You might be thinking, "Okay, Daisy, this sounds cool in theory, but do pros actually DO this?" The answer is YES! We're seeing ATP attempts more and more in pro matches in 2026. Keep an eye on players like Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns – they've both been known to bust out an ATP when the opportunity arises. It's becoming a legitimate weapon in their arsenal, especially in high-pressure situations.
Pro Tip: Watch videos of pro pickleball matches and pay attention to when and how they attempt the ATP. You'll notice they usually set it up with strategic dinking and court positioning.
How to Master the ATP (Without Being "That Guy/Girl")
Alright, you're intrigued, right? You want to add this shot to your game. Here's how to do it responsibly and effectively:
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Don't just try this in a real game without practicing! Find an open court and dedicate some time to drilling the ATP. Focus on your wrist action and finding the right angle.
- Know Your Limits: The ATP is a low-percentage shot. Don't overuse it! Save it for when you really need it, like when you're down a point or trying to break a stalemate.
- Consider Your Opponent: Is your opponent easily rattled? The ATP might be a good way to throw them off their game. Are they super consistent? Maybe stick to more reliable shots.
- Be a Good Sport: If you hit an ATP, don't gloat! Acknowledge it was a good shot and move on. Nobody likes a showoff.
- Master the Dink First: Before trying to bend it like Beckham, make sure you can consistently hit dinks. Dinking sets up the ATP opportunity.
Drill Time:
- Start by practicing your cross-court dinks.
- Next, widen your dinks towards the sidelines.
- Finally, try to add the ATP shot into your dink sequence.
Is the ATP Here to Stay?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? My take? The ATP is like pineapple on pizza – some people love it, some people hate it, but it's not going anywhere. As pickleball continues to evolve in 2026, players will continue to push the boundaries and explore new strategies. The ATP is just one example of how the game is becoming more dynamic and exciting.
So, what do you think, Dink Fam? Are you Team ATP or Team "Keep It Simple"? Let me know in the comments below! And don't forget to tag me in your ATP attempts on social media – I want to see those crazy shots! 😉
Now get out there and dink responsibly! 😉