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The ATP (around the post)

An around-the-post shot travels outside the net post rather than over the net and can land low in the opponent's court. Learn when it is legal, how to set it up and how to defend it.

2 min read · Updated November 2026

What an ATP is

An ATP, short for around the post, is a shot that travels outside the net post, not over the net, and lands in the opponent's court. It does not need to clear the height of the net. A well-struck ATP can fly just above the ground and is nearly impossible to return.

It usually happens when an opponent's sharp-angled dink or shot pulls you far outside the sideline.

The rules require the ball to land in the opponent's court; they do not require it to travel over the net. If the ball is far enough outside the sideline, you can hit it around the post, below net height, and it is a good shot as long as it lands in.

Key points:

  • The ball must have bounced on your side first. You cannot volley an ATP from outside the court in the usual way, since the ball has not yet crossed into your court.
  • The ball must not touch the net post or the net's support system.
  • You may move outside the court boundaries to make the shot; there is no rule that you must stay inside the lines.
  • The ball must land inbounds on the other side.

Always check the current rulebook for detailed wording about permanent objects and net systems, since portable nets and fixed posts can differ.

When the ATP appears

SetupWhat happens
Opponent hits a sharp cross-court dink near the sidelineBall bounces and carries outside the court past the post
Wide angled volley from the opponentYou chase it outside the court
Short angled drop near the sidelineBall bounces wide of the post

The ATP is mostly a reaction shot. You cannot force one; you recognize it when the ball takes you far enough wide.

How to hit it

  1. Chase the ball wide, staying low and balanced.
  2. Let it bounce and get your paddle below and outside the ball.
  3. Hit a compact, flat or slightly topspin stroke parallel to the net.
  4. Aim low into the open court, often toward the opponent's kitchen or the far sideline.
  5. Recover quickly, since you are now far outside the court.

Defending the ATP

  • Avoid hitting extreme angled dinks to an opponent who moves well, unless you can follow the play.
  • Cover the line. If your opponent is far outside the sideline, the player on that side should shift toward the sideline to cover a low ATP.
  • Be ready for a ball that stays very low.

ATP vs erne

ATPErne
Ball bounces first?YesNo, it is a volley
Where you standFar outside the sideline, beyond the postOutside the sideline next to the kitchen
Must clear the net?No, it goes aroundYes, over the net

See the erne for more.

Safety

Chasing wide balls brings you near fences, benches and other courts. Look before you run, and let the ball go if the area is not clear.

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