How to Neutralize One of Pickleball's Most Lethal Shots

The ATP has become a common shot in advanced pickleball. Successfully defending it is learnable skill – and it starts with taking one big step back

The ATP has become one of the most dangerous – and ubiquitous – shots in advanced pickleball. But if you recognize it early and position yourself correctly, it’s also defendable.

I’m self-aware enough to admit that defending an ATP is usually easier from the right side. In that situation, the shot is more likely coming off your opponent’s backhand instead of their forehand.

Still, the same basic principles apply on either side.

It starts with recognition.

You need to read the player in front of you and understand when the angle is available. Communication matters, too. If I hit a ball that I think can be taken around the post, I’ll immediately yell something like, “Watch around!” That gives my partner an extra split second to prepare.

Moving back creates more time and space to react. It also gives you a better chance to judge whether the ball is actually going to land in. A lot of ATP attempts miss wide, so don’t automatically assume you have to play it.

Next, stay low.

The ATP is effective because it travels so close to the ground. To defend it, you have to get underneath the ball. Bend your knees, lower your base and give your paddle room to work.

Technically, I usually defend with two hands and default to a block or reset. I’m not trying to do too much. I meet the ball with minimal follow-through and aim for a soft reset into the middle of the court.

The goal is simple: neutralize the point.

Only when the ATP is higher, slower and clearly landing in will I consider turning defense into offense. Otherwise, I’m staying compact, absorbing the pace and giving myself another chance to win the rally.

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