Nothing electrifies a pickleball court quite like an around-the-post (ATP) winner or a perfectly timed Erne. These advanced shots can swing momentum, frustrate opponents, and earn instant bragging rights.

This guide explains what makes each shot legal, when to attempt them, and how to practice so you can add both weapons to your repertoire without sacrificing consistency.

What Is an Around-the-Post Shot?

An around-the-post occurs when you strike the ball outside the net post and send it back into the opponent’s court without the ball crossing above the net. Because the net does not extend indefinitely upward or outward, there is room for the ball to travel around the post, hence the name.

The shot is most common during fast kitchen-line exchanges where a wide angle pulls you off the court. If the ball descends below net height while still traveling outward, an ATP is often the only offensive reply.

Legal Requirements for an ATP

For the shot to count, the ball must pass outside the net post and land inside the opponent’s court without touching any part of the net system. Hitting the post, the center strap, or the ground outside the lines results in a fault.

The paddle may cross the plane of the net after contact as long as there is no contact with the net itself, and players can position themselves off the court to create the angle.

• Ball travels below the top of the net.
• Contact point is outside the net post.
• Landing spot is inbounds on the other side.

Mechanics and Footwork for an ATP

Start with a low, wide athletic stance. The key is allowing your outside foot to plant while your hips rotate toward the post. Keep the paddle face slightly open so the ball skims just above the ground.

Swing compactly with a firm wrist. A long follow-through risks clipping the net or sailing the ball wide. Aim three to four inches inside the sideline to allow for natural sidespin.

Breaking Down the Erne Shot

Named after Erne Perry, the Erne involves jumping or stepping outside the sideline near the kitchen to volley the ball out of the air. By clearing the non-volley zone from the side, you legally strike the ball close to the net for a sharp angle put-away.

Timing is everything. You must clear the kitchen before contact, avoid touching the net, and land outside the NVZ if you jump. A well-executed Erne can feel nearly impossible to defend.

Choosing Between ATP and Erne

Both shots rely on extreme angles but differ in setup. Use an ATP when the ball is already low and wide. Opt for an Erne when you anticipate a high dink or speed-up that you can intercept above net height.

Reading your opponent’s paddle path will help you decide. A cross-court dink that drifts outside the sideline screams ATP, while a shoulder-high volley aimed down the line invites an Erne.

Drills to Master These Shots

1. Cone Targets: Place two cones three feet inside the sideline as landing zones. Have a partner feed wide balls and try to clip the target with your ATP.

2. Shadow Erne: Without a ball, practice sidestepping the kitchen, jumping, and landing outside the court. Add a coach toss once the movement feels natural.

• Alternate sides to build symmetry
• Record sessions to fine-tune paddle angle

Common Pitfalls and Quick Fixes

Over-swinging causes most ATP errors. Focus on brushing the ball rather than crushing it. For Ernes, players often leave too early, exposing the opposite sideline, wait until your opponent commits to the shot.

Finally, understand that highlight plays lose value if your percentage plummets. Integrate these shots gradually so confidence grows alongside competence.

Final Thoughts

Around-the-post and Erne shots can transform defense into instant offense, but only with a solid grasp of the rules and diligent practice.

Add them responsibly, choose the right moments, and you will not only rack up points but also spark energy every time you step on the court.