Around the post in pickleball: when the ball may legally pass beside the net post, how to plan the footwork and how to avoid falls and post faults.
On the around-the-post (ATP) you hit the ball not over but sideways around the net post into the opponent's court – possible when you stand far outside the court – the ball then often passes the post below net height. The rules expressly allow it: a ball may be returned around the outside of the net post [1].
The honest answer first: ATP is not an everyday shot but a rescue and surprise shot for a player pulled out of the court by a wide dink. There is no study on frequency or technique in pickleball; the technique is teaching consensus. What is documented is what long movements can cost: Among 113 PPA Tour pros, 49% of injuries were to the lower extremity, especially ankle sprains [2], and emergency department data name falls as the most common mechanism at 65.5% [3].
With a handful of sessions you hit the ATP in practice situations; in matches it takes longer – an experience value.
The ball may pass outside the post [1]. Not allowed are a ball between net and post (13.D) and a ball under the net (13.E) [1]. You may touch neither net nor post while the ball is in play (13.G) [1]. The rule gives no minimum height for the ball as it passes the post. [1]
Place a cone beside the post. Your ball must pass outside the cone and then land diagonally in the opponent's court. Trace the flight curve with your finger. That is teaching consensus.
From the kitchen line position you run to the sideline with crossover or chasse steps. Brake with the outer leg before you hit. The shot comes from standing, not on the run. That is teaching consensus and reduces lunge load.
Hit the ball at knee height, in front of the body. The shot is short and flat: face slightly open, aimed at the opponent's court. Because of the low trajectory: more angle instead of more pace.
Play 10 ATP balls against a partner who repeatedly dinks wide. Move on when at least 4 of 10 land in the opponent's court without your paddle touching the post. Do not increase the pace before the footwork is secure.
Plan 15 minutes: 3 minutes of warm-up with side steps and dinks, 7 minutes of ATP balls against wide feeds to the sideline, 5 minutes alternating between a dink at the line and the ATP. After every series of five balls take a break and check ankles and calves. This is an experience routine, not a study recommendation.
Practise the ATP "in a slow-motion mirror". Have a partner film you from the side while you shadow-swing the route to the post. You see early whether your paddle is too close to the post. A practice trick without study evidence.
A shot where the ball goes not over the net but around the outside of the net post into the opponent's court. The rules allow it [1]. There is no study on the technique; it is teaching consensus.
Yes, if the ball passes outside the post [1]. Not allowed: a ball between net and post or under the net [1]. If you touch the net or post, it is a fault [1].
The rule gives no minimum height [1]. The ball must, however, land in the opponent's court. That needs a very sharp angle.
There are no data. It is a rare shot; for most recreational players it is enough to know the rule.
It requires a long run to the side. Falls and lunges are the most common reasons for injury [3][5]. Play it only with secure footwork.
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