In 2026, the overall level of pickleball has significantly increased. To destabilize opponents who are increasingly solid in defense, it is becoming necessary to integrate more technical shots into your repertoire. The Erne and the ATP (Around The Post) are two aggressive options that allow you to finish the point by intelligently using the court boundaries.
The Erne: Bypassing the Non-Volley Zone
The Erne involves hitting a volley while positioned outside the lateral boundaries of the court, next to the kitchen. This allows you to hit the ball much closer to the net without committing a foot fault.
Tactical Key: Anticipation is essential. It is generally used when you identify a series of repetitive cross-court dinks.
The Rule: Your feet must be in contact with the ground outside the court (or be in the air after jumping from outside the non-volley zone) at the moment of impact. If you touch the kitchen line before, during, or after the shot, the point is lost.
The ATP: Attacking Around the Post
The ATP (Around The Post) is arguably the most spectacular shot in pickleball. It occurs when an opponent hits a ball with such a wide angle that it travels far off the court after the bounce.
Tactical Key: Instead of trying to return the ball over the net, you hit it from the side, literally around the post. Since the ball does not pass over the net, it can be hit very low, almost at ground level.
The Rule: The only condition is that the ball must land within the boundaries of the opponent's court.
Tips to Avoid Foot Faults
The Erne Jump: If you choose to jump over the corner of the kitchen, ensure your takeoff is clearly outside the zone and your landing is also outside the kitchen boundaries.
Patience on the ATP: Wait for the ball to move far enough away from the court. If you hit it too early, you risk hitting the net or the post.
Balance After the Shot: The non-volley zone rule applies until the point is over. If your momentum causes you to touch the kitchen right after the shot, it is a fault.
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