The ATP, The Disguised Forehand & The Crouching Smash
Mastering the ATP
The Around the Post (ATP) is one of the most exciting shots in pickleball. The shot curves around the outside of the net post, landing in the opponent’s court. It might seem illegal at first, but it’s perfectly within the rules.
Why Learn the ATP?
- Surprise Factor: The ATP is unexpected, disrupting your opponent’s rhythm and giving you a huge advantage.
- Opens Up the Court: By hitting around the post, you create angles that your opponents simply can’t defend.
- It’s Just Plain Fun! There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of nailing a perfect ATP.
How to Hit the ATP: The Breakdown
- Timing is Everything: Wait for the right ball – one that’s hit wide to your side. Let it drop low to give you more angle to work with.
- Footwork Frenzy: Shuffle your feet quickly to get into position. Stay low and athletic, ready to react to the ball’s trajectory.
- Paddle Placement: Position your paddle on the outside of the ball, aiming it slightly towards the center of the opponent’s court.
- Swing Smoothly: Keep your swing compact. You don’t need a lot of power – just a smooth, controlled motion.
- Finish with Flair: Follow through with your swing to guide the ball around the post and into the court.
Common ATP Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
- Hitting Too Early: Don’t rush the shot. Let the ball drop low enough to give you a good angle.
- Hitting Too High: A high ATP is easy to intercept. Aim low, ideally at your opponent’s feet.
- Lack of Follow-Through: Make sure to follow through with your swing to create the curve needed to go around the post.
Drills to Perfect Your ATP
- Solo Drill: Practice your footwork by shadowing the ATP motion. Imagine a ball coming to your side and quickly get into position.
- Partner Drill: Have your partner feed you wide balls, allowing you to practice your timing and swing.
- Target Practice: Set up cones or targets on the opponent’s side of the court and practice hitting the ATP towards them.
The Disguised Forehand aka The Fake Backhand
What is the Disguised Forehand?
This shot is all about tricking your opponents with your body language and paddle movement. It’s a shot that looks like a backhand but is actually a forehand. You use subtle body movements and paddle positioning to mislead your opponents, then execute a forehand swing at the last moment.
Why Learn the Disguised Forehand?
- Surprise Factor: This shot is unexpected and can throw off your opponents’ timing and positioning.
- Versatility: You can hit it down the line, cross-court, or as a lob, making it a flexible offensive weapon.
- Mind Games: By incorporating deceptive shots into your game, you add a psychological element that can keep your opponents guessing.
How to Hit the Disguised Forehand: Step-by-Step
- The Set-Up: Position your body and paddle as if you’re about to hit a backhand. Turn your shoulders and hips towards the backhand side and hold your paddle in a continental grip.
- The Fake Out: As the ball approaches, sell the backhand fake by continuing to move your body and paddle towards the backhand side.
- The Switch: At the last moment, subtly rotate your hand and wrist into a forehand position. This movement should be quick and smooth.
- The Swing: Execute a forehand swing, aiming for your desired target. Focus on maintaining a fluid, controlled motion.
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them):
- Overcommitting to the Fake: If you exaggerate the backhand fake too much, your opponents might catch on. Keep it subtle but convincing.
- Hesitation: Don’t hesitate when switching to the forehand. The transition should be smooth and seamless.
- Lack of Follow-Through: Make sure to follow through with your forehand swing to ensure accuracy and power.
Drills to Perfect Your Disguised Forehand:
- Shadow Swings: Practice the motion of transitioning from a backhand to forehand grip without a ball.
- Ball Machine or Partner Drills: Have a partner or ball machine feed you balls, allowing you to practice the timing and execution of the disguised forehand.
- Game Play: Incorporate the disguised forehand into your game play sparingly but strategically.
The Crouching Smash
What is the Crouching Smash?
The crouching smash is a move that combines power and finesse to punish high balls at the kitchen line. It is an attacking shot performed when a ball is hit high to you at the kitchen line, but not high enough for a traditional overhead smash. Instead of letting the ball drop, you quickly crouch down and unleash a powerful smash.
Why Learn the Crouching Smash?
- Aggression: This shot allows you to maintain an offensive mindset even when the ball isn’t perfectly set up for an overhead smash.
- Surprise Element: Opponents might expect you to reset or hit a softer shot, but the crouching smash catches them off guard.
- Point-Ending Potential: A well-executed crouching smash can often win the point outright.
How to Hit the Crouching Smash: The Breakdown
- Read the Ball: Recognize when a ball is approaching at a height suitable for a crouching smash. It should be high enough to hit with power, but not so high that you can comfortably hit an overhead.
- Get Low: As the ball approaches, quickly bend your knees and lower your body into a crouched position. This will give you leverage and power for your swing.
- Paddle Preparation: Bring your paddle back behind your head, similar to the start of an overhead smash.
- Explode Upwards: As you make contact with the ball, drive your legs upwards to generate power. Your swing should be a combination of arm and leg strength.
- Contact Point: Aim to hit the ball slightly in front of your body and at the highest point you can reach. This will ensure a downward trajectory and maximize power.
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them):
- Hitting Too Early: Don’t rush the shot. Let the ball drop to a comfortable height before you swing.
- Not Getting Low Enough: A deep crouch is essential for generating power and maintaining balance.
- Swinging Too Flat: Aim to hit the ball with a downward angle to keep it in the court with a forward motion, avoiding the back swing.
Drills to Perfect Your Crouching Smash:
- Partner Drill: Have a partner feed you balls at varying heights, practicing your reaction time and crouching technique.
- Target Practice: Set up targets on the court and practice hitting crouching smashes with accuracy and power.
- Game Play: Incorporate the crouching smash into your game play whenever the opportunity arises.
