Mastering the Pickleball Erne: Complete Guide to This Game-Changing Shot

Learn how to hit an Erne in pickleball with our comprehensive guide. Master pickleball Erne technique, strategy, and legality to elevate your game and surprise your opponents.

What Is a Pickleball Erne?

The pickleball erne is one of the most exciting and strategic shots in the game. Named after Erne Perry, who popularized this move, it involves a player stepping around or over the non-volley zone (kitchen) line to volley the ball from a position that would normally be illegal if their feet were inside the kitchen.

When executed correctly, the pickleball erne shot creates an unexpected angle of attack that can catch opponents off guard, making it a valuable weapon in your pickleball arsenal.

The Legality of the Pickleball Erne

Before diving into technique, let’s address pickleball erne legality. According to official pickleball rules:

• The Erne shot is completely legal as long as you don’t touch the non-volley zone (kitchen) with any part of your body
• You can step around the kitchen or even jump over it
• You must not touch the kitchen line or surface before, during, or immediately after hitting a volley
• Your momentum cannot carry you into the kitchen after executing the shot

Understanding these rules is crucial, as violations will result in a fault and loss of the point or serve.

How to Execute an Erne Shot in Pickleball

Mastering the pickleball Erne technique requires practice and precise timing. Follow these steps to learn how to hit an erne in pickleball effectively:

1. Position Yourself

Start by standing near the sideline, slightly behind the non-volley zone line. Your positioning is critical—you need enough space to move laterally without stepping into the kitchen.

2. Watch for the Right Opportunity

The ideal scenario for an erne is when your opponent hits a shot that’s:

• Directed toward the sideline
• Not too low (so you can volley it)
• Predictable enough that you can time your movement

3. Execute the Movement

As the ball approaches:

• Take a quick step to the side, moving around the kitchen corner
• Keep your feet outside the kitchen at all times
• Position your body to face the incoming ball
• Maintain balance throughout the movement

4. Strike the Ball

• Use a firm but controlled volley technique
• Aim crosscourt or down the line, depending on opponent positioning
• Follow through with your paddle without letting your momentum carry you into the kitchen

Pickleball Erne Strategy: When to Use It

The Erne isn’t just about technique—it’s about strategy. Here’s when to incorporate this shot into your game plan:

• Element of surprise: Use it sparingly to maintain its effectiveness
• When opponents repeatedly hit to the corners: If you notice a pattern, capitalize on it
• During crucial points: A well-timed erne can shift momentum in tight games
• Against baseline players: Those who stay back are particularly vulnerable to this attack

Pickleball Erne vs. Bert: Understanding the Difference

While the erne involves moving around the side of the kitchen, the “bert” is another advanced pickleball shot where players jump over the kitchen from a position closer to the center. Here’s how they compare:

Aspect	Pickleball Erne	Bert Shot
Movement direction	Around kitchen side	Over kitchen from front
Positioning	Near sideline	Center court
Difficulty level	Moderate	High
Risk factor	Medium	High
Ideal ball placement	Sideline shots	Center shots

Defending Against a Pickleball Erne

If you’re facing opponents who use the erne effectively, try these defensive strategies:

1. Mix up your shots: Avoid predictable patterns that make the erne easy to anticipate
2. Use the middle: Direct shots toward the center rather than the sidelines
3. Lob over them: When you see an opponent setting up for an erne, a well-placed lob can force them to retreat
4. Drop shots: Low balls that land in the kitchen make the erne impossible to execute

Pickleball Erne Footwork Drills

Improve your erne execution with these specific footwork drills:

Side-Step Drill

1. Stand near the kitchen corner
2. Practice sidestepping around the kitchen without touching the line
3. Focus on quick, explosive movements followed by immediate balance

Balance and Volley

1. Have a partner feed balls toward the sideline
2. Practice moving into erne position without hitting the ball
3. Gradually add the volley component once your footwork is solid

Reaction Drill

1. Start at the baseline
2. Have a partner randomly signal for you to move into erne position
3. Work on your reaction time and correct positioning

Best Pickleball Paddles for Erne Shots

While technique matters most, the right equipment can help. Ideal paddles for erne shots typically offer:

• Good maneuverability: Lighter paddles (7.5-8.2 oz) allow quicker reactions
• Control-oriented: Since precision matters in erne shots, control should be prioritized
• Solid grip: Ensure your paddle has a comfortable grip that won’t slip during dynamic movements

When learning the pickleball erne technique, watch out for these common errors:

1. Stepping into the kitchen: Even momentary contact results in a fault
2. Poor timing: Moving too early telegraphs your intention to opponents
3. Overusing the shot: The erne works best as a surprise tactic
4. Neglecting proper footwork: Balance is critical to successful execution
5. Attempting with low balls: The erne is most effective against balls at mid-height or higher

Advanced Pickleball Erne Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic erne, consider these advanced variations:

• Fake Erne: Show the movement but pull back, causing opponents to adjust unnecessarily
• Back-Side Erne: Execute from the backhand side for different angles
• Two-Step Erne: Incorporate a quick double step to cover more distance

Conclusion: Adding the Erne to Your Pickleball Arsenal

The pickleball erne shot represents the exciting blend of strategy, athleticism, and finesse that makes pickleball so engaging. With proper practice of pickleball erne technique and strategy, you can add this dynamic shot to your game and enjoy the advantage it brings.

Remember that mastering the erne takes time—start with proper footwork, practice regularly in non-competitive settings, and gradually incorporate it into your match play. Soon enough, you’ll be executing this game-changing shot with confidence.

Whether you’re looking to surprise opponents, create new angles of attack, or simply add variety to your game, the pickleball erne deserves a place in your skill set. Happy pickleballing!

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Have you tried incorporating the erne into your pickleball game? Share your experiences in the comments below!