If you are looking to elevate your pickleball game to the next level, mastering the Erne shot can be a game-changer on the court. The Erne, a dynamic and strategic maneuver, involves hitting the pickleball while outside the Non-Volley Zone (the “Kitchen”). This deceptive move can catch opponents off-guard and create opportunities to gain the upper hand on the pickleball court.
Tyler Loong, professional pickleball player and “Erne King” proved this to be true at the PPA Las Vegas Cup. Loong hit an incredible 10 Ernes in the men’s doubles semifinal match. While Loong and partner Connor Garnett were ultimately defeated by Gabriel Tardio and Andrei Daescu, Loong’s Ernes created disruption and turned the tide, earning his team a win in game two.
Why the Erne Is a Great Strategy
An Erne is an advanced shot on the pickleball court and is named after Erne Perry, who elevated the shot and first brought the shot into mainstream competitive play. The Erne is a shot where you hit the pickleball either (1) in the air as you are jumping around the Non-Volley Zone (also known as the Kitchen); or (2) after you run around or through the Kitchen and re-establish your feet out of bounds, just to the side of the Kitchen.
The Erne shot is an advantageous strategy for several reasons. Firstly, it allows players to attack the ball at an angle that is difficult for opponents to anticipate, forcing them to adjust their positioning quickly. Additionally, executing an Erne can disrupt the rhythm and momentum of the opposing team, potentially leading to unforced errors or weak returns. The Erne puts pressure on your opponents to make a quality shot and may cause your opponents to lose focus on the pickleball as they lift their heads to look at you running and jumping around the pickleball court. Moreover, successfully executing an Erne can inject a renewed sense of confidence and assertiveness into your game overall.
Tips to Hit the Erne Shot
Executing the Erne shot requires precision, timing, and quick reflexes. As an Erne master, Tyler Loong demonstrated the versatility of the Erne shot as he even surprised his opponents with an Erne drop shot. Here are some essential tips for mastering this advanced maneuver:
1. Positioning: Position yourself slightly away from the Kitchen but within reach of the net. Anticipate the opportunity for an incoming shot that is conducive to attempting the Erne. Think and plan ahead, as the goal is to entice your opponents to hit the pickleball toward the sideline that you want to Erne on. This is most likely to happen when your opponents let the pickleball get behind them at the Kitchen Line near the desired sideline.
2. Timing: Keep a close eye on the trajectory of the ball and be prepared to make a swift movement towards the non-volley zone when the opposing player hits the ball. Wait to move to the area outside of the Kitchen on the sideline until your opponent hits or is just about to hit the pickleball (which will help you disguise your advanced move).
3. Paddle Preparation: Hold your paddle at the ready position to ensure that you are prepared for any opportunities to hit an Erne that come your way. Be sure that you are ready to make contact with the pickleball as you get into position outside the Non-Volley Zone.
4. Footwork: Engage in quick footwork to approach the Non-Volley Zone as the ball approaches your side of the court. Maintain balance and stability as you run or jump to the area outside of the Kitchen on the sideline to hit the pickleball.
5. Follow-Through: Remember you must establish, or re-establish, your feet outside of the Kitchen, which could be accomplished by dragging your back foot if you run through the Kitchen or jumping over the Kitchen entirely. After making contact with the ball, swiftly recover to your original position to be ready for the next shot.
Pickleball Rule Reminder
Rule 9.B of the 2020 Official Rulebook for USA Pickleball provides that any contact with the Non-Volley Zone while hitting a volley (in other words, hitting the pickleball out of the air, without bouncing) is a fault – and this includes the swing, follow-through, and the momentum from the swing. All volleys – which includes all Ernes – must be executed outside of the Non-Volley Zone. Again, you may jump over the Non-Volley Zone, as long as you do not touch the Non-Volley Zone line or the Non-Volley Zone surface area, or, if you touch the Non-Volley Zone, then you must re-establish your feet outside of the Non-Volley Zone before hitting your Erne.
The Erne is effective because it is an aggressive shot that adds pressure on the opposing team. With these tips you will have the ability to surprise your opponents and create opportunities for winning more points on the pickleball court.
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