fbpx

If you’re new to pickleball, you may be scratching your head as to what an Erne shot is. Read on and let us tell you! And if you don’t have a clue what an “Erne” is, we’ve published a great blog post on Pickleball Terms to help out.

An Erne is an advanced shot that is named after Erne Perry, who elevated the shot and first brought it into mainstream competitive pickleball play. The Erne is where you hit the ball either in the air as you jump over the kitchen, or after you run around or through the kitchen and re-establish your feet out of bounds, just outside of the sidelines.

This shot puts significant pressure on the opposing team and forces them to make a good quality shot back, since the Erne allows you to take the ball just as it’s cresting over the net and hit down on it. It can help force an error since it’s an offensive driving shot.

Hitting an Erne in Pickleball

You have to plan ahead when you’re going for the Erne. Look for balls that keep getting placed near the sidelines, it’s a good changeup and will force your opponents to rethink their tactics.

Wait to move forward, just outside of the kitchen, until the opposing team hits or is just about to hit the ball. This will help you disguise the upcoming Erne shot.

When their ball goes towards one of the sidelines, run or jump to the outside of the kitchen and hit the pickleball. That’s it. It’s pretty simple, mostly footwork and placing the ball so that your opponents can set you up for this fun, unique shot.

Remember, you must not make contact with the Non-Volley Zone/Kitchen if you plan on making this shot. You may jump over the kitchen as long as you or any part of you does not touch it or the non-volley zone line.

Pickleball Erne Shot Overview

To sum up, here are three ways to make sure your Erne is legal:

  1. Run around the outside bounds of the kitchen.
  2. Run through the kitchen, but make sure that your feet are outside and planted out of the non-volley zone. Keep in mind the momentum rule is still in effect – don’t fall into the kitchen with your follow through!
  3. Jump over the non-volley zone entirely and landing outside of the court. Make sure you’re balanced – this is a more advanced shot, but definitely worth a try.

Have fun practicing and using the Erne. On our Pickleball 3.5 Skill Set page, we’ve provided a few videos on how and when to use the Erne during play.

FUN FACT: An Erne is usually referred to when you use your forehand. A “Bert” is referred to the same shot, but using your backhand.