Guide to Master the Erne Shot for Advanced Pickleball Players
Ready to catch your opponents off guard? Time to Erne and burn.
Pickleball enthusiasts know the game for its fast-paced action, dynamic strategy, and unique techniques. One of the most advanced and impressive shots in the sport is the Erne shot—a move that, when executed correctly, can completely shift the momentum of a match. If you're an advanced player looking to up your pickleball game, mastering the Erne shot will undoubtedly give you an edge over your opponents. In this article, we'll break down the Erne shot step-by-step, explain how to practice it, and offer tips for integrating it into your play style.
What is the Erne Shot?
The Erne shot is an aggressive move used in pickleball to attack the ball at the net, typically from an unexpected angle. Named after Ernest "Erne" Ervin, the shot involves the player stepping out of bounds (just outside the sideline) to intercept a ball hit toward the sideline and smacking it at a sharp angle, often down the line.
The Erne is effective because it catches your opponents off-guard. Rather than waiting for a ball to come to you directly in front of the kitchen (non-volley) line, you “create your own angle” by positioning yourself on the outside of the court. This allows you to cut off any return attempt before it even has a chance to land and quickly redirects it for a winner.
When executed properly, the Erne shot is both a powerful offensive weapon and a great way to surprise your opponents. It’s particularly useful in doubles play, where you can exploit gaps in your opponents’ court positioning.
Why is the Erne Shot So Powerful?
The Erne shot offers several advantages for advanced players, including:
- Unpredictability: By stepping out of bounds, you position yourself in a place your opponents don’t expect you to be, leaving them scrambling to react. The sudden change in court positioning can throw them off balance and out of rhythm.
- Angle of Attack: Hitting from the sideline enables you to create sharper angles, especially when you drive the ball down the line. This angle makes it much harder for your opponents to get into position to return the ball effectively.
- Offensive Play: The Erne is an aggressive shot. When you can successfully hit the shot, it’s often a winning point or at the very least forces your opponents to make a low, defensive return.
- Control of the Net: The Erne shot demonstrates control over the kitchen area. By taking the initiative to step outside the court and intercept shots early, you force the opponents into a defensive position. This allows you to dominate the net and set the tone for the rally.
Now that we understand the importance of the Erne shot, let’s break down how to properly execute it.
A Step-by-Step Guide On How to Execute the Erne Shot
Mastering the Erne shot requires both technique and timing. It’s not a move you can just throw into your game without practice, but with consistent training, it becomes a powerful weapon in your arsenal.
1. Recognizing the Right Moment
The first step to hitting a successful Erne shot is knowing when to go for it. Players typically use the Erne when their opponent hits a cross-court dink, or when they anticipate a shot landing near the sideline.
- Key conditions: You need to have already moved up to the kitchen line. If you're still at the baseline, the Erne is unlikely to be an option.
- Watch your opponent: See when your opponent is about to hit a cross-court dink or when they are positioned close to the net. If they give you an opening to cut off the ball at the sideline, that’s your cue to step out and go for the Erne.
2. Stepping Out of Bounds
Once you’ve recognized that the ball is coming near the sideline, the next step is to step out of bounds (outside the sideline) to set up your shot. This is the hallmark of the Erne—creating a new angle and coming from an unexpected location.
- Timing is critical: You want to time your movement just right. If you step out too early or too late, you’ll either be out of position or not have enough time to reach the ball. A quick, fluid movement is necessary to make this work.
- Stay balanced: As you step out of bounds, keep your body balanced and in control. This allows you to shift back quickly if the ball changes direction and ensures you're able to quickly get into position for the shot.
3. Attacking the Ball Early
One of the primary benefits of the Erne shot is its ability to take the ball early. Once you’ve stepped out and positioned yourself, you should be ready to attack the ball before it even drops too low in the air. This gives you the advantage of controlling the shot from the get-go.
- Reach for the ball: Use your paddle to intercept the ball mid-air, ideally around shoulder height or slightly higher. Reaching for the ball instead of letting it drop too low allows you to hit with more control and power.
- Use your footwork: The footwork during the Erne is key. As you step out, pivot on your inside foot, so you can rotate your body efficiently to strike the ball with force.
4. Hitting the Shot with Precision
The final piece of the Erne shot is the actual execution—hitting the ball with accuracy, power, and placement.
- Angle your shot: The goal is to hit the ball at a sharp angle, usually towards the sideline, or down the line. This forces your opponent into a tough position because they’re going to have to scramble to cover the court.
- Control the power: The Erne shot requires you to strike with enough power to beat your opponent, but not so much that it results in an error. It’s about controlling the placement and direction of the ball, rather than hitting it as hard as possible.
- Follow through: Just like with any shot in pickleball, it’s important to follow through after hitting the Erne. This not only improves your accuracy but also ensures you’re prepared for the next shot.
5. Getting Ready for the Return
After executing the Erne, it’s crucial to quickly transition back into a good court position. You’ll likely have to defend against a return shot from your opponents, so always be prepared for the next rally.
- Reset quickly: After the Erne, take a moment to get back into your position at the net or move quickly to cover the middle of the court.
- Anticipate the opponent's next move will give you an advantage.
When Not to Use the Erne Shot
While the Erne is a powerful and game-changing shot, it’s not always the best option for every situation. Here are some moments when you should avoid trying the Erne.
- Lack of positioning: If you’re too far back or not in the right position near the kitchen line, attempting the Erne is risky. You need to be in a good court position to execute it effectively.
- Poor ball placement: If the ball is too far out of reach or too low, the Erne shot may not be possible. Trying to reach too far for an incoming shot can lead to an error and leave you out of position.
- Unpredictable bounce: If the ball isn’t going to clear the net or is likely to bounce awkwardly, trying the Erne could cause you to misread the shot and miss it completely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mastering the Erne is a challenge, and there are a few mistakes that players often make. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Stepping out too early: If you step outside the sideline before the ball is in range, you’ll be out of position to make the shot.
- Not using the right grip: A proper grip (continental or eastern grip) is essential for generating control and power. Make sure your grip allows you to execute a clean shot.
- Over-committing to the shot: The Erne is an aggressive move, but sometimes over-committing can leave you vulnerable. Make sure you know when to play the Erne and when to step back and reset.
- Lack of consistency: Like any advanced pickleball shot, mastering the Erne requires consistent practice. The more you practice, the more natural and effective the shot will become.
The Erne shot is one of the most dynamic, exciting, and effective moves in pickleball. When executed well, it can completely shift the momentum of a match, leaving your opponents surprised and scrambling. By focusing on timing, footwork, and precision, you can make this shot a critical part of your game.
Remember that the key to mastering the Erne is practice. Work on positioning, footwork, and reading the game to know when the shot is appropriate. Once you’ve integrated the Erne into your play style, you’ll not only dominate the net, but also enhance your overall pickleball strategy. So step outside the court, take that extra stride, and watch as the Erne shot transforms your gameplay.