Pickleball is a fun sport played by many people worldwide. It mixes tennis, badminton, and ping pong. If you play pickleball or want to learn, you might hear about an “Erne.” But what is an Erne in pickleball? This article will explain it in simple words.
Credit: primetimepickleball.com
Understanding Basic Pickleball Rules First
Before we talk about the Erne, let’s look at some basic rules. Pickleball has a special area near the net called the “non-volley zone” or “kitchen.” This zone is 7 feet from the net on each side. Players cannot hit the ball in the air while standing inside this zone. They must let the ball bounce first if they are inside the kitchen.
This rule is important because it stops players from standing too close to the net and smashing the ball easily. The kitchen rule makes the game fair and fun.
So, What is an Erne in Pickleball?
An Erne is a special kind of shot in pickleball. It is a volley, which means hitting the ball in the air without letting it bounce. But here is the trick: the player hits the ball very close to the net, outside the kitchen, by moving around or jumping near the side of the court.
The Erne lets a player hit the ball near the net without breaking the kitchen rule. The player moves quickly to a spot just outside the kitchen, near the sideline, and hits the ball before it bounces.
Think of it like sneaking around the kitchen to surprise your opponent. It is a smart and fast move that can win points.
How Does the Erne Work?
Here is how a player can do an Erne:
- First, the ball comes near the net on your side.
- You run quickly toward the sideline near the net.
- You jump or step so that your feet are outside the kitchen line.
- Before the ball bounces, you hit it in the air (volley).
- You try to hit it past your opponent where they cannot reach.
By moving around the kitchen and volleying outside its line, you can catch your opponent off guard. The Erne shot is fast and takes good timing.
Rules for the Erne Shot
The Erne is legal if you follow these rules:
| Rule | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Feet Outside Kitchen | You must be completely outside the kitchen before hitting the ball. |
| Volley Only | You hit the ball in the air before it bounces. |
| No Touching Kitchen Line | Your feet cannot touch or be inside the kitchen line when you hit. |
| Return Ball in Play | The ball must go back over the net and inside court lines. |
If you follow these rules, the Erne is a legal and smart move to win points.
Why is it Called an Erne?
The Erne is named after Erne Perry. He is a player from pickleball history. Erne Perry made this shot popular by using it in matches. People liked the move and started calling it the “Erne.”
Now, many pickleball players use the Erne to surprise their opponents. It is a fun and tricky shot to try.
When Should You Use the Erne?
The Erne works best when the ball is close to the net on your side. Here are some good times to try it:
- When your opponent hits a soft shot near the sideline.
- When the ball is low and easy to volley.
- When you want to rush the net and put pressure.
- When you want to surprise your opponent with a fast shot.
Timing is very important. If you try the Erne too late or too early, you might miss the ball or go inside the kitchen line.
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Benefits of Using the Erne Shot
The Erne has some strong benefits for pickleball players. Here are a few:
- Surprise Your Opponent: The Erne is a quick and unusual shot. Opponents may not expect it.
- Win Points Fast: Because you hit near the net, you can end the point quickly.
- Better Court Position: The shot helps you control the net area.
- More Aggressive Play: It lets you play actively instead of waiting for the ball.
Using the Erne can change how your opponent plays against you.
How to Practice the Erne Shot
To do the Erne well, practice is key. Here are some simple steps to practice:
- Work on your foot speed to move quickly to the sideline.
- Practice jumping or stepping just outside the kitchen line.
- Try hitting volleys in the air without stepping into the kitchen.
- Ask a partner to feed balls near the net for you to practice.
- Watch videos of players doing the Erne to learn timing.
With practice, your timing and footwork will improve. Then, you can try the Erne in a real game.
What is a Bert Shot? A Quick Look
There is another shot like the Erne called the “Bert.” The Bert is similar but done on the partner’s side of the court. It is more advanced and needs quick moves.
The Bert is when a player crosses to their partner’s side to hit a volley near the net. It surprises the opponents by attacking from an unusual angle.
Both Erne and Bert shots show how pickleball players use smart moves to win.
Summary
So, what is an Erne in pickleball? It is a fast volley hit near the net by moving outside the kitchen area. The player runs or jumps near the sideline to hit the ball before it bounces. The Erne is named after Erne Perry, who made this shot popular.
The Erne is legal if your feet are outside the kitchen line when you hit. It is a smart shot to surprise opponents and win points fast. Practicing footwork and timing helps you do the Erne well.
Pickleball is full of fun and smart moves like the Erne. Try learning it and enjoy your game!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Erne Rule In Pickleball?
The Erne rule in pickleball allows players to volley near the net outside the non-volley zone by jumping or running around it. Players must land outside the zone before hitting the ball. This move speeds up play and creates offensive opportunities legally.
Why Is It Called An Erne In Pickleball?
The Erne in pickleball is named after Erne Perry, who popularized this advanced volley near the net outside the non-volley zone. This shot lets players jump or run around the kitchen to hit powerful volleys while staying within the rules.
What Is A Bert In Pickleball?
A Bert in pickleball is an aggressive volley where a player crosses the center line to hit the ball on their partner’s side. It surprises opponents by poaching shots, requiring quick footwork and timing. This advanced move resembles an Erne but occurs on the opposite side of the court.
When Should You Use An Erne?
Use an Erne in pickleball to volley near the net outside the non-volley zone by quickly moving around it. Execute it when you can jump or run close to the sideline for an aggressive, surprise shot that catches opponents off guard while staying within the rules.