Pickleball is a fun sport played by many people around the world. You might have heard about a move called an “Ernie.” But what is an Ernie in pickleball? This article will explain it in a simple way.
What is Pickleball?
Before we talk about an Ernie, let’s quickly understand pickleball. Pickleball is a sport that mixes tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played with paddles and a plastic ball with holes. The game is played on a small court with a net in the middle.
Players try to hit the ball over the net and score points by making the ball land in the other team’s court. The game is easy to learn and is played by people of all ages.
What is the Kitchen or Non-Volley Zone?
In pickleball, there is an area near the net called the “kitchen” or “non-volley zone” (NVZ). This is a 7-foot area on each side of the net. Players cannot hit the ball in the air while standing inside this kitchen area. They must let the ball bounce first if they are inside the kitchen.
This rule helps keep the game fair and stops players from smashing the ball too close to the net. But there is a clever move that players use to get around this rule. This move is called an Ernie.
What is an Ernie?
An Ernie is a special move in pickleball. It happens when a player moves quickly outside the kitchen line and hits the ball in the air. The key is that the player must be outside the kitchen before hitting the ball. This means they cannot stand inside the kitchen and hit the ball out of the air.
With an Ernie, the player jumps or steps around the side of the kitchen area. They then hit the ball before it bounces. This move lets players hit strong volleys near the net without breaking any rules.
How Does an Ernie Work?
Here is how a player does an Ernie step by step:
- The player sees the ball coming near the net.
- They quickly move to the side, outside the kitchen area but close to the net.
- The player jumps or steps over the kitchen line, staying outside the non-volley zone.
- They hit the ball in the air before it bounces.
- The ball is hit hard and close to the net, making it hard for the opponent to return.
This move takes practice and good timing. But it is a great way to surprise the opponent and win points.
Why is it Called an Ernie?
The Ernie move is named after Erne Perry. Erne Perry is a famous pickleball player. He became well known for using this move in matches. Other players started calling the move “Erne” or “Ernie” in his honor.
Now, many players use the Ernie move in their games. It is seen as a smart and quick way to play near the net.
Credit: primetimepickleball.com
When Should You Use an Ernie?
Using an Ernie is best in certain situations:
- If your opponent hits a weak ball near the net.
- If you want to surprise your opponent with a quick volley.
- If you have quick feet and good timing.
- When you want to end the point fast with a strong shot.
But remember, the Ernie is not for every shot. It takes practice to do it well and safely. Sometimes, it is better to play simple shots to avoid mistakes.
Is the Ernie a Legal Move?
Yes, the Ernie is legal in pickleball. The rules say you cannot hit the ball in the air while standing inside the kitchen. But the Ernie allows you to hit the ball in the air when you are outside the kitchen, near the side.
The player must not touch the kitchen line or step inside while hitting the ball. As long as they stay outside the non-volley zone, the Ernie is allowed.
How to Practice an Ernie?
To get better at the Ernie, you need to practice these skills:
- Footwork: Move quickly to the side of the kitchen.
- Jumping: Learn to jump safely outside the kitchen line.
- Timing: Hit the ball before it bounces.
- Positioning: Stay just outside the kitchen but close to the net.
Try practicing with a partner or coach. Start slowly, then increase your speed. Watch videos of players doing Ernie moves to learn their style.
What is a Bert in Pickleball?
Sometimes, you might hear about a “Bert” in pickleball. A Bert is similar to an Ernie, but it happens on the partner’s side of the court.
In a Bert, a player jumps or moves across the center line to hit a volley on their partner’s side. This is an aggressive move to surprise the opponent and catch them off guard.
Both Ernie and Bert require good footwork, timing, and teamwork.
Summary Table: Ernie vs Bert
| Feature | Ernie | Bert |
|---|---|---|
| Where it happens | On your side near the kitchen side | On your partner’s side, across the center line |
| Movement | Jump/step outside the kitchen near the sideline | Jump/cross center line to volley on partner’s side |
| Purpose | To hit a quick volley near the net | To poach a weak shot on partner’s side |
| Difficulty | Needs timing and footwork | More advanced, needs fast movement |
Credit: www.youtube.com
Why Learn the Ernie?
Knowing how to do an Ernie can make your pickleball play more fun. It adds variety to your shots. It helps you play close to the net more confidently.
The Ernie can help you win points quickly. It also surprises your opponents. They may not expect a volley from that angle.
Even if you don’t use it all the time, learning the Ernie improves your footwork and reaction speed.
Final Thoughts
The Ernie is a smart and legal move in pickleball. It lets players hit volleys near the net by moving outside the kitchen. It is named after a famous player, Erne Perry.
If you want to try new shots and improve your game, learning the Ernie is a good idea. Remember to practice footwork, timing, and jumping. Be careful not to step inside the kitchen while hitting.
Pickleball is a game of fun and skill. The Ernie is one way players add excitement and challenge to the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Ernie Rule In Pickleball?
The Ernie rule in pickleball allows a player to volley the ball in the air outside the non-volley zone by stepping around the kitchen. This move, called an Erne, involves jumping close to the net without entering the kitchen area.
It enables aggressive net play without faults.
Why Is It Called An Ernie In Pickleball?
An Ernie in pickleball is named after Erne Perry, who popularized this move. It involves volleying near the net by stepping outside the non-volley zone. This flashy, legal shot jumps the kitchen line to strike the ball mid-air beside the court’s edge.
What Is An Ernie And Bert In Pickleball?
An Ernie in pickleball is a volley hit by jumping outside the non-volley zone near the net. A Bert is an aggressive volley where a player crosses the center line to hit on their partner’s side, surprising opponents with quick poaching.
What Is A Bert In Pickleball?
A Bert in pickleball is an advanced volley where a player crosses the centerline to hit the ball on their partner’s side. It surprises opponents by poaching a weak shot with quick footwork and timing. This aggressive move resembles an Erne but occurs on the opposite court side.