How to Set Up An Erne As a Pickleball Beginner

As a beginning pickleball player, you may find more advanced shots like the Erne a bit intimidating even to try. But you shouldn't, because they are rarely as difficult as they look. They can be taught to anyone and simply take a bit of practice to master.

Also, they're a whole lot of fun when you can perform them during the game.

Today, we discuss the Erne–a shot named after Erne Perry, who used it flawlessly throughout the e2010 USAPA National Pickleball Tournament, and how you can set it up, even as a beginner.

What is the Erne?

Before getting into how to set it up, let's briefly explain what an Erne is. If you follow our blog, you may have seen this article, "What is an Erne in Pickleball?" But, just in case you haven't read it yet, an Erne is a shot performed while close to one of the sidelines and at the non-volley zone (NVZ) line.

Essentially, a player jumps into the air (or takes a big step avoiding the kitchen) while the ball is in mid-air and strikes it as it crosses the threshold of the net. To avoid a penalty, the momentum of the jump helps them land out-of-bounds with their feet.

It's a funny-looking shot, but it can be very effective (and impressive) when pulled off.

But how is it set up? Let's find out!

How to Set Up An Erne

While hitting the shot is tricky enough, a successful Erne is all about the setup. Here are some of the keys to set it up:

#1 - Where to aim the ball

The first key to setting up the Erne is to dink the ball past the non-volley zone line just beside or behind your opponent's feet. It works even better if the opposing player is on their backhand.

#2 - Get your opponent on their backhand

The reason it's better to have your opponent on their backhand is that when you place the ball at their feet and into the corner of the NVZ, it's very challenging for them to return the ball anywhere but right back at you.

To picture this, imagine you are on the right side of the court, near the sideline and corner of the kitchen. You dink the ball over the net toward a right-handed player, but you place the ball on their left side. Now, you've forced them to use their backhand to return the ball. Unless they are a skilled player, the chances are they will send it right back over the net straight across from themselves, and you're ready to pounce.

#3 - Anticipate the Erne

All that's left is execution. As soon as you notice that you've placed the ball in the perfect spot, you can step outside of the sideline (be careful not to stand in the kitchen) and swing your paddle at the ball as it passes over the net. Your opponent will be so focused on their own shot (and likely looking down when you move to the spot you need to be) that they won't have time to react and return your Erne shot.

#4 - Slam it–but in a nice way

Most players, especially recreational ones, don't want to play against someone who is out for blood on their shots. So, to avoid being blackballed or feeling like a jerk, you'll want to slam your shot, but maybe not as forcefully as you would during a tournament or against your worst enemy.

The key to a good putaway is not necessarily strength, it's positioning your shot in a way that they can't return it successfully. And for the Erne, because you are literally above the ball with your paddle, you can hit the ball straight down onto their side or quickly through the gap between your opponent and their playing partner.

Of course, if you don't care about niceties on the court, then right at them or their feet is also an acceptable way to finish your Erne.

Regardless of where you aim, the goal is to hit it in a way that they cannot get the ball back over the net–scoring you a point or winning you the rally.

Ready to see the Erne in action? Check out this great video from HECK YEAH! Pickleball & Athletics. It offers these tips and can help you improve your game.

For more pickleball tips and strategies, check out our blog at Pickleball University.

Good luck, and have fun out there!