How To Master The Erne Shot: Footwork, Timing, And Setup
In a sport known for finesse and strategy, the Erne shot is one of pickleball’s most electrifying and surprising moves. Named after Erne Perry—one of the first players to use it consistently in competitive play—the Erne allows a player to jump outside the non-volley zone (NVZ) and smash the ball out of the air, often catching their opponents completely off guard.
It’s bold. It’s thrilling. And when executed correctly, it can completely change the tempo of a match.
But here’s the truth: it’s not just about athleticism. The Erne is all about footwork, timing, and setup. Let’s break down exactly how to master it—and when to unleash it.
Source: Pickleball Portal
What Exactly Is The Erne Shot?
Before diving into how to master it, let’s clarify what the Erne is.
An Erne is a volley hit while the player is outside the court’s sideline and either in the air or established beyond the non-volley zone. The key is that the player doesn’t step into the kitchen—they jump or run around it. This legal maneuver allows for an aggressive, high-percentage shot at the net.
And when it lands, it’s often unreturnable.
When To Use The Erne
The best Erne shots are not forced—they’re earned through smart play and anticipation. Look out for these classic Erne setups:
Your opponent consistently dinks wide to your forehand side.
Your partner hits a crosscourt dink, pulling the opponent wide.
A soft, floating third or fifth shot is sent down the line, giving you time to pounce.
The moment you sense hesitation or repetition from your opponent, it’s time to activate your Erne radar.
The Footwork: Get There Without Being Seen
Footwork is the secret sauce. If your movement is too early, your opponent sees it coming. Too late, and the window closes. Here’s how to move:
Split Step At the NVZ Line: Stay ready in a low, athletic stance.
Explode Laterally: When the opportunity arises, push off your inside leg and move quickly to the sideline.
Either Plant or Fly: You can either:
Land outside the sideline and plant before hitting, or
Jump over the NVZ and make contact mid-air (harder, but more dramatic).
Recover Immediately: Don’t admire your work—get back into position fast.
Pro Tip: Practice footwork drills off-court with cones to mimic the movement pattern.
Timing: Strike At The Perfect Moment
Timing separates the pros from the amateurs when it comes to the Erne.
Too early, and your opponent has time to reset. Too late, and the ball zips past you. Here’s how to get your timing right:
Watch The Paddle, Not The Ball: Skilled players track their opponent’s paddle angle and backswing. If you sense a soft, floaty dink coming your way—go.
Wait Until Commitment: Only commit to the Erne once your opponent has locked in their shot direction.
Trust Your Gut: Like all great plays in sport, sometimes the Erne comes down to feel. The more you practice, the better your instincts get.
Setup: Create The Erne Opportunity Yourself
You don’t have to wait for an Erne to magically appear—you can manufacture it with smart strategy:
Dink Crosscourt First: This pulls your opponent wide and tempts them to go down the line.
Signal Your Partner: Let your partner know when you’re looking to poach or Erne. A missed Erne with no backup is an easy point lost.
Mix In Body Language Misdirection: Stay neutral until the last second, then explode sideways. Think of it like a football quarterback hiding a blitz.
Practice Drills To Sharpen Your Erne
Cone Footwork Drill: Place cones on the sideline and practice explosive lateral movement.
Live Dink Patterns: Train with a partner to dink crosscourt, then simulate the Erne trigger shot down the line.
Target Practice: Once in position, practice smashing to tight angles or deep corners to keep your opponent guessing.
When NOT To Use The Erne
Your opponent isn’t dinking wide.
You’re late on your move and can’t recover in time.
You’re facing a lob-prone team that can exploit an empty middle court.
You haven’t practiced it enough yet—don't trial an Erne for the first time in tournament play.
Final Thoughts: The Erne Is A Weapon—Use It Wisely
The Erne isn’t just flashy—it’s strategic. When you nail the timing, master the footwork, and control the setup, you’ve got one of the most devastating tools in modern pickleball. But it’s not a move you spam. Use it as a surprise. Use it with confidence. And above all—practice it like a sniper trains for one perfect shot.
Because when that shot lands?
Game over.