Pickleball instruction: How to practice hands battles like a pro
The Erne in Pickleball: The Kitchen-Line Cheat Code
Quick answer
An erne is an aggressive volley hit while standing just outside the sideline edge of the kitchen, so you can attack a ball near the net without ever stepping into the non-volley zone. It’s legal because the kitchen only spans the width of the court, not around the outside of the sideline. Named after player Erne Perry, it’s a high-risk, high-reward put-away.
Why the erne is legal
The kitchen is only the 7-foot zone inside the court lines. The area just outside the sideline, next to the net, is fair game. So if you stand there, you can volley a ball out of the air without breaking the non-volley-zone rule. You either jump around the kitchen or stand beside it, as long as you don’t touch it.
How to hit an erne
It works when your opponent dinks wide, toward the sideline. Anticipate it, move to the edge just outside the kitchen line, and volley the ball down before it crosses to your side. The key is footwork: you must get set outside the kitchen without clipping it on the way, or it’s a fault.
Erne vs. bert
A bert is the same idea but you cross in front of your partner to hit it on their side of the court. It’s flashier and even riskier. Both are named after the Ernie/Bert pairing. The erne is the one you’ll actually use.
Common mistakes
- Clipping the kitchen with your foot on the way to the erne, that’s a fault.
- Telegraphing it, a good opponent will just dink the other direction.
- Going for it when the ball isn’t wide enough to justify the risk.
Frequently asked questions
What is an erne in pickleball?
An erne is a volley hit while standing just outside the sideline edge of the kitchen, letting you attack a wide ball near the net without stepping into the non-volley zone.
Is an erne legal?
Yes. The kitchen only covers the area inside the court lines, so standing just outside the sideline next to the net and volleying there is completely legal, as long as you don’t touch the kitchen.
How do you hit an erne?
Anticipate a wide dink, move to the spot just outside the kitchen line without touching the kitchen, and volley the ball down before it crosses the net to your side.
What’s the difference between an erne and a bert?
An erne is hit on your own side just outside the kitchen. A bert is the same move but you cross in front of your partner to hit it on their side, flashier and riskier.
Recommended gear
The erne is a kitchen-line put-away that rewards quick, accurate hands. A responsive control paddle helps you punch it down with precision.
Best control paddles for the kitchen lineUse code KITCHEN everywhere you buy paddles and gear for the lowest price. 💸
