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If you've watched high-level pickleball or scrolled through highlight reels, you've probably seen a player leap toward the sideline, slam a volley near the net, and land dramatically outside the court. That move? It's called an Erne.
What Is an Erne?
An Erne is a legal volley hit near the net, outside the non-volley zone (kitchen). It’s typically executed by jumping over or running around the NVZ. A player can even run through the NVZ—as long as the player doesn’t strike the ball until both feet have landed completely outside the zone. You can even volley the ball while in the air, as long as you never touch the NVZ or its lines. This aggressive move allows players to take the ball early and close to the net while staying fully within the rules.
This aggressive shot is named after Erne Perry, a pickleball player who frequently used the move in tournament play.
Why Is the Erne Legal?
According to official pickleball rules, you can't volley a ball while standing inside the non-volley zone (NVZ) However, you can legally enter the NVZ—as long as both feet make contact with the ground outside the zone before hitting a volley.
There are a few ways to legally execute an Erne:
- Jump over the sideline and land outside the NVZ
- Run through the NVZ and land with both feet outside before making contact
- Stay airborne and strike the ball before landing, as long as you never touch the NVZ or its lines
✅ The key: if you’ve touched the NVZ then you cannot volley the ball until both feet make contact fully outside the NVZ.
How Does an Erne Work Strategically?
The Erne is a high-risk, high-reward shot. Here’s why it’s effective:
- Surprises opponents by taking time away
- Cuts off dinks or slow cross-court shots near the sideline
- Forces weak returns or outright winners
However, if timed wrong, it leaves you out of position and vulnerable. That’s why it’s usually used by advanced players rated 4.0 and above.
How to Practice an Erne?
- Anticipate the shot: Look for predictable cross-court dinks or pop-ups near the sideline
- Position early: Get to the edge of the NVZ before the ball crosses the net
- Time your move: Lunge or jump to hit the ball at its peak
Stay legal: If you’ve touched the NVZ, avoid volleying the ball until both feet make contact outside the NVZ.
The Erne is one of the most exciting and bold moves in pickleball. It’s not easy to pull off, but when done right, it adds pressure, flair, and momentum to your game. Whether you're aiming to climb your DUPR rating or just shake things up in rec play, the Erne is a move worth learning.
