The Erne rule prevents you from volleying a ball while you are standing in the non-volley zone.
Have you ever been on the pickleball court, in the middle of a great dink rally, when your opponent suddenly darts around the side of the kitchen and smashes the ball for a winner? If you stood there wondering, "Was that even legal?" then you've come to the right place. As someone who has spent countless hours on the court both executing and defending this very move, I can tell you it's one of the most exciting—and misunderstood—parts of the game. This guide will break down the Erne rule, explaining exactly what it is, how to use it to your advantage, and why it makes pickleball so strategically rich.
What Exactly is the Erne Rule in Pickleball?
At its core, the Erne rule is tied directly to the non-volley zone, or "kitchen." The basic kitchen rule is simple: you cannot hit a volley (hitting the ball out of the air before it bounces) while any part of your body is touching the non-volley zone. The Erne rule, however, introduces a fascinating exception that allows for an aggressive, offensive play right at the net.
An "Erne" is a shot where you legally hit a volley from a position near the non-volley zone by moving outside the court's sidelines. The sequence must be precise. To legally perform an Erne, a player must establish their feet on the ground completely outside the non-volley zone before hitting the volley. This often means running or hopping around the side of the kitchen to attack a ball that is on its way to bouncing. The key is that your feet cannot touch the kitchen line or the area inside it at any point during the volley motion—from the swing to the follow-through.
Think of it like a legal loophole. The kitchen rule governs the 7-foot area between the sidelines. The Erne rule allows you to bypass that area entirely by going around it. It's a high-level play that requires great timing, anticipation, and footwork, but when done correctly, it’s a perfectly legal and often unreturnable shot.
Why Does the Erne Rule Exist? The Purpose Behind the Play
The Erne rule isn't just a quirky exception; it serves a fundamental purpose in maintaining the balance of pickleball. The non-volley zone was created to prevent players from simply standing at the net and smashing every ball. It promotes the softer, more strategic "dink" game, which requires patience and precision.
So where does the Erne fit in? It prevents players from getting lazy with their dinks. If you could hit a dink anywhere without consequence, the game might slow down too much. The threat of an Erne forces you to be more intentional with your placement. Hitting a dink too wide or too predictably gives a savvy opponent the perfect opportunity to pounce with an Erne shot.
From my own experience, I've seen how the Erne rule adds a dynamic layer of strategy. It creates a cat-and-mouse game at the net. You are constantly assessing if your opponent is setting you up for an Erne, or if they are leaving a sideline open for you to attack. It ensures that the kitchen remains a zone of strategy, not just a no-go area, making the game more exciting and athletic.
How to Legally Execute an Erne Shot
Pulling off an Erne shot feels amazing, but it requires a perfect sequence of events. One wrong step and it’s a fault. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you execute it flawlessly.
- Anticipate the Opportunity: The Erne isn't something you can force. You must wait for your opponent to hit a dink shot that travels close to one of the sidelines. This is your trigger.
- Establish Your Position: Before your opponent even hits the ball, start moving toward the sideline. Your goal is to plant your feet completely outside the court, beyond the sideline of the non-volley zone. You are creating a new angle of attack.
- Wait for Contact: This is the most crucial part. You cannot cross the imaginary extension of the kitchen line until your opponent has made contact with the ball. Jumping the gun is an instant fault.
- Make Your Move: Once the ball is on its way, you can move into the space outside the kitchen. You can either hop over the corner or run around the post to get to the ball.
- Hit the Volley: Strike the ball out of the air. Your body must remain clear of the non-volley zone during the entire motion. If you jump, you must land with both feet completely outside the kitchen.
- Stay Out of the Kitchen: Your momentum cannot carry you into the non-volley zone after you hit the ball. If any part of you touches the kitchen after the volley, it is a fault. Ensure your follow-through and landing are controlled.
I remember the first time I landed a clean Erne in a tournament. The key for me was patience. I had to wait for the perfect, wide dink instead of trying to create one. Once you master the timing, the Erne rule becomes a powerful tool in your arsenal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Attempting an Erne
The Erne rule is strict, and it's easy to make a mistake in the heat of the moment. I’ve made all of these errors myself, and learning from them is part of the process. Here are the most common faults to watch out for.
- Leaving Too Early: Many players get excited and start their move before the opponent hits the ball. Remember, you can position yourself at the sideline, but you cannot cross into the attacking zone until the ball is in flight.
- Touching the Kitchen Line: Even the slightest touch of the kitchen line with your shoe before, during, or after the volley results in a fault. Be very aware of your footwork and give yourself plenty of space.
- Choosing the Wrong Ball: Not every wide dink is an Erne opportunity. If the ball is too low or too fast, you might not have time to get into position legally. Attacking a bad ball often leads to an unforced error or a fault.
- Losing Balance on the Landing: If you jump for an Erne, your landing is critical. I've seen players hit a perfect shot only to lose their balance and stumble into the kitchen. Practice controlled landings to ensure you finish the play legally.
The best advice I can give is to practice the footwork without a ball. Get comfortable moving around the kitchen post and feeling where your feet are in relation to the line. This muscle memory will be invaluable during a fast-paced game.
Drills to Master the Erne Rule and Shot
Becoming proficient with the Erne rule requires dedicated practice. You can't just hope to pull it off in a game without training the specific movements. Here are a few drills I use to keep my Erne sharp.
- Partner Feed Drill: Have a partner stand at their kitchen line and feed you dinks aimed at the sideline. Your only job is to practice the footwork: run to the sideline, plant your feet, and simulate the hop or step-around motion. Start slow and focus on legal footwork before adding the volley.
- Shadow Movement Drill: You can do this one alone. Stand at your kitchen line and simply practice the movement. Visualize an opponent hitting a wide dink, then explode to the sideline, hop, and land cleanly outside the kitchen. Do this on both the forehand and backhand sides. This builds the muscle memory needed for a real game.
- Reaction Drill: For a more advanced drill, have your partner mix up their dinks. They can hit some to the middle and some wide. This forces you to read the shot and only attempt the Erne when the opportunity is right, which is a crucial skill.
Consistent drilling is the only way to make the Erne shot a reliable weapon. It transforms from a risky move into a calculated, high-percentage play.
Frequently Asked Questions of Erne Rule
Is an Erne shot legal in pickleball?
Yes, the Erne shot is completely legal as long as you follow the specific rules of the non-volley zone. Your feet cannot be in the kitchen or on the kitchen line when you make contact with the volley.
Can you jump over the kitchen to hit the ball?
You can jump from outside the kitchen, over the kitchen, to hit a volley, provided your feet were planted outside the non-volley zone before you jumped. You must also land with both feet completely outside the non-volley zone.
What happens if my partner is in the kitchen when I hit an Erne?
Your partner’s position is irrelevant to the legality of your Erne shot. As long as you follow the Erne rule correctly, it does not matter where your partner is standing on the court.
Do I have to jump to perform an Erne?
No, you do not have to jump. Many players execute an Erne by running around the non-volley zone post and planting their feet on the ground outside the court before hitting the volley.
What is the purpose of the Erne rule?
The Erne rule adds an offensive element to the net game and prevents dink rallies from becoming stagnant. It forces players to be precise with their dinks and rewards athletic players who can anticipate and move quickly.
Conclusion
Understanding and mastering the Erne rule can elevate your pickleball game from intermediate to advanced. It's more than just a flashy shot; it's a strategic weapon that keeps your opponents honest and creates scoring opportunities out of thin air. By learning the correct technique, practicing the footwork, and knowing when to attack, you can turn a defensive dink rally into a point-winning play.
Don't be afraid to try it. Start with the drills, get comfortable with the movement, and look for your chance in your next game. The first time you legally execute an Erne for a winner, you'll feel an unmatched thrill. Now go out there, own the sidelines, and let us know in the comments how your Erne practice is going