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Bert and Erne Shots in the Pickleball World

Pickleball PlayersHello, fellow readers and Pickleball fans! Welcome to another installment of our Pickleball blogs. Whether you’re an experienced Pickleball player or if you’re just curious, we want to introduce you to two fantastic Pickleball moves – the “Bert and Erne!”

Pickleball as we all know has gained a lot of fans. Indeed, it’s a sport that’s open to people of all ages and skill levels. It not only offers fun but also excitement every time you step onto the Pickleball court. As Mark Twain once said “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” So, why not give Pickleball a try? Go and grab your paddles, get cozy, and let’s dive into this fantastic sport together!

In Pickleball, players particularly use the terms “Bert and Erne” to describe particular ways of playing or strategies for where they put the ball on the court. While it may not be a standard or official shot in Pickleball, it’s a term often used to describe Pickleball shots.

Chapter I - The “Bert” Shot

Playing in courtLet’s discuss the “Bert” shot, which is one of the most intriguing moves in Pickleball. To begin with, this shot demands sharp observation and quick reactions. When players talk about a “Bert” shot, they generally mean hitting the ball softly and close to the net.

A Bert shot involves gently tapping the ball near the Pickleball net, to keep it low over the net. The goal is to not only keep it low over the net but also make it hard for the opponent to launch aggressive attacks. As a result, you can keep control of the net and pressure the opponent into hitting tricky low shots in return.

Picture yourself near the net, and your opponent hits the ball high over your head. Instead of getting flustered, you can tap into your inner Bert and perform a swift and accurate overhead slam. Undoubtedly, this action has the potential to change the game’s path, ultimately leaving your opponents utterly astonished.

Chapter II - The “Erne” Shot

Demonstrating the shotOn the other hand, let’s take a look at the “Erne” shot, a move that adds style to the game. The Erne shot is when you stand near the net and hit the ball aggressively with a swing from above. This is in contrast with the Bert shot we discussed earlier. 

An Ernie shot is all about surprising your opponent by sending the ball at a sharp angle over the net and into their side of the court. To clarify, this is often aimed at a spot that’s tough to return. Pulling off a successful Erne requires excellent timing, flexibility, and skill.

Imagine this: your opponent hits a shot to the sidelines. In this situation, you, like an Erne, gracefully leap to the side of the court, lifting one foot over the Non-Volley Zone, and return the ball with elegance. The Erne is all about flexibility and a touch of flair, and it can impress both players and spectators.

Chapter III - How to Execute The Bert and Erne Shots

1. Set-Up – To perform “The Bert and Erne” shot, two players must position themselves on the same side of the Pickleball court. Firstly, one player assumes the role of “Bert,” while the other takes on the persona of “Erne.” Typically, Bert positions himself in the Kitchen and Erne positions himself near the baseline.

2. Dink Set-Up –  The goal of this shot is to make your opponents engage in a soft, close-to-the-net exchange called a ‘dinking rally.’ To achieve this, players should initiate a gentle drop shot or a soft dink. 

3. Communication – Effective communication is vital for this shot’s success. Therefore, “Bert and Erne” must coordinate their movements and shots by using spoken cues or signals to determine who will strike the ball next.

4. Soft Volleys – The goal is to keep the ball low and close to the net, thereby making it difficult for your opponents to attack. During the ongoing dinking rally, both “Bert and Erne” can execute soft volleys, targeting the opponent’s feet or the sidelines to restrict their choices.

5. Change of Pace – To keep your opponents uncertain, it’s important to occasionally change the speed and angles of your shots.

Chapter IV - When to Use “The Bert and Erne” Strategies

1. Opponent’s Weakness – Whenever your opponents are struggling with shots near the net or in the Non-Volley Zone, consider using “Bert and Erne” strategies. 

2. Mixed Doubles – This strategy is particularly effective in Pickleball doubles games.  This is where you can create opportunities for Erne shots by using your partner’s cross-court shots from the baseline.

3. Surprise Element – Use this strategy as a surprise tactic to catch your opponents by surprise. Consequently, this tactic can disrupt their rhythm and create advantageous openings for your team.

4. When You’re at the Net – You can use this strategy when you’re in a strong position close to the net and can make the most of your opponent’s positioning. 

5. Variation – To level up your game, as well as avoid being too predictable in your shot selection, use “Bert and Erne” strategies. This will keep your opponents guessing and give you a competitive edge.

6. Risk Assessment

Players practicing in the courtConsider the potential risk of these shots before using them. It’s important to note that “Bert and Erne” shots can be both daring and rewarding. However, when executed perfectly, they can place you in a favorable position. Conversely, if you perform them poorly, they can expose your vulnerabilities.

7. Practice – Before using the “Bert and Erne” shots in a competitive match, make sure to practice them thoroughly. These shots demand not only solid footwork and precise timing but also effective coordination. Therefore, it’s essential to have confidence in your capacity to use them under pressure.

8. Game Situation – Think about the score, the current state of the game, and how your opponents are playing. During crucial moments or when you want to shift the momentum, “Bert and Erne” shots can make a significant difference in the outcome. 

9. Adaptability – Stay prepared to adapt your strategy. Remain vigilant about how your opponents respond to “Bert and Erne” shots. Moreover, if they start countering these shots effectively, you may need to adjust your tactics accordingly. 

10. Communication – Communication with your partner plays a vital role when using “Bert and Erne” strategies, especially in doubles. Ensure both you and your partner have a clear understanding of when to utilize these shots.

Chapter V - How To Setup The Erne In Pickleball

1. Positioning – Start at the Non-Volley Zone line. This is the closest area to the net where you cannot strike the ball while it’s in the air. Once there, position yourself slightly to the side of the court where you plan to execute the Ernie shot.

2. Anticipate – Pay close attention to your opponent’s shot and predict when they’ll hit a shot you can use for an Ernie attack. Check for opportunities when the ball is at the right height and position for you to move quickly to the net.

3. Quick Movement – As soon as you identify an opportunity for an Ernie, quickly move towards the net. Your goal is to reach the ball while it’s still in the air and before it bounces. 

4. Angle Shot – Once you get to the ball, stand with an open posture. If you’re right-handed, use a backhand grip; if you’re left-handed, use a forehand grip. Then hit the ball at an angle, sending it diagonally across the court. Finally, try to target the sideline to make it challenging for your opponent to return.

5. Recover – After executing the Ernie shot, prepare to quickly return to your side of the court, especially if your opponent successfully hits the ball back.

Chapter VI - Conclusion

In Pickleball, players use the terms “Bert and Erne” to talk about different ways of playing. As a result, these styles usually show up when players have quick exchanges near the net, which we call “dinking rallies.” During these rallies, players use “Berts” to keep control, and “Ernies” to try to get ahead or score a point right away. Just like many other words in Pickleball, using “Bert and Erne” makes the sport’s language more fun and interesting.

So, remember, Pickleball is more than just a sport; it’s a community, a passion, and a way to have fun while staying active. Don’t miss out on the opportunity. So, get on the court, play some Pickleball, and maybe even try out the “Bert and Erne” shots. Who knows, you might discover a whole new world of fun right on the court!

As we conclude this blog, we want to sincerely thank all of you dedicated readers for your ongoing support. Whether you’re new to the game or a pro, we hope this blog has made your Pickleball experience more enjoyable. However, you may also visit the Pickleball Official Rulebook if you need more info. We appreciate your presence in our Pickleball journey and we eagerly anticipate sharing more exciting adventures with you in the future. Until next time, keep playing, keep smashing, and keep smiling! Happy Pickleballing!

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