What Is an Erne
An erne is a volley hit from outside the court near the net, usually by jumping around or through the kitchen. Since you're not in the non-volley zone when you make contact, it's legal.
Why It Works
When you're positioned outside the court at the net, you can volley balls that would normally be safe cross-court dinks. The angle is unexpected and hard to defend.
The Legal Part
You can't volley from inside the kitchen. But outside the court, beside the kitchen? Fair game. As long as you don't touch the kitchen during or after the volley, you're good.
How to Set It Up
Ernes don't happen by accident. You need to create the right situation.
Force a Pattern
Get your opponent hitting cross-court dinks consistently. Once they're in a rhythm going to the same spot, you can anticipate where the next ball is going.
Watch Their Paddle
When their paddle is set for another cross-court dink, that's your cue. They can't redirect at the last second if they're committed to the shot.
Start Moving Early
You need to be in position before they hit. Start sliding toward the sideline as they're preparing to swing. Wait too long and you won't make it.
Execution Options
There are a few ways to get into erne position.
The Jump
The dramatic version. You jump from outside the kitchen, around the post, and hit the ball in the air. Requires athleticism and timing. Looks cool on video.
The Run Around
Less flashy but more reliable. You run around the kitchen, staying outside the line the whole time, and position yourself outside the court. Then hit the volley from there.
Through the Kitchen
You can run through the kitchen as long as you're outside it and balanced when you hit the volley. This is the fastest route but you need to time it right.
When to Attempt It
Ernes are high risk. Picking the right moment matters.
Good Situations
Opponent is locked into cross-court dinks. You've noticed they always go to the same spot. They're not watching your movement. The ball is floating a bit and you have time.
Bad Situations
Opponent varies their dinks. They're hitting low and fast. Your partner can't cover your abandoned position. You're trying it just to look cool.
Risk Assessment
When you go for an erne, you're leaving your position. If you miss or they redirect, your team is exposed. Make sure the opportunity is worth the risk.
Defending Against Ernes
If someone is trying ernes on you, here's how to counter.
Vary Your Dinks
Don't hit to the same spot repeatedly. Mix up placement so they can't anticipate where the ball is going.
Watch Their Movement
If you see them sliding toward the sideline, redirect your dink. Go middle or at their partner instead.
Hit at Them
A ball directly at someone attempting an erne is hard to handle. They're moving laterally and now have to adjust to a ball coming right at them.
Practicing the Erne
You need repetition before trying this in a real game.
Start with the run-around version without a ball. Get comfortable with the footwork. Then have someone feed dinks to a consistent spot while you practice the timing. Only move to the jump version after the basics are solid.
Fair warning: you might eat it the first few times. Part of the learning process.