Hitting a Ball Without It Bouncing in Pickleball: The Erne Shot and Other Techniques Explained

In a recent post on a popular sports subreddit, the question popped up: “Can you hit a ball without it bouncing while standing here? (out of bounds, close to net).” The post sparked a curious discussion among pickleball enthusiasts eager to share their insights regarding this less common shot, specifically the Erne shot. While many players have a firm grasp of the basic rules, the finer details often lead to some head-scratching moments on the court. Most comments conveyed a confident and positive response, with users demonstrating enthusiasm about the intricacies of the game and the strategies they employ.

Summary

  • Hitting a ball without it bouncing, particularly using the Erne shot, requires understanding specific positioning and movement.
  • The discussion showcased a positive sentiment towards advanced techniques, fostering excitement about their implementations in-game.
  • Players rallied around complex strategies like the Around The Post (ATP) shot, amplifying the thrill of competing at higher levels.
  • Overall, users engaged with a camaraderie that’s typical in the pickleball community, showcasing support and shared knowledge.

The Erne Shot: Mastering a Unique Technique

The Erne shot is a standout technique often referenced by players when discussing hitting the ball while out of bounds. A user named No_Counter5765 succinctly mentions, “Yes, see ‘erne’ for examples of how to use this in a game.” The complexity and charm of the Erne stem from the fact that it activates a mix of agility and creativity. To execute this shot, a player jumps into the air from a position inside the court but lands out of bounds after striking the ball. The key here is that the player does not cross the kitchen line while performing the shot, allowing for it to be considered legal under pickleball rules. One commenter elaborated, stating, “As far as I can tell, the Erne shot involves jumping into the air from within bounds (and still behind the NVZ) and landing out of bounds after volleying.”

Positioning and Momentum: What Players Should Know

Positioning plays an integral role in executing advanced shots like the Erne, and this was a recurring theme in the discussion. Many players echoed similar points mentioning the risk involved in hitting from such a position. Roninconn noted the strategic challenges that arise, stating, “Yes, legal. But you better kill it, because now you’re WAY out of position.” This sentiment captures the essence of pickleball play: one bold move can set up either a game-winning rally or a complete blunder. With the stakes high, some players also commented on the necessity of mastering positioning to avoid stepping into the non-volley zone (NVZ) and incurring a fault. Users emphasized that any accidental step into the NVZ before hitting would lead to losing the point. As PuppetmanInBC wisely pointed out, “if your momentum carries you into the kitchen, it’s a fault.” Positioning, timing, and skill are thus critical for successfully pulling off these advanced plays.

The ATP Shot: A Ninja Move on the Court

The Around The Post (ATP) shot features prominently in advanced discussions about hitting without the ball bouncing. This epic maneuver involves either curving the shot around the post or hitting from a position where the ball doesn’t need to cross over the net. One enthusiastic user shared, “You don’t actually have to be inbounds, AND you don’t have to actually hit the ball OVER the net.” It essentially allows a player to hit the ball from outside the court, adding variety to their game and outright confusing opponents. The user enlightens others regarding scoring points using this unique shot. As described, as long as the ball lands in the opponent’s court, the point counts! This level of strategy creates an excitement in pickleball that might get similar thrills in sports like tennis.

The Community Feeling and Supportive Nature of Pickleball

<pThe conversation also highlighted the supportive, friendly atmosphere of the pickleball community. Comments like, "Curious as to why you think you wouldn't be able to" by melittlethroway highlight the eagerness to help fellow players understand the nuances. This camaraderie sets pickleball apart from other sports. The accessibility of the game appeals to many, from casual park players to those chasing advanced techniques. That sense of community is essential; players feel comfortable discussing mistakes, sharing victories, and asking questions that lead to greater understanding. Engagement felt lighthearted yet informative, illustrating that while competitive play can be serious, the players also appreciate the fun aspect of learning new tricks and overcoming challenges together.

Overall, the excitement surrounding the possibility of hitting a ball without it bouncing reveals much about the ever-evolving gameplay and techniques within pickleball. Players continue to push the envelope, demonstrating their creativity on the court and sharing insights with one another. Such dialogues stir enthusiasm, not just for the game itself, but also for becoming better athletes and community members. With every shot, players grow more skilled and connected, making every match an adventure worth pursuing.