Pickleball Advanced Tips: Mastering the Winning Shots of Erne and Bert
VickyWei
📘 The Ultimate Pickleball Improvement Guide Series – By Pro-Pickleball Store
🏆 Pickleball Advanced Tips: Mastering the Winning Shots of Erne and Bert
Want to land highlight-reel winners and take control of the game? Mastering two of the most aggressive advanced pickleball techniques—Erne and Bert—can give you a serious edge. These aren’t just flashy moves; they’re powerful tools used by high-level players to dominate at the net.
💥 What Are the Erne and the Bert?
The Erne Shot
An Erne is a net-side attack executed by a single player. When your opponent’s return floats near the sideline, you quickly move outside the non-volley zone (NVZ), leap across the corner, and volley the ball midair before it bounces. It’s fast, sharp, and hard to predict.
The Bert Shot
The Bert is a more advanced, dynamic version of the Erne that requires teamwork. One player (usually from the backcourt) cuts across the court, going around their partner to execute a surprise jumping volley on the opposite side. It’s high-risk but high-reward—a true power move in doubles pickleball strategy.
🎯 Why Use Erne and Bert Shots?
The core value of these shots lies in their ability to:
Intercept the ball mid-flight, eliminating the bounce and drastically reducing the opponent's reaction time
Break expected angles, forcing errors or rushed returns
Apply constant psychological pressure, especially in competitive matches
Pulling off a successful Erne or Bert can change the tempo of a game and energize your team. When used at the right moment, they’re game-changers.
⚠️ The Risks: When These Shots Backfire
Like any high-level tactic, these moves come with downsides:
You may leave a large gap in your own court coverage if the execution fails
Your partner may be forced to defend a wide-open area
A well-timed counter by your opponent could turn your aggression into vulnerability
In short, don't attempt these shots blindly. Smart timing and court awareness are crucial.
🧠 When to Attempt Erne or Bert Shots
Look for these cues:
The opponent hits a soft or shallow ball near the sideline
Your partner places a strong cross-court shot, forcing a weak return
You sense hesitation or predictability in the opponent’s shot placement
When you anticipate the return will land close to the sideline, move early—but always stay legal by avoiding foot faults in the NVZ.
📈 Want to Improve? Practice Timing and Setup
In competitive games, Erne and Bert shots often don’t win the point outright—but they can disrupt your opponent’s rhythm, forcing weak returns or drawing them out of position. A skilled partner can help clean up follow-up shots, creating scoring opportunities even if the initial Erne doesn’t finish the rally.
To execute these moves well, focus on:
Footwork and positioning drills
Anticipation training
Practicing with a partner who can set you up for flanking plays
🎾 Gear Up: Use the Right Paddle to Nail Erne & Bert
While skill and timing matter most, your paddle makes a big difference, especially in high-speed volley exchanges. To perform aggressive net attacks effectively, you need a paddle designed for quick reactions, clean control, and confident strikes.
Explore our Best Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players—a curated collection built for experienced players who want to level up their net game. These paddles offer:
T700 carbon fiber faces for enhanced spin and durability
Lightweight builds for fast lateral movement
Thin ergonomic handles for wrist comfort and stability
Balanced power and precision for both singles and doubles pickleball strategy
If you’re working on shots like Erne and Bert, upgrading your paddle could be the boost you need to pull them off more consistently.
✅ Final Takeaway
Learning how to do an Erne shot or pulling off a Bert attack won’t happen overnight—but with smart practice, the right tactics, and solid gear, you’ll find yourself controlling the kitchen like a pro.
These techniques aren’t just for show—they're battle-tested tools in advanced pickleball play. Train hard, stay smart, and enjoy the thrill of outplaying your opponents at the net.