What is an Ernie in Pickleball? Movement and Positioning

An Ernie in pickleball is a volley hit outside the non-volley zone (the Kitchen)—often while jumping around or over the Kitchen corner—usually near the net and executed to intercept a cross-court dink or passing shot. The Ernie is flashy, fast, and a bit cheeky. When pulled off correctly, it can surprise the opponent and instantly end the rally with a clean winner. It’s one of the most exciting, bold, and aggressive shots a player can execute.

The name “Ernie” comes from a pickleball player named Ernie Perry, who popularised the move after repeatedly stepping around the Kitchen to smash volleys near the net. While the shot itself isn’t a separate “technique” like a dink or drop shot, the Ernie is all about timing, court awareness, and athleticism. It’s most effective in doubles and is more common among advanced and competitive players—though beginners are often eager to try it once they learn about it.

How an Ernie in Pickleball Works

The key to a successful Ernie lies in legally positioning yourself outside the Kitchen so you can volley the ball without committing a foot fault. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

✅ The player anticipates a cross-court dink or shallow drive coming their way.
✅ Instead of staying behind the Kitchen line, they sprint or sidestep towards the side line, planting their feet outside the court or on the corner beyond the Kitchen.
✅ From this position—outside the Kitchen zone—they reach forward and volley the ball out of the air, often at a sharp angle or directly down into the opponent’s feet.

Because you’re not in the Kitchen when making contact and didn’t jump from inside it, the shot is completely legal under pickleball rules. The Ernie often catches opponents off guard, especially when they’re locked into a slow dinking exchange and suddenly face a full-speed volley at their face or feet.

🔥 Key takeaway: The Ernie is a bold volley shot hit outside the Kitchen, designed to intercept and end a rally with surprise and aggression.

When to Use an Ernie (and When Not To)

The Ernie isn’t a shot you use every other point—it’s a strategic weapon that requires precise timing, awareness, and a bit of courage. It’s most effective when your opponent has a predictable shot pattern, particularly in doubles matches where cross-court dinks or wide third shot drops are common.

Best moments to go for an Ernie:

✔ When your opponent consistently hits wide dinks or cross-court shots.
✔ When you anticipate the ball bouncing just near the side line, allowing you to leap or step out for the volley.
✔ When you want to change momentum or throw off an opponent who’s dinking too comfortably.
✔ In competitive UK matches, where players may not expect such aggressive net play.

But it’s not without risk. Poorly timed Ernie’s leave you out of position or can result in illegal volleys if you step into the Kitchen or hit the net. It’s also harder to execute in windy conditions, on slippery courts, or if you’re not confident in footwork and recovery speed.

🔥 Key takeaway: The Ernie is a high-reward shot, best used selectively when you can anticipate and capitalise on a weak or predictable shot.

Ernie Technique for Beginners

If you’re new to pickleball, the Ernie might seem intimidating. But even at an early stage, learning the movement and positioning can add a fun dimension to your game. You may not execute it like a pro just yet, but understanding it lays the groundwork for future net play.

Beginner Tips for Trying an Ernie:

✅ Start slow – Practise footwork by stepping around the Kitchen and positioning yourself outside the side line without rushing.
✅ Work with a partner – Have someone feed soft cross-court shots so you can focus on movement, not shot power.
✅ Watch your feet – Make sure you do not step on the Kitchen line or jump from inside it; even in social UK play, Kitchen foot faults are called!
✅ Focus on paddle angle – You’ll be close to the net, so a soft wrist and proper paddle face can prevent overhitting.

Many UK coaches introduce the Ernie as part of fun, game-like drills. It’s also a great way to practise explosive lateral movement and sharpen your net awareness—two skills that help in all areas of pickleball.

🔥 Key takeaway: Beginners can practise Ernie footwork and positioning safely to build confidence for future net volleys.

Ernie in Pickleball Tactics for Intermediate and Advanced Players

Once you’re confident in your movement, positioning, and timing, the Ernie becomes a strategic shot that can completely disrupt your opponents’ rhythm. Intermediate and advanced players use it as part of a bigger playbook—one that includes deception, shot variation, and pressure.

Tactical Considerations:

✔ Disguise your movement – Stay calm at the Kitchen line, then explode to the side line as the shot is struck. Surprise is your best friend.
✔ Force the setup – Hit deep dinks to your opponent’s backhand or wide side to tempt a cross-court reply. Then poach with the Ernie.
✔ Recover quickly – After executing the Ernie, be ready to retreat or shift position if your opponent survives the shot.
✔ Combine with an ATP (Around The Post) – If the Ernie isn’t there, the ATP might be. Reading angles and paddle position lets you choose between them.

At higher levels of UK competition, you’ll often see Ernies in mixed doubles and men’s doubles, where fast-paced dinking battles turn into cat-and-mouse games at the Kitchen line. The best players use the Ernie not just as a trick shot, but as a tactical hammer to end points or seize control.

🔥 Key takeaway: Advanced players use the Ernie as a weapon in combination with dinks, setups, and net pressure to dominate the front court.

Final Thoughts: Why the Ernie is So Loved in Pickleball

The Ernie in pickleball is more than just a fancy volley—it’s a shot that represents quick thinking, athleticism, and smart positioning. It’s bold. It’s satisfying. And when executed cleanly, it gets heads turning and teammates cheering. Whether you’re playing on an outdoor court in Brighton or at a competitive club match in Leeds, the Ernie is the kind of move that turns a rally into a highlight.

Key Takeaways:

✔ An Ernie is a volley hit outside the Kitchen, usually by jumping or stepping around the corner of the NVZ.
✔ It requires perfect timing, legal footwork, and awareness of your opponent’s shot patterns.
✔ Beginners can learn the footwork and develop confidence with soft feeds.
✔ Intermediate and advanced players use the Ernie to end points aggressively and disrupt dink-heavy rallies.
✔ It’s named after Ernie Perry, who popularised the move, and is now part of pickleball lore.

Adding an Ernie to your skillset doesn’t just make you a better player—it makes you a smarter, more unpredictable force on the court.

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