The Flashy Stuff: How and When to Hit an Erne or ATP

High Risk, High Reward

If you watch pro pickleball, you see players flying over the kitchen corner (the Erne) or curving the ball around the net post (the ATP). They look impossible. They look illegal.

They are 100% legal. And you can learn them.

But here is the truth: These are opportunity shots. You cannot force them. If you try to force an Erne, you will get lobbed, or worse, you'll fault.

1. The Erne (The "Ambush")

Named after Erne Perry, this shot involves lunging over the kitchen (without touching it) to smash a ball out of the air before it bounces.

The Rules

• You cannot touch the Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) or the line.
• You can start your jump from outside the kitchen (usually the sideline) and land outside the kitchen (sideline).
• You can hover over the kitchen as long as you don't touch it.

How to Execute It

1. 1The Setup: Your opponent hits a dink wide toward your sideline.
2. 2The Move: As they look down to hit the ball, you sprint (or slide) outside the court boundary, next to the kitchen.
3. 3The Strike: Jump/reach over the kitchen line and smash the ball down the line or at their feet.

2. The ATP (Around the Post)

The only time in pickleball you don't have to hit the ball over the net. You hit it around the net.

The Rules

• The ball must travel outside the net posts.
• It can be literally 2 inches off the ground.
• It is legal as long as it lands in the opponent's court.

When to Hit It

This shot is a gift from your opponent. You can only hit an ATP if your opponent hits a sharp cross-court dink that bounces wide off the court.

How to Execute It

1. 1Don't Rush: Wait for the ball to travel wide.
2. 2Get Low: You are usually hitting this from below knee height.
3. 3Aim for the Shoes: Don't try to hit a winner. Just get it back low. The angle is so severe that it's almost impossible for them to return.

Coach Mike's Reality Check

I see 3.5 players trying to hit Ernes on every point. Stop it.

• Use the Erne when you have set it up with aggressive dinking.
• Use the ATP only when the ball forces you wide.

If you miss these shots, you look silly. If you make them, you are a legend. Choose wisely.