To defend against the Erne, try the following:

1. Stay relaxed. Shots like the Erne and the poach are effective because they are aggressive and add pressure on the opposing team. So, remain calm and focus on making your best shot.

2. Keep your eyes on the pickleball. Resist the urge to look up at your opponents. Rather, keep your eyes on the pickleball and use your auditory senses and peripheral vision to see what your opponents are doing.

3. Hit the pickleball to exactly where your Erne-opponent was standing. By hitting the pickleball into the middle of the Erne-opponent’s court space, you will likely be hitting the pickleball out of his or her reach. This may even be enough to win the point if your opponents did not stay linked, leaving open court space. So, play the pickleball right back to where your opponent was standing prior to the Erne attempt.

4. Lastly, if you want to try an equally aggressive move, fire the pickleball at the Erne-opponent’s body. Your opponent will have reduced reaction time because your opponent is closer to you. However, be careful with this option, as your opponent could easily dodge the pickleball and allow your shot to travel out of bounds.

Key Takeaways:

1. The defend against the Erne:

a. Stay relaxed;

b. Ignore your opponents’ movement and stay focused on the pickleball;

c. Hit the pickleball to the spot where your opponent was standing, rather than toward the sideline; and

d. Consider firing a shot at your opponent at the sideline to catch your opponent off guard with a body shot.