Mastering the Erne and the ATP: Advanced Specialty Shots in Pickleball

As the level of play for pickleball in India (/pickleball-india) continues to rise, simply mastering the basics is no longer enough to dominate the court. To transition from an intermediate player to an advanced competitor, you need to add 'specialty shots' to your arsenal. Two of the most effective, intimidating, and crowd-pleasing moves are the Erne and the ATP (Around the Post).

These shots aren't just for show; they are tactical tools designed to exploit your opponent's positioning and punish predictable ball placement. In this guide, we will break down the mechanics, legality, and strategy behind these advanced maneuvers.

The Erne: Dominating the Sideline

The Erne is named after Erne Perry, the player who popularized the move. It involves hitting the ball while positioned outside the sideline, adjacent to the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ). The primary advantage of the Erne is that it allows you to intercept a ball much closer to the net than a standard volley, giving your opponents almost zero time to react.

How to Execute a Legal Erne

The most critical aspect of the Erne is footwork and timing. To remain within the rules, you cannot touch the kitchen (NVZ) or its line while hitting the ball. There are two ways to execute it:

1. The Jump: You jump from the court, over the corner of the kitchen, and hit the ball while in the air, landing outside the sideline.
2. The Run-Around: You simply run around the kitchen to the out-of-bounds area before hitting the ball.

When to Use the Erne

The Erne is most effective when your opponent is distracted or focused on a cross-court dink. If you notice the player opposite you frequently hitting high, lazy dinks toward your sideline, it is the perfect time to pounce. By the time they realize you have moved, you have already slammed the ball into their feet or the open court.

Strategic dinking strategy is often the setup for a successful Erne. By pulling your opponent wide with a cross-court dink, you force them into a position where their only return option is likely to be along the line where you are waiting.

The ATP: Bypassing the Net Entirely

The ATP (Around the Post) is one of the most satisfying shots in pickleball. As the name suggests, it occurs when a player hits the ball around the net post rather than over the net.

The Mechanics of the ATP

An ATP is usually triggered by a very wide-angled shot from your opponent. Because the ball travels so far off the court, it provides a unique angle that allows you to strike the ball from outside the post. Since the net is lower at the edges and nonexistent outside the posts, you can hit the ball just inches above the ground, making it nearly impossible to return.

To hit a successful ATP, you must:

• Stay Patient: Wait for the ball to travel wide enough so that you have a clear line to the opponent's side without the net in the way.
• Stay Low: You need exceptional lateral movement and a low center of gravity.
• Aim for the Back Line: You don't need a lot of power; the angle alone usually wins the point.

The DYSSC HexCore Pro is particularly effective for these shots. Its Toray T700 Raw Carbon Fiber surface provides the friction necessary to grip the ball at extreme angles, allowing you to guide an ATP with precision rather than just swinging wildly.

Equipment Matters for Specialty Shots

Executing an Erne or an ATP requires more than just guts; it requires a paddle that responds to your touch. When you are reaching for a wide ball to hit an ATP, you need a paddle with a large sweet spot to ensure the ball doesn't die on the edge of the face.

For many players looking for the best pickleball paddle in India, the focus is often on power. However, for specialty shots, control and maneuverability are king. A paddle like the HexCore Pro offers a balanced swing weight, making it easy to transition from a dink to a sudden Erne jump without feeling weighed down.

Tactical Tips for Success

1. The Element of Surprise

The greatest strength of the Erne and the ATP is deception. If you attempt an Erne every time you are at the kitchen, your opponents will stop hitting to that sideline. Save these shots for critical points or when you sense your opponent has become predictable in their dink patterns.

2. Watch the Footwork

In the heat of the moment, it is easy to step on the kitchen line. Practice your 'shadow' Ernes off the court to build the muscle memory of jumping from behind the line and landing out of bounds. This is a common point of contention in competitive matches, so being technically sound is vital.

3. Master the Spin

Adding a bit of slice to your ATP can make the ball 'die' as soon as it hits the opponent's side. Knowing how to add more spin will allow you to curve the ball around the post more aggressively, making your ATPs even more difficult to defend.

Conclusion

The Erne and the ATP are the hallmarks of a player who has mastered court geometry and situational awareness. While they may seem like 'trick shots,' they are high-percentage plays when executed correctly. Start by practicing the footwork slowly, ensure you have the right gear like the DYSSC HexCore Pro to support your precision, and soon you will be the player that everyone at the club fears at the kitchen line.