# Chapter 16 - Erne Shot

## 16.1 What is Erne

According to the rules, players cannot touch the non-volley zone before and after a volley shot. However, players may jump over the non-volley zone instead. This kind of volley over the non-volley area is Erne, which is common in professional tournaments.

## 16.2 When to Use

When the opponent player is dinking the ball, if the ball passes the net high and close to the sideline, then you can consider block the ball using Erne and quickly hit it to the opponent's feet.

As shown in the picture below, the player hits an Erne shot.

![Erne Shot](https://1540239404-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNN0BdfWSs5FDzEAqPdjN%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-ef9340aa121546a14d244ce0d1dc4b50c2b8aae3%2Ferne-shot.jpg?alt=media)

## 16.3 Hit Erne Shot

The Erne shot must be sudden, so as to cause a greater threat to the opponent.

Key points for hitting a high-quality erne include:

* Accurately judge the position of the opponent's dink shot, and try to volley when it is close to the sideline and higher;
* Your position should be properly close to the sideline. The closer you are, the easier it is to jump over the non-volley zone;
* When jumping to the left side of the court, the right foot should land first. When jumping to the right side of the court, the left foot should land first;
* The main target of Erne is the opposite player's feet in a straight line, and secondly, you can hit the ball with a large angle;
* After the Erne is completed, the player should return to the court as soon as possible;
* When one player hits an Erne shot, his teammates should move to the center to fill the space left, and prepare to attack the opponent's returned ball.

![Erne Shot Targets](https://1540239404-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNN0BdfWSs5FDzEAqPdjN%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-8afca3c4a0a291b684b940ee360310648239229b%2Ferne-target.png?alt=media)

## 16.4 How to Defend

Erne attacks are fast with tricky angles, making them difficult to defend. Effective defense requires early anticipation and correct reaction.

**Recognizing Erne Intent:**

* Watch if your opponent is quietly edging toward the sideline at the net—this is a precursor signal for an Erne;
* When their body weight shifts noticeably sideways, or they start lateral movement, prepare to defend immediately.

**Defensive Strategies:**

* **Change your dink placement**: When you spot your opponent setting up an Erne, immediately redirect your dink to the middle of the court or away from their side, disrupting their jump timing;
* **Lower net clearance**: Keep your dinks as low over the net as possible, so even if they complete the Erne, they can only hit upward, making it hard to attack;
* **Block volley defense**: Against an Erne attack, use a block volley to absorb their power and redirect the ball to their backcourt or open space;
* **Lob to backcourt**: If your opponent has already left their normal position and moved off-court, lobbing to the open backcourt behind them is the safest choice;
* **Target their body**: If the opponent is mid-jump, aim directly at their body (especially the paddle-side shoulder), making it difficult for them to adjust their paddle face.

**Erne vs. ATP Defense Differences:**

An Erne involves jumping over the NVZ from the side to intercept, with the attacker typically at the net; an ATP involves hitting around the net post from off-court, with the attacker at the court's edge. Erne defense focuses on "don't give high balls" and "change dink placement early"; ATP defense focuses on "quickly moving to cover the open space."

## 16.5 Training Method

* Multi-ball practice: one player stands in the non-volley area and repeatedly gives volleys. Another player practices defense;
* Interactive practice: Both sides simulate the game scene, practice hitting and defending Erne shots.


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