How to Erne!

Nov 02, 2023

Hey!

Before we keep going, welcome back to another edition of the blog. If you’re new to the blog and want to go back and check out past editions, go here!

Today’s edition has three parts: 

1. A Helpful Tip (Video) – 9 Ernes in One Match.

2. For the Pickleball Nerds –The 3-2-1 Improvement Method.

3. My Journey Playing Pro – 5 Reflections From Our Loss.

A Helpful Tip (Video):

Hands down, my favorite shot is the Erne. 

I love Ernes so much that in my first Tuesday night pickleball league match at the orchard, I had 9 of them.

So while I’ve made an “on court” Erne youtube video before showing the various reads, I thought it might help you to see it in an actual game.

One Disclaimer: Many of the Erne’s I do in this video require good mobility and a decent amount of athleticism. So while not everyone watching this will be able to do each of these Ernes, the bigger takeaway is starting to see the game better.

To understand why and when players hit the ball in certain locations on court that will allow you to go for the Erne.

If you are a player with less mobility but still want to add this, make sure you also watch at 3:24. That’s what I call “Level 1” footwork that I’ve seen players from 15 to 90 years old use :)

Now for my pro match breakdown, click the image below.

Enjoy!👇

For the Pickleball Nerds: 

One reason high performers outperform others is because they consistently invest more time reflecting on past experience, then applying those learnings to future practice.” – My buddy, Tyler. 

As someone always looking for an edge, I asked a follow-up. “So how do they do it?”

He said, “Try this.” 

The 3-2-1 Method:

After each rec or drill session, take 3-5 minutes and write down: 

  • 3 Things you did well (to build confidence).
  • 2 Learnings you had (to improve on next time).
  • 1 Plan for what you’ll do (differently in your next training session). 

Now, I keep a mini notebook in my bag. I’m 3 days in and already enjoying this process! 

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

My Journey Playing Pro Pickleball: 

Thanks to everyone who tuned in live to my match Monday at The Orchard. If you missed it, don’t worry, there is a replay! 

You can catch my mixed doubles match here at 49:56 and then my men's doubles match at 1:52:30. And if you want to watch the singles tiebreaker at the end, feel free. I’m reluctant to watch it back based on how I played. It wasn’t pretty ðŸ˜‚. 

Here’s 5 takeaways from this match:

1. Understand what your partners need to play well (and what you need).

In our first match of the season, Dana didn’t play her best. (It happens to all of us). She shared some thoughts with me prior to this second match, we talked through it, and she played lights out. I have no doubt that conversation was a contributing factor to us playing so well in mixed doubles. Dana, if you read this, you’re a damn good pickleball player!!

2. When you study film to learn tendencies, good things happen.

I’ve never prepared for a match quite like I did for this one. And the truth is, it’s typically hard to scout another team. They might not have film out there. Maybe it’s someone you’ve never seen play. Etc. But luckily, The gladiators played two matches already and they’re on youtube, so I watched them both, took notes, talked through them with our team, and they without a doubt paid off. During tournament play, I'll do a better job of scouting our opponents (if possible) and coming up with a more informed game plan.

3. Have a constant “breath” focus on court.

I get nervous before these matches. During warmups and intros, many thoughts bounce around in my brain. And during competition, I want a quiet mind, devoid of (too much) thought. A relaxed concentration. So over the last few months, I’ve put a heavy emphasis on intentional breathing before matches and in between points. If I calm my body with the breath, I'll calm my mind. And when I calm my mind, I'll play loose. And when I play loose, good things happen.

4. When you play against your friends, they’re not your friends.

The two guys on the other team, Craig & Augie are my really good friends. We train together all the time and know each other's games well. And as I’ve played more match play, I’ve realized (for me), if I'm playing someone I have a good relationship with — I avoid casual banter before the game starts. It puts me in a bad headspace. So going in, I said hello but didn’t engage much. And then after the match was over and the frustration subsided a little, I talked with them. And the next day, I’m on the phone with Craig breaking down the match and texting with Augie.

5. I’m a lucky guy.

I got to play pickleball in front of 150 people. Not quite sure how I ended up with this life, but I’m grateful. And a big shout out to the whole Orchard team who tirelessly works behind the scenes (and in front) to create what is one the most unique environments in pickleball. Can’t say enough good things about what their entire team is doing for the players, the Phoenix community, and pickleball as a whole.

As always, thanks for reading! I’m at MLP In Dallas right now just watching, so if you’re there, say what’s up!

Until next week,

Kyle

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