Tyler Loong Pickleball Shot Secrets: Pickleball professional Tyler Loong has shared his knowledge about the Erne and the Bert, two exciting and skillful shots in the game. He explained how these moves work, when to use them, and why they can change the flow of a match. Tyler Loong also shared tips for players wanting to learn these shots and named top players who use them often.
What the Erne and the Bert Are
Tyler Loong described the Erne as a move where a player steps over the kitchen line to hit the ball in the air near the sideline.
“An Erne, as I see it, is a ball that is hit close to the sideline and the opposing player jumps across the Kitchen line and strikes the ball out of the air.”
The Bert is like the Erne but more difficult.
“A Bert is the same thing as an Erne, only this time you’re jumping in front of your partner on the other side of the court. A Bert takes a lot more commitment than an Erne, because you have to travel a farther distance and get in front of your partner.”
Why Players Use These Shots
These shots take away time from opponents and can end rallies fast.
“Essentially, you’ve cut off the angle the ball would have had if it had bounced first. Instead, you’re hitting it out of the air, taking time away from the player, often surprising them at the same time and ending the rally.”
The Risks Involved
Trying an Erne or Bert is not always safe. Players risk losing position or leaving their partner to cover too much space.
“It can be a disadvantage because players are getting so good at defending them. You could be putting yourself way out of position and could also force your partner to cover ground that maybe they’re not in position to cover.”
Why Players Love the Shots
Tyler Loong shared that these moves can lift the energy of a game.
“It’s a high-energy shot, no doubt. It can get you and your partner really fired up, it can get the crowd fired up, too. It’s definitely my favorite shot in all of pickleball. But the most impressive thing about it is when players who are known for it are still able to execute it time and time and time again. That’s hard to do when your opponents know it’s coming and you’re still able to do it.”
Top Players Known for These Moves
Many professionals have mastered the Erne and the Bert.
“Certainly so many pros are good at it, but Dekel Bar is definitely known for it and Christian Alshon has gotten really good at it and tries it a lot, too. Players know I like to do this a lot, so they know they are trying not to give me the opportunity, but I do try them as much as I can.”
Misunderstandings About the Erne
Tyler Loong explained that people often think the Erne is only for winning points.
“For one, it’s not always just to end the point. If an opponent knows I might go for one, it could change his or her shot, and sometimes that’s in our favor. Often, the Erne attempt won’t end a point, but it might shift things up or move things around. A good partner can clean up a mess after an Erne attempt that doesn’t end the rally.”
When to Attempt These Shots
He offered advice on when to try them during a game.
“What you want to look for is when a dink is hit down the line or if your partner hits one across the court in front of you. You can anticipate where your opponent might return that shot and take a chance.”
Advice for Amateur Players
Tyler Loong encouraged beginners to give the shots a try.
“Definitely try it. It’s effective, and when done right, it adds another weapon to your arsenal and at the same time throws a curveball to the people you’re playing against. It makes them think a little more about what shots they have to hit, and adds a little more pressure when playing against you. Just practice. That’s the best way to get comfortable with it and get it down.”
Learning these shots can help players feel more confident and prepared, and can make matches more exciting. With practice, even newer players can add these moves to their game and surprise their opponents.
News in Brief: Tyler Loong Pickleball Shot Secrets
Tyler Loong explained the Erne and Bert shots in pickleball. He shared when to use them, why they are effective, and the risks involved. Top players like Dekel Bar and Christian Alshon use them often. Tyler Loong advised all players to practice these moves to improve their game.