Callie Jo Smith Sparks Debate: In a recent Instagram video, Callie Jo Smith, an 11-time PPA Tour champion, engaged her followers with a playful yet insightful discussion on the Erne technique in pickleball. Smith posed a question to her audience: “If you were executing Ernes all day, every day, which would earn you more style points—forehand or backhand?”
The Erne, a high-impact move where a player jumps around the kitchen to hit a shot at a sharp angle, is a technique that showcases both skill and flair. Smith’s video highlights this advanced maneuver and encourages players to weigh in on their preferred style.
The responses from the pickleball community reveal a range of opinions. Some players expressed a preference for the forehand Erne, noting its practicality given their personal playstyle. “Forehand— I have a two-handed backhand and not enough time to get in position,” one fan commented, reflecting a common sentiment among those who find the forehand more feasible.
Others appreciated the rhythm and style associated with the Erne, particularly the backhand variant. “I like that you kind of shuffle to get in rhythm before you Erne,” noted another player, who finds this approach comfortable. Meanwhile, a fan highlighted the aesthetic appeal of the backhand Erne, saying, “Not only does the backhand get more style points, I find it easier to execute on those rare opportunities I actually see.”
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Smith’s video has also served as an educational moment for some followers. “I just learned what an Erne is… Thanks, coach!” expressed one enthusiastic viewer, underscoring the educational value of Smith’s content.
As pickleball continues to evolve, Smith’s lighthearted inquiry offers a glimpse into the sport’s growing complexity and the nuanced preferences of its players. The discussion not only highlights the technical skill required for the Erne but also the personal styles and strategies that make pickleball a dynamic and engaging sport.
News in Brief: Callie Jo Smith Sparks Debate
In a recent Instagram video, 11-time PPA Tour champion Callie Jo Smith playfully discussed the Erne technique in pickleball, asking her followers whether the forehand or backhand Erne earns more style points. The Erne, a high-impact maneuver involving a sharp angle shot around the kitchen, showcases both skill and flair. Responses varied, with some favoring the forehand for practicality and others appreciating the style and rhythm of the backhand. Smith’s video not only spurred lively discussion but also served an educational purpose, introducing the Erne to new players. The debate highlights the sport’s growing complexity and individual player preferences.
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