What’s the Score?
Professional pickleball players on the PPA Tour are showing significant improvement in defending against “Erne” shots during the 2025 season. Statistics from the first nine tournaments of the year reveal that players are successfully keeping nearly half of Erne attempts in play, a notable increase compared to the 2024 season. This data is based on all doubles championship matches.
Hit it deeper!
The increased success rate in defending Erne shots on the 2025 PPA Tour suggests an evolution in the strategic and tactical aspects of professional pickleball. The defence rate against Ernes has risen to 46.3% in the first nine tournaments of 2025, up from 42% in 2024. This improvement indicates that players are becoming more adept at anticipating and reacting to this offensive manoeuvre.
This rise in successful Erne defences is contributing to longer rallies in high-level matches. Players are demonstrating faster reactions and making fewer errors when facing Ernes, suggesting a greater understanding of how to counter the shot. As the 2025 season progresses, this trend is expected to continue, potentially leading to even more exciting and competitive games as professionals further refine their defensive skills. Fans can anticipate more thrilling points as players adapt to the evolving offensive and defensive strategies at the highest levels of the sport.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The statistical evidence of improved Erne defence on the 2025 PPA Tour highlights the continuous evolution of professional pickleball. As players and coaches analyse strategies and identify effective countermeasures, the level of play continues to rise. The increased ability to defend against a previously highly effective shot like the Erne demonstrates the adaptability and increasing sophistication within the professional game. This trend towards stronger defence is likely to contribute to more extended and dynamic rallies, enhancing the excitement and competitiveness of PPA Tour matches for both players and spectators.
