I came across a YouTube video this week where the host explains the real origin of the Bert shot.

According to him, Ro”Bert” Elliott — the founder of Engage Pickleball — was sick of getting Erned during a match. So the next time someone tried it, he bodybagged the guy mid-Erne attempt… and that moment, allegedly, was the birth of “The Bert.”
🎥 Watch the story →

Naturally, I was like: Wait, what?! That’s not what a Bert is.

I’ve always known the Bert as a cross-court Erne — when you jump in front of your partner and poach the ball midair like an absolute savage. That’s the move. That’s what most people mean when they say “Bert.” Right? (You can watch one here)

The whole thing got me wondering… where did the name “Bert” come from?

I’d heard the Erne was named after legendary pickleball player Erne Perry, who loved and popularized that sideline attack. So maybe the Bert was just a clever nod to the Sesame Street characters Bert and Ernie?

Or maybe ChatGPT was correct… it was Robert (aka “Bert”) Elliott—another pickleball legend, who was known for executing the move all the time.

So… what’s the truth?

🅰️ Sesame Street homage?
🅱️ Ro “Bert” Elliott’s signature move?
🤯 Ro “Bert’s” body bag revenge play (as the video suggested)?

Hit reply and let me know what you believe. I’ll report back next week with what the Five Dink Fam thinks.

Oh, and for kicks and giggles, if you want to see the legend Erne Perry teach the Erne and the Bert, you can watch the tutorial here (know, it’s not the most captivating video tutorial on YouTube) 😆

This Reddit thread had me nodding and taking mental notes on shots I need to remember to use more often. Some of my favs from the thread:

— 😂 Been there. And let’s be real—sometimes a mis-hit gets the point, and you play it cool and act like you planned it all along. 😎

I agree with the OP and want to drill this shot more.

Same.

👉 Here’s the original thread. Worth a read if you want some good ideas for shots you could be drilling this summer.

What about you—got an underrated weapon in your game?
Hit reply and let me know. I’d love to add it to my drill list.

Reply and tell me I’m not the only one.

LOL 🤣 SO TRUE!

It all started when I stumbled across this 🔥 video posted just a day ago. It’s the third in a series from coach Josh J Pickleball—and it’s pure gold. I had to watch it five times just to process all the nuance. Once I realized it was part of a trilogy, I binged the whole series and took detailed notes.

🔗 The Chariot Whip (Part 1 – 4 months ago)
🔗 The Praying Mantis (Part 2 – 3 months ago)
🔗 The Cut Throat (Part 3 – 1 day ago)

The videos cover so many cool and creative shots—like the Chariot Whip, the Praying Mantis, and what I’m calling the “Cut Throat” (you’ll see why 👀). These are just three of the many techniques I want to drill. So I made these visuals to help myself remember the body mechanics.

But here’s the thing: if I really want these moves to stick, I need to see them, understand the theory behind when to use them, and practice them intentionally. So I’m building:

I'm doing this for me… but if this kind of nerdy pickleball breakdown sounds useful to you, reply and let me know, and I’ll send you the resource once it’s ready!

That’s it for this week, Pickleball Nerd Nation. 🧠

If you’re feeling slightly more dangerous on the court (or slightly more annoying at dinner parties), I’ve done my job.

Hit reply if you’ve got a favorite moment, want the cheat sheet, or just wanna say hey.

And if someone forwarded this to you — bless them — you can subscribe right here.

Until next Friday: dink smarter, not harder.

– JP

P.S. 📤 Know someone who should be reading this? Forward it like a forehand drive. I'll be forever grateful :)