After three years and over 100 episodes, James Ignatowich signs off with his final podcast episode. In this farewell, James breaks down the shots that defined his game — from the two-handed backhand dink that’s become his signature, to the power serve and backhand flick that set him apart on tour. He dives into technique, mindset, and footwork details that players of all levels can apply immediately, while also reflecting on the evolution of the show and what he’s learned about coaching through this journey. Whether you’re here for strategy tips or to celebrate the end of an era, this episode is packed with insight and personality. 📌 Highlights include:

• Why the two-handed backhand dink demands full-body movement
• The leg mechanics that separate great dinks from inconsistent ones
• How James developed his aggressive serve philosophy
• Advanced tips for mastering the backhand flick
• Gratitude for Selkirk and the fans who supported the show

In this episode of The James Ignatowich Show, James completely reframes how you should think about the return of serve in pickleball. Forget the old “just get it back” advice—today’s game rewards intentional, aggressive, and strategic returns. Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The modern philosophy of the return — why pros are missing more returns (and why that’s OK)
• How to target specific sides and weaknesses to force tougher third shots
• Using deep returns to force drives, and short, low returns to force drops
• Why high cross-court returns can give you the time you need to get established at the kitchen
• Middle confusion tactics against certain doubles setups
• Third shot tips: the “bunt” drop, cross-court drives, lob setups, and why foot positioning matters

If you want to dictate the point before it really begins, this episode is packed with pro-level tactics you can start using today.

In this episode of The James Ignatowich Show, James gets fired up over one of the most misunderstood topics in pickleball: paddle delamination. Think your paddle is delaminated? Think again. James breaks down:

• What delamination really is (and why it’s almost never the case)
• What’s actually happening inside your paddle (hint: core crush)
• The real difference between delamination, core compression, and desponding
• Why his paddles (especially Self-Curve ones) don’t suffer from these issues

Plus, a high-level strategy segment on how running through your return of serve will level up your game—and why chaos is your best friend on the court.

Do carbon fiber erasers actually preserve paddle grit—or is it just marketing hype? James breaks down the real science behind how and why your paddle loses grit over time—and why erasers can help (if used correctly). He also dives into crossbody speed-ups, why heat affects power, and how your serve toss might be holding you back. 📌 Topics Covered:

• Do paddle erasers work? The truth about debris and grit
• Why spray-on grit paddles need different care
• How crossbody attacks jam your opponents
• The legal paddle hack for more power: sun heating
• Serve toss tips to improve power and depth

In this episode, James breaks down the fundamentals of court positioning, transitional movement, and how proximity to your partner changes based on where you are on the court. Whether you’re at the baseline, midcourt, or kitchen line—your spacing strategy matters more than you think. 🔥 Learn:

• How close you should be at the kitchen line
• Why the court “shrinks” when you're both up
• The biggest mistake when defending from the baseline
• Where to drop your shot to avoid killing your partner
• Why reading slice vs topspin changes everything

In Episode 113 of The James Ignatowich Show, James breaks down one of the most misunderstood aspects of pickleball: how to be aggressive in the transition zone 📝 Learn:

• When to swing and when to reset
• Why attacking cross-court can be the smarter play
• The biggest body language cue for dodging out balls
• Why most people defend the wrong side
• And how throwing a frisbee can improve your backhand flick

In Episode 112 of The James Ignatowich Show, James breaks down the most overlooked—but absolutely critical—part of your pickleball game: the return of serve. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced player, this episode dives into:

✅ Why deep and consistent returns matter more than ever

🔁 How to mix in short slice and high cross-court returns to gain time and disrupt rhythm

🧠 When a lob return actually makes sense (yes, really)

🎯 How to target the middle to create confusion—especially against righty-lefty teams

💥 The myths of cross-court attacks—and how pros really use them

🧍‍♂️ Why you keep getting hit... and how to stop getting bagged

James also shares a few entertaining anecdotes—from attacking his own student Max Freeman, to giving props to the ducking master himself, Quang Duong.

Welcome to Episode 111 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James discusses the idea of "dwell time" in pickleball, explaining its significance in paddle control and shot execution. He explains how dwell time affects the pickleball player's ability to generate spin and control the ball, emphasizing the importance of paddle thickness and core material. He also shares his strategies for executing offensive and defensive lobs, including the differences in technique and approach for each type of lob, and the importance of using topspin and height effectively.

Welcome to Episode 110 of the James Ignatowich show. In this episode, James discusses the evolution of pickleball, both on the rec level and professional pickleball, and how to stay present and focused while maintaining your composure during competitive pickleball games. He also discusses the technical aspects of serving and how you can improve your serve by learning the science behind pickleball paddle technology. James also highlights the significance of arm relaxation and leg positioning in achieving a powerful and consistent serve.

Welcome to Episode 109 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James shares his thoughts on tungsten tape vs. lead tape on pickleball paddles. He explains how the weight distribution of the tape affects paddle performance, including power, swing weight, and twist weight. James also shares his thoughts on customizing paddle weight for different playing styles and compares elongated and wide body paddles. Understanding paddle dynamics is an important (and underrated) part of becoming a better pickleball player.