The James Ignatowich Show

Welcome to Episode 83 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks about pickleball strategy, including: improving your dinking, the importance of topspin, and how to (effectively) speed up the game. Plus pickleball playing tips, like how to drive the ball effectively and maintaining a low stance for better performance. James also talks about being a professional pickleball player and how he loves to connect with fans.

Welcome to Episode 82 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks about the importance of drilling in pickleball — but REALISTIC drilling that closely mimics actual game scenarios. He goes over some common pickleball drilling practices that will not help your pickleball game, and also offers new drills to enhance skills, like volleying and resetting. By focusing on game-specific techniques, players can improve their performance and develop better habits on the court. James also shares insights on improving your other pickleball skills, including focusing on dinking techniques, the importance of maintaining a low stance during drives, and the effectiveness of crossbody attacks.

Welcome to Episode 81 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks about joining Major League Pickleball at Central Park in New York City. He also discusses the evolution of pickleball, strategies that are helping shape the game, and the influx of all the new young players in the sport. Plus, playing strategies: the importance of offensive and defensive lobs, techniques for putting away overhead shots, and adapting while playing with different partners.

Welcome to Episode 80 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks about the two most important shots in pickleball: the serve and third shot drop. Hitting a hard serve can generate a missed return by your opponent and set up an easier third shot drop. He also discusses the role of right-side players to be more aggressive and speed up the game, the effectiveness of cross-court speed-ups, and the challenge of getting out of the way of a hard shot aimed at your right shoulder. James also shares his experiences playing at the PPA Las Vegas.

Welcome to Episode 79 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James recommends what you should look for in a pickleball paddle. Choosing the most powerful paddle that you can (comfortably) control will help you develop proper technique and shorter volley swings, improve your soft game, and prepare you for playing at higher levels. Control paddles will always have their place in pickleball, especially for more advanced players, but you should consider a power pickleball paddle if you want to get improve your pickleball game. James also mentions his pickleball clinics, including one in Atlanta led by Dylan Frazier.

Welcome to Episode 78 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks about the PPA Las Vegas Pickleball Cup and game strategy, including: the importance of making the ball bounce in the middle when on defense, the drive-drop combo strategy, and the success of speeding up shots closer to the sideline. Plus, the controversy (and many opinions) about whether we should be de-weaponizing the serve in pro pickleball.

Welcome to Episode 77 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks pickleball strategy: when to reset the ball (and when not to) — at both the transition line and kitchen line. There is no one answer, but instead depends on your individual style, power, and hand speed. In the transition zone, it's generally better to reset the ball if it's below the height of the knees. Hitting hard from that position is risky and unlikely to win the point. But, if the ball is between the knees and hips, players with power and aggression can take big cuts and go for aggressive shots. James also recommends resetting the ball if it's below the waist, because it's difficult to earn a neutral position from that height.

Welcome to Episode 76 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James discusses the pickleball volley, including the importance of knowing where to volley the ball, why the grip you use will determine whether you should hit a backhand or forehand volley, and tips on how to practice and improve both your forehand volley and backhand volley. James also emphasizes the effectiveness of a two-handed backhand volley when the ball is wide to the left shoulder.

Welcome to Episode 75 of the James Ignatowich show! In this episode, James discusses the importance of keeping a quiet body and a still head during resets — especially in the transition zone. He also talks about the problems with slicing volleys and how you can avoid them. Also, make sure to follow the new James Ignatowich Instagram account for free tips, demonstrations, and info on his private Zoom lessons.

Welcome to Episode 74 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks about the geometry of pickleball, including the angles of winning every crosscourt shot. Plus, how to deal with pickleball players who hit hard serves and drives, using a crosscourt high return shot to put the pickleball in front of your partner and give them a better chance at the 3rd shot, and tips to avoid popping up your head and body while hitting pickleball shots. James also talks about his recent pickleball clinics and what he learned.