The James Ignatowich Pickleball Show

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 immediate...

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 weakn...

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, a...

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 an...

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 mista...

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 act...

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 ex...

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...

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...

Welcome to Episode 108 of the James Ignatowich Show. In this episode, James shares his recent experiences at pickleball tournaments, including detailed information on his strategies for playing against powerful and talented professional players (like Collin Johns), why pickleball paddle power is so important in competitive games, and the importance of sticking to your pickleball fundamentals. He a...

Welcome to Episode 106 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James discusses the importance of pickleball paddle grip pressure, including his personal preferences for grip levels for different shots. He also talks about the recent controversy surrounding tournament conditions at Major League Pickleball (MLP), especially the lighting issues that led to pickleball pros Ben and Collin Johns...

Welcome to Episode 105 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks about how to play pickleball when it's windy out, including the importance of adjusting techniques such as the lob, drive, and footwork. Playing in the wind requires very specific strategies, but there are ways to make it work in your favor. He also shares his thoughts on the recent withdrawal of professional players...

Welcome to Episode 104 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James discusses wrist motion for the different pickleball shots, including dinks, drops, drives, attacks, and even your serve. Plus, how to achieve topspin without excessive wrist motion. James will also teach you the importance of pickleball body positioning during volleys and counters, especially a lower stance so you can impr...

Welcome to Episode 103 of the James Ignatowich Show. In this episode, James shares his expertise on partner movement in pickleball, including the seesaw concept in paddle height, how to move with your partner at the kitchen line, dynamics in the transition zone, and the importance of an ATP defense. He also explores the differences between elongated and wide-body pickleball paddles and the advanta...

Welcome to Episode 102 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks about the evolution of pickleball paddle technology, specifically the change from honeycomb cores to foam cores. James discusses which technology is better, which one will last longer, and which one feels better? He also talks about PickleRoll surfaces and how they can be beneficial to grow the game of pickleball, bu...

Top pickleball pro James Ignatowich argues that playing singles can improve a player's performance in doubles pickleball. James also recaps his good performance at the PPA Red Rock Open and his partnership with Hurricane Tyra Black, emphasizing the importance of serving and returning with pace, the dynamics of court positioning, and the significance of communication between partners. James also re...

Welcome to Episode 100 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James shares some of his strategies for improving pickleball performance, including how to understand your opponent's weaknesses, effective driving techniques, and the role of the third shot lob. He also shares how driving the ball to the middle can create confusion for your opponents, his favorite pickleball drills, and why pic...

Welcome to Episode 99 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James discusses the new headshot rule implemented by the PPA Tour and how it will hopefully protect players in the future. The pickleball rule will be determined based on intent, and players will be fined for targeting other players. James also discusses strategies for mixing up your serves and returns in pickleball, especially i...

Welcome to Episode 98 of The James Ignatowich Show. In this episode, James discusses changes in pickleball strategy, especially at the pro level, including positioning in the transition zone, how to effectively cover the middle during speedups, and his techniques for forehand shots. James also shares why you should maintain the same distance from the ball as your partner, a new approach to handlin...

Welcome to Episode 97 of The James Ignatowich Show. In this episode, James discusses different backhand pickleball techniques, focusing on the backhand flick and the backhand roll, wrist movement, body positioning, and what the mechanics of a successful backhand shot looks like. James will share common mistakes that many pickleball players make and why throwing a frisbee may be your best (off-cour...

Welcome to Episode 96 of The James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James shares his favorite pickleball dinking techniques, including how holding your dinks can confuse your opponent, how aggressive dinks will help you control the pickleball kitchen line, and why slice dinks are important for attacking. James also talks about how showing your opponent what you plan to do can manipulate their min...

Welcome to Episode 95 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James recaps The PPA Masters pickleball tournament in California, including how players had to adjust to the Selkirk LABS 008 pickleball paddle before the tournament. Plus, James goes over different Masters players' strategies for speed ups, dynamics of player interactions, why dinking control is so important in all levels of pic...

Welcome to Episode 94 of The James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James discusses the importance of footwork in pickleball, including why it's so important to get your feet behind the ball to achieve pickleball topspin and avoid slicing, why you should be watching the pickleball pros to improve your game, and how good footwork will improve your pickleball dinking and other areas of your game, l...

Welcome to Episode 93 of The James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James shares his experience teaching pickleball to players in Japan who are still developing their skills. Some of the lessons included the importance of hitting hard returns and getting to the kitchen line, the need for effective communication between partners during gameplay, high crosscourt drops, and topspin drops. He also te...