The James Ignatowich Pickleball Show

Welcome to Episode 92 of The James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks about how important it is to practice in pickleball and the significance of treating practice like a pickleball competition. He also discusses why you should be playing with both better and worse pickleball players so you can identify weaknesses AND improve your skills (you should be the best player on the court 25% o...

Welcome to Episode 91 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks pickleball strategy, focusing on improving your backhand and forehand flicks. Learn about the proper form, wrist and forearm strength, and the mental approach to executing these shots effectively. James is also giving away seven Selkirk LABS 007s! Plus, he will share his thoughts on the PPA Finals and a trip to Tokyo.

Welcome to Episode 90 of The James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James focuses on recent pickleball tournaments, and why, as the game evolves, the most successful pro teams will have a left-handed player. Plus, backhand techniques used by the pickleball pros, how the pro game is evolving, and team dynamics within MLP and PPA. He also talks about why practical pickleball strategy is the best st...

Welcome to Episode 89 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James shares why it's so important to practice point-based drilling to improve your skills, why practicing like it's a game can prepare you better for competition, and how drive and drop drills mimic real game scenarios effectively. He also explains the differences between slice and topspin drops, and when to use each pickleball...

Welcome to Episode 88 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks about the recent Major League Pickleball (MLP) tournament in Miami, with some inside insight into the importance of coaching and team dynamics in competitive play — and the performance of pickleball player Ryan Fu, a rising star in the pro pickleball world. James also shares pickleball techniques and strategy: includi...

Welcome to Episode 87 of the James Ignatowich Show. In this episode, James talks about how important it is to find (and leverage) your strengths in pickleball — rather than focusing on your weaknesses. Plus, how your forehand shot can improve your game, including: some strategies for maximizing your forehand return, the advantages of playing on the left side of the court, effective dinking techniq...

Welcome to Episode 86 of The James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks about how to expose your opponent's weak backhand shot, including targeting their backhand during returns, maximizing your opportunities, and why shorter pickleball shots can create aggressive angles against backhands. James will share his screwball serve and how it can be a game-changer against weak returns, plus how...

Welcome to Episode 85 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James gives his final thoughts on PPA Rate Championships, including his gameplay and strategy of the different players. He also explains how, when watching professional tournaments, rec players should watch and adapt techniques from the pros, including shot speed, positioning, and serving techniques. Plus, strategies you can work...

Welcome to Episode 84 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks about the increasing use of the two-handed backhand in pickleball and how you can execute this shot, including the importance of body positioning, grip, and technique. James also talks about recent pro pickleball tournament experiences where driving the ball is becoming more common, adapting to new trends in picklebal...

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 an...

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 tec...

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 a...

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-...

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,...

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 th...

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...

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-hand...

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 Zo...

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...

Welcome to Episode 73 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks about his upcoming pickleball clinics in Utah and New England — and what he has learned from his recent clinics. Plus, tips for mastering the pickleball two-handed backhand drive, including staying low, maintaining the same height through contact, and why the 2-handed backhand drive is important in doubles pickleball,...

Welcome to Episode 72 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks about losing in the finals of Major League Pickleball (MLP) Grand Rapids, including making a team change by trading Allyce Jones for Vivian Glozman. He also discusses his upcoming coaching clinics, shot selection and technique, the importance of hitting hard drives through the middle, and when to target the player clo...

Welcome to Episode 71 of the James Ignatowich Show. This episode is dedicated to discussing the importance of the two-handed backhand in mixed doubles pickleball. The two-handed backhand can be more useful in mixed doubles than in men's doubles, because it allows for more creativity and offense. James shares his strategy for the two-handed backhand, how it allows for more speed and power shots, an...

Welcome to Episode 70 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James discusses advantages and disadvantages of a righty and lefty playing pickleball on the same team. He also talks about things that could make men's doubles more exciting (and what would get more people to watch?), the differences between men's doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles, and why it could be a good idea for d...

Welcome to Episode 69 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks about playing at the PPA Sacramento Open, where he partnered with Ben Johns (and did not win!) and Anna Bright. There are major differences between PPA and MLP tournaments, but each has their own advantages. James shares an important tip that will change your backhand 4th shot forever. He also discusses the importance...

Welcome to Episode 68 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James discusses partnering with Ben Johns at the PPA Sacramento Open, crushing your returns, and his new podcasting setup. Plus - how the game of pickleball is about to change due to hot paddles, and how the limit on pickleball paddle technology might ruin the pro pickleball scene.