Episodes

  • James Ignatowich Show #90 - The Best Teams in Pickleball Will Be Righty-Lefty Combinations
    Nov 22 2024

    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 strategy — and why you should focus on the significance of two-handed resets, the necessity of proper footwork for consistency, maintaining a stable base, and executing effective pickleball strategies.

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    19 mins
  • James Ignatowich Show #89 - The Best Way To Improve Your Pickleball Skills: Game Scenario Drilling
    Nov 14 2024

    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 shot. James also talks about how different court surfaces can make or break your gameplay experience and his new favorite pickleball player: Maxwell Freeman.

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    19 mins
  • James Ignatowich Show #88 - The Newest Star of Pro Pickleball: Ryan Fu
    Nov 8 2024

    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: including why you should always volley in front of your body, tips for faster hands, and and simple strategies that build player confidence.

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    15 mins
  • James Ignatowich Show #87 - Maximizing Forehand Returns in Pickleball Doubles
    Oct 31 2024

    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 techniques to set up a forehand shot, and why anticipation and movement are important in executing a successful forehand.

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    15 mins
  • James Ignatowich Show #86 - How To Expose Your Opponent's Weak Backhand in Pickleball
    Oct 25 2024

    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 pickleball court geometry is crucial for strategic play.

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    16 mins
  • James Ignatowich Show #85 - How You Can Learn from Pro Pickleball Strategy
    Oct 23 2024

    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 on at your local court, including the significance of depth and angle, the dynamics of forehand vs. backhand shots, and the importance of communication and strategy in doubles play.

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    16 mins
  • James Ignatowich Show #84 - Why You Should Learn the Pickleball Two-Handed Backhand
    Oct 10 2024

    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 pickleball, and his commitment to providing consistent coaching content.

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    18 mins
  • James Ignatowich Show #83 - Pickleball Strategy to Help Set You Apart: Dinking, Topspin, Speed Ups
    Oct 4 2024

    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.

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    18 mins