How to Become a Serve Master in Pickleball: James Ignatowich, a prominent pro pickleball player, shared valuable insights on Instagram about improving serve consistency and power. With the growing competitiveness of pickleball, mastering the serve is crucial for recreational players aiming to elevate their game. His advice focuses on maintaining a solid pickleball technique to balance power and accuracy, which are key components for success on the court.
View this post on Instagram
The Key to Serve Consistency
James Ignatowich emphasizes that many recreational players struggle with consistency when trying to hit hard serves. According to him, the most common mistake is the player’s head and body “popping up” at the moment of contact with the ball.
He advises players to maintain a steady posture, focusing on keeping their head down while making contact. This, he explains, naturally prevents players from losing control of their serves.
Technique for a Strong Serve
To deliver a powerful serve, James Ignatowich suggests aiming for a linear trajectory with just enough height. The goal is to combine pace and depth, sending the ball deep into the opponent’s court.
He warns that if players allow their heads to lift up, it often causes the ball to fly out of bounds. By keeping their heads down and watching the ball as they hit it, players can increase their accuracy and reduce the risk of errors.
James Ignatowich’s Practical Advice
In his video, James Ignatowich also advises players to focus on staying low throughout the serve motion. By keeping their bodies steady, players are more likely to make clean contact with the ball and execute a more controlled serve.
This strategy can help eliminate the common errors seen at the recreational level, where many players sacrifice consistency for power.