Master Footwork with James Ignatowich: Footwork is one of the most overlooked aspects of pickleball, yet it can make or break your performance on the court. James Ignatowich, a seasoned professional, recently shared his insights on the importance of proper footwork and how it can significantly enhance the pickleball game.
Importance of Footwork in Pickleball
According to Ignatowich, pickleball footwork is most similar to ping pong, especially when players are in the kitchen. Unlike tennis, which involves larger movements, pickleball requires precision and balance in close quarters.
One critical piece of advice is to ensure the feet are not shoulder-width apart. Instead, a wider stance is essential for better balance and positioning. This wider base enables to keep the hands in front of the body, which is crucial for effective shot-making.
Feet Behind the Ball for Top Spin
A common mistake many players make when executing dinks is leaning with their body and reaching for the ball. This leads to poor ball control and the tendency to slice the ball.
Instead, Ignatowich advocates for keeping the torso and upper body perpendicular to the ground, allowing to move with the legs rather than leaning forward. By getting the feet behind the ball, it becomes easier to generate topspin on the shots, avoiding the dreaded slice that often leads to mistakes.
Drills to Improve Footwork
Ignatowich suggests two key drills to improve footwork:
- Move the Feet First Drill: In this drill, players are instructed to move their feet before their hands. Ignatowich emphasizes that footwork should be the first thing that reacts when preparing to hit the ball. By focusing on moving the feet first, players develop a better sense of timing and body coordination.
- Left Foot First, Right Foot First Drill: For this drill, players should move their left foot first when going to the left and their right foot first when moving to the right. This prevents players from crossing their feet and ensures they maintain proper balance while moving around the court.
Correcting Common Footwork Mistakes
Ignatowich notes two common mistakes in footwork: crossing the feet and having the feet too close together. To avoid these errors, players should aim to keep their feet a comfortable distance apart.
As a visual guide, Ignatowich suggests placing a paddle between the feet while on the court. If the distance between the feet is smaller than a paddle length, players are likely standing too close together.
Bending with the Knees
When it comes to getting low for drinks or volleys, Ignatowich advises players to bend with their knees, not their upper body. Too often, players bend at the waist, leading to inefficient movements and poor shot execution. By bending the knees first, players will maintain better balance and posture, allowing for more controlled and accurate shots.
News in Brief: Master Footwork with James Ignatowich
James Ignatowich’s advice on footwork is a game-changer for pickleball players at any level. By improving footwork and mastering these drills, players will be able to move more efficiently, generate more spin, and become a more consistent player.
Whether a beginner or an experienced player, incorporating these techniques into the practice routine will undoubtedly help elevate the game.