James Ignatowich’s Expert Techniques: In Episode 97 of The James Ignatowich Show, pro pickleball player James Ignatowich dives deep into backhand techniques, explaining how to perfect the backhand flick and roll. He covers key elements such as wrist movement, body positioning, and common mistakes players make.
Mastering the Backhand Flick
According to Ignatowich, the backhand flick is one of the most deceptive shots in pickleball. He emphasizes using wrist movement instead of a large arm motion to make the shot harder to read. “If you use more wrist, you can catch more people by surprise,” Ignatowich explains.
He also points out that the backhand flick allows players to take the ball earlier by reaching out at nearly full extension. This makes it easier to attack balls before they drop too low. Unlike the backhand roll, which involves a bent arm and a high finish, the flick should have a quicker, lower follow-through.
Why Throwing a Frisbee Helps
Ignatowich shares an off-court training tip—throwing a frisbee to develop the proper motion for a backhand flick. “Throwing a frisbee hard is very similar in motion to how you would hit a backhand flick,” he says. Practicing this motion helps players improve wrist action and shot execution.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
A frequent issue Ignatowich sees is players pulling up their bodies during a backhand drive instead of staying low through the shot. “If you bend your knees and then pull up before contact, it’s like doing a squat for no reason—it doesn’t help,” he warns. Keeping the same knee bend throughout the swing ensures more consistent and powerful drives.
Positioning for Speed and Control
Proper stance is crucial when executing speedups and counters. Ignatowich stresses that players should always be in a ready position, with feet facing forward and weight balanced. “If you speed it up while leaning back, you won’t be in a good position to counter the return,” he explains.
Improving Overall Gameplay
By refining their backhand technique, players can enhance their shot accuracy, deception, and control, making them more competitive in matches.
Ignatowich’s insights highlight the importance of mastering both the backhand flick and roll to handle different in-game situations effectively.
News in Brief: James Ignatowich’s Expert Techniques
In Episode 97 of The James Ignatowich Show, James Ignatowich teaches how to perfect the backhand flick and roll. He highlights wrist movement, body positioning, and common mistakes.
Ignatowich shares a frisbee training tip to improve wrist action and emphasizes staying low during the backhand drive. Mastering these techniques helps players gain more control and deception.
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