Neutralize Aggressive Bangers in Pickleball: In a recent video lesson, pickleball player James Ignatowich shared expert tips on how to neutralize the angles of aggressive pickleball players, often referred to as “bangers.” In the video, Ignatowich explains how using the middle of the court can help players handle aggressive shots more effectively.
Using the Middle of the Court
Ignatowich emphasizes the importance of playing toward the middle of the court, especially when facing an opponent who is positioned at the kitchen line and hitting the ball with great power. By targeting the middle of the court, players can take advantage of the extra 2 inches in height compared to hitting toward the sidelines, making it easier to return the ball.
Avoiding High Drops
A key tip from Ignatowich is to avoid hitting high drops that can give bangers an easy opportunity to attack. High shots are more likely to be returned with aggression, especially with the powerful paddles used in modern pickleball.
Instead, Ignatowich recommends hitting drops with more depth, keeping them closer to the net and ensuring they don’t rise too high.
Importance of Height and Depth
When playing soft shots like drops or resets, Ignatowich advises keeping the ball low and deep. A well-placed drop near the kitchen line forces the opponent to strike from a lower position, which gives the player on defense a better chance to recover.
The difference between hitting the ball below the shoulder and above the shoulder can be crucial in whether the ball is returned successfully. By using the middle of the court and avoiding high drops, players can reduce the effectiveness of aggressive bangers and gain more control of the rally.
News in Brief: Neutralize Aggressive Bangers in Pickleball
In a recent lesson, pickleball player James Ignatowich shared pickelball tips on neutralizing aggressive “bangers.” He emphasizes using the middle of the court to handle powerful shots and advises against high drops, which can give bangers easy attack opportunities.
Ignatowich recommends hitting low, deep drops to force opponents into a defensive position. These strategies help reduce the effectiveness of aggressive players and provide better control during rallies.