James Ignatowich’s Pickleball Tips: Professional pickleball player James Ignatowich shared helpful tips for players working on their dinks and volleys. He explained that using your legs instead of bending at the waist helps improve control, balance, and reach. His advice aims to make players more stable and effective during fast exchanges at the net.
James Ignatowich pointed out a common issue: many players bend from the upper body instead of the knees when taking dinks out of the air. This makes it harder to stay balanced and reduces their reach. “The more you bend your knees, the lower your arm naturally is, which allows you to reach farther forward,” he explained.
How to Take Dinks the Right Way
According to James Ignatowich, bending the knees allows players to extend their arms fully without losing balance. He warned that standing straight and leaning forward puts players in awkward positions. It limits reach and can cause mistakes.
“If you’re standing upright, you end up having to lean awkwardly with your upper body just to reach the ball—and even then, you can’t reach as far,” he said.
He also added, “If you bend your upper body and try to speed the ball up—even if you pull it off and the ball comes back—you won’t be ready for the next shot.”
Instead, James Ignatowich encouraged staying in a low, athletic base with knees bent. That keeps players stable and ready for the next shot.
Volley Techniques That Make a Difference
James Ignatowich also shared key tips about volleys. He stressed the importance of keeping the ball in front of your body. If the ball is fast and on the forehand side, players should avoid letting their elbow move behind their body.
He said players should either get lower while keeping the elbow in front or choose a backhand to stay balanced. “Keeping the elbow in front sets you up to stay balanced and in control,” he explained. “If you’ve got time, this positioning can make all the difference.”
Stay Loose and Ready at the Net
A relaxed arm during volleys is another major point James Ignatowich discussed. He believes many players are too tense, which affects their reaction and feel. He shared how he plays during volleys: “When I volley, I’m as relaxed as possible in my upper body. No stiffness. No tension.”
He added that staying loose helps with faster reactions and better contact with the ball.
Why These Techniques Matter
James Ignatowich’s tips help players become more effective during dink and volley exchanges. Using the legs for reach and staying balanced can keep players ready for every shot. Keeping the elbow in front and staying relaxed helps with control and faster response during high-speed rallies.
Players who follow these steps can avoid common mistakes and become more confident at the net. These techniques are useful for beginners and experienced players alike.
News in Brief: James Ignatowich’s Pickleball Tips
James Ignatowich shared advice on better dinking and volleying. He told players to bend their knees, keep the elbow in front, and stay relaxed during volleys. These tips improve control, balance, and readiness at the net. His simple guidance can help players of all levels play smarter and faster.
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