James Ignatowich’s Pickleball Backhand Lob: James Ignatowich, a professional pickleball player and coach, shared a special tip for players who play on the right side of the court. He explained how to hit a one-handed backhand lob using the inside foot. This move, done crosscourt, can help surprise opponents and create a strong attack.
Lob from the Right Side
In a recent instructional session, James Ignatowich showed how to hit a useful lob when positioned on the right side of the court. He said this shot is aimed over the opponent on the other side and is best done crosscourt. It helps set up an aggressive play.
“Hey guys James Ignado here this is going to be another key tip if you want to be aggressive from the right side so my favorite lob to hit is the inside foot one-handed backhand lob crosscourt over the right side player that’s crosscourt from me.”-(James Ignatowich)
He pointed out that this move often catches the opponents off guard. The left-side player from the other team usually has to run across to get the ball, making it harder for them to respond quickly.
Why This Shot Works
James Ignatowich explained that players do not often expect a lob when someone uses a backhand on the right side. That’s why this shot can be surprising and effective. He also shared a key detail—this lob does not need to be very high.
“This is a super key shot because the left side player is probably gonna have to get that ball since that’s how you teach covering lobs the X so to speak or whatever they call it and for me when I do this they’re not going to really expect me to speed the ball up.”-(James Ignatowich)
He added that if opponents lean forward, expecting a fast return, they could be easily tricked.
How to Hit the Shot
James Ignatowich gave more advice on how to properly hit the shot. He prefers a more direct, low arc lob that travels fast and spins forward. This makes it harder for the opponent to chase the ball.
“So it doesn’t actually have to be as high as you think since you’re going over the backhand of the right side player in front of you I actually think it’s better if the lob’s a little bit more linear if they’re you know as long as they can’t reach it and take it out of the air.” -(James Ignatowich)
He warned that a higher lob can be easier to defend. A lower, spinning lob can force the opponent to backpedal quickly.
“If it’s a sky high lob it’s easier for them to go back and get it if it’s a little more linear and it’s got a good deal of top spin on it that’s how you execute the shot and it doesn’t come from the wrist it’s not going to be this it’s going to be a pretty fixed wrist and then you just float it over that right side player and you want to make sure that they can’t get it with their forehand.”-(James Ignatowich)
Why the Tip Is Useful
This tip from James Ignatowich gives right-side players another tool to use during matches. With the right footwork and shot choice, this lob can shift the momentum in a game. By hitting this shot at the right time, players can force their opponents out of position and create scoring chances.
News in Brief: James Ignatowich’s Pickleball Backhand Lob
James Ignatowich shared a smart pickleball tip for right-side players: use a one-handed backhand lob with your inside foot to surprise opponents. He explained that a low, spinning lob is harder to return and can help you play more aggressively without being expected.
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