James Ignatowich Forehand Drop Shot Technique: Pickleball pro James Ignatowich is helping right-side players master a key move — the aggressive crosscourt forehand drop. In his “Right-Side Positioning” series, James explains how this shot can support the left-side player in doubles and lead to winning points through smart teamwork and technique.
Positioning and Body Control
James Ignatowich starts by focusing on the body setup. He says this shot should be played from a steady position, with the right leg bent and behind the ball.
“You want to at least be still with your body or moving forward a little bit is also okay,” James explains.
He warns that leaning away from the ball can make the shot harder. Staying centered or leaning slightly forward allows for better control and stronger contact with the ball.
Finishing the Shot Correctly
One mistake James points out is overusing the wrist. Instead of flicking the wrist or letting it cross over, he advises players to finish on the same side of the body where the swing started.
“I’m not doing a lot of this with my wrist, and I’m not flipping my wrist to the other side,” he says. “If you flip your wrist and do this with a drop, you can cause problems. You can use extra wrist.”
He adds, “You just want to do this finishing on the same side of your body. That makes it so that you can hit it efficiently, less errors.”
James also notes that a strong finish, but not too high, helps keep the shot effective and repeatable under pressure.
Helping Your Doubles Partner Succeed
The crosscourt drop isn’t just about making a clean shot. It’s about setting up your partner, especially if they play on the left side. A well-placed topspin drop lets them move forward and attack the next shot.
James says this playstyle builds strong teamwork. “If you can hit an aggressive top spin drop from this side, you can let your partner go up there and crash and eventually put the ball away,” he explains.
Why This Technique Matters
James Ignatowich’s focus on right-side play gives amateur and advanced players a clear method to improve. By learning how to support their partners and limit mistakes with proper form, players can become more consistent and confident during matches.
This guidance is part of a growing effort to improve strategy and skills in doubles pickleball, especially as more athletes look for ways to play smarter, not just harder.
News in Brief: James Ignatowich Forehand Drop Shot Technique
Pickleball pro James Ignatowich shares tips on the crosscourt forehand drop for right-side players. He highlights body balance, proper finish, and how the shot helps set up a partner for success. His advice aims to help players make fewer mistakes and win more points in doubles matches.
ALSO READ: Pro Secrets Revealed: James Ignatowich’s Game-Changing Topspin Drop for Pickleball Mastery