Pickleball Aggressive Forehand Drive Tips: Professional pickleball player James Ignatowich recently shared key advice for players on how to hit strong forehand drive shots from the right side of the court. In a new instructional episode, James explained why this shot matters, how it helps the left-side partner, and what techniques to follow for better teamwork and performance.
He focused on players who are positioned on the right side of the pickleball court and stressed how they can support their partners effectively during matches. “We’re going to talk about hitting aggressive drives from the right side of the court with your forehand,” said James Ignatowich. “I think it’s very important for right siders to be aggressive with their third shots because they’ve got their left sider here with their forehand in the middle, and setting them up is everything when you’re on the right side.”
Technique and Strategy from the Right Side
James Ignatowich explained that right-side players should not focus on power alone when hitting a drive. Instead, staying low and keeping the ball under control helps the left-side partner better judge the play and move forward at the right time.
“So for me, I like to stay down and not come up with my drive because it’s not about hitting the drive super hard when you’re on the right side of the court,” said James. “When you’re on the right, if you hit a hard drive, you give your partner less time to then go up there and crash. The slower and lower and more off-pace your drive is, the better it is because the left has more time to go up there, judge how good your drive is, and then eventually crash.”
He also showed how the shot should look: a low bounce, not too fast, but enough to force the opponent into a difficult return.
Staying Low and Steady is Key
The most important detail, according to James Ignatowich, is keeping good body posture and balance. He believes that if players raise their heads too early while hitting the shot, it affects the quality and control of the drive.
“So, it’ll look like this. It’s bouncing low. It’s not that hard. It’s going to force your opponent to contact the ball down here,” he said. “And for me, the most important thing really is staying down and keeping my head still. If your head comes up on the drive, it’s a pretty precise shot. And if you do that, it’s tougher to keep the ball down.”
By staying low and being aware of their partner’s position, right-side players can create more chances for their team to control the rally and win points.
Why This Advice Matters
James Ignatowich’s tips help both new and experienced pickleball players improve their teamwork. Playing from the right side requires understanding how to support the left-side partner, especially when the partner has the stronger middle-court forehand. By using slower and lower drives, players can better set up points and reduce errors.
This kind of thoughtful strategy allows teams to work together better and increase their chances of winning, especially in competitive matches. With advice from top players like James Ignatowich, players at all levels can develop smarter ways to play and improve their court performance.
News in Brief: Pickleball Aggressive Forehand Drive Tips
James Ignatowich shared tips on hitting smart forehand drive shots from the right side of the court in pickleball. He said staying low and using slower drives helps left-side partners crash forward more effectively. His advice is aimed at improving teamwork and overall game strategy for right-side players.
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