James Ignatowich Pickleball Backhand Dink: James Ignatowich, a top pickleball pro, teaches how to master the two-handed backhand dink in a detailed video lesson. He explains the best grip, footwork, paddle positioning, and shot technique needed to take control near the kitchen line. The two-handed backhand dink is key for players who want to improve their defense and offense in close-range play.
Gripping the Paddle
James Ignatowich shows two main ways to hold the paddle for this shot. His right hand usually uses a continental grip, which means holding the paddle like you would shake someone’s hand. The left hand can either overlap the right hand or be placed above it without touching. Both grips work depending on personal comfort and how much space the player needs on the paddle handle.
Footwork and Shot Positioning
For the two-handed backhand dink, James says the ball should be hit close to the body, mostly between the feet. If the ball is far away, a one-handed dink is better. He emphasizes keeping the left leg behind the ball and bending the knees deeply to maintain balance and power. Standing upright makes it hard to control the shot.
Hitting the Shot
James explains the contact point on the ball is important. He prefers to come around the side of the ball to add both topspin and sidespin, making the shot harder to attack. Unlike other dinks, the paddle face stays above the hand during the swing, with only a small wrist movement involved. The legs also push up slightly to add power.
Why This Shot Matters
The two-handed backhand dink allows players to add topspin, making the ball dip quickly and stay in play even when hit harder. This topspin is more aggressive than a slice dink, which tends to float and can be easier for opponents to attack. James Ignatowich notes that top players like Ben Johns use this shot because it helps them win more points in close rallies.
Practice and Cautions
James advises players to practice this shot only when they are comfortable bending their knees and moving well. He warns about the risk of giving opponents easy attacks if the dink is too short or badly placed. To reduce this, he suggests hitting deeper dinks that bounce farther past the kitchen line.
James demonstrates the shot in action and corrects common mistakes, such as improper hand position or too much wrist movement. His coaching highlights the importance of leg work, paddle grip, and smooth motion to master this essential pickleball skill.
News in Brief: James Ignatowich Pickleball Backhand Dink
Pickleball pro James Ignatowich teaches the two-handed backhand dink, focusing on grip, footwork, and spin. This shot helps players control play near the kitchen and add topspin for more aggressive dinking. Proper technique and practice can improve consistency and scoring chances in matches.
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