Pickleball Forehand Counter Mistake Fix: Professional pickleball player James Ignatowich explained one of the most frequent errors players make with their forehand volley or counter. He said that many players take too big of a swing, which causes loss of control. Ignatowich stressed that power is not the main goal during a counter; keeping the ball low and in play is.
Why Over-Swinging Hurts the Shot
James Ignatowich pointed out that a large swing on the forehand counter often leads to mistakes. “One of the most common mistakes I see players make on their forehand volley or forehand counter is taking too big of a swing,” he said.
He added that the forehand already carries natural power. A big motion usually forces the elbow back, creating late contact with the ball. “When your elbow drifts back and you take a big swing on the forehand counter, you increase the chances of missing long,” Ignatowich explained. This also causes players to slice the ball by accident, which reduces control.
Importance of Early Contact
Ignatowich offered a simple fix to avoid this mistake. He emphasized the need to make contact in front of the body. “The key adjustment is simple: meet the ball out in front,” he said.
By stepping forward and reaching the ball early, players can keep the shot down and steady. Striking the ball beside or behind the body gives no advantage, since the ball travels faster than the player’s hand.
Simple Approach for Success
James Ignatowich encouraged players to trust a smaller motion and clear contact point. “Keep it simple: step in, make contact in front, and direct the ball down,” he explained. He noted that this adjustment can keep forehand counters more consistent and help players stay in rallies longer.
Lasting Impact on Player Performance
The advice highlights the importance of technique over force in pickleball. By focusing on early contact and control, players are more likely to return the ball effectively. This approach may help athletes at all levels improve consistency, reduce errors, and increase their chances of winning critical points.
News in Brief: Pickleball Forehand Counter Mistake Fix
James Ignatowich shared tips on avoiding the biggest mistake with the forehand counter in pickleball: taking too big of a swing. He stressed early contact and control over power. His advice helps players keep the ball low, stay consistent, and improve their chances of winning rallies.
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