Master the Speedup Shot in Pickleball: In his latest instructional video, professional pickleball player James Ignatowich dives into a crucial element of advanced pickleball strategy: the speedup. Known for his aggressive style on the court, Ignatowich took to Instagram to share insights on how to hit effective speedups while maintaining consistency—a balance many recreational players struggle to achieve.
With his signature blend of humor and tactical advice, Ignatowich explains the finer points of this game-changing shot.
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The Challenge of Speedups
Ignatowich addressed a question that many players grapple with: how many of his speedups actually land in the court if the opponent doesn’t make contact with the ball. He estimates that roughly half—or a bit more—of his speedup attempts stay within bounds. While it may seem like a low percentage, he emphasized that landing the shot isn’t the only challenge. “A lot of players underestimate how hard it is for an opponent to simply get out of the way of a speedup,” Ignatowich said. This unpredictability, he notes, makes speedups valuable even if they don’t always land.
Timing and Power: The Key Components
Ignatowich elaborates on how effective speedups are more about timing and deception than sheer power. He explained that while he puts substantial effort into the shot, it’s the element of surprise and the ability to conceal his intentions that often catch opponents off guard. “If you can make it look like you’re not going for the full bag or the hardest shot,” he said, “you can still go hard and put pressure on your opponent.”
Keeping the Ball In Play
One of the main technical challenges, Ignatowich pointed out, is keeping the ball in play when hitting hard. Players at the recreational level often lose control because they lift their heads or bodies too early, causing the shot to sail out of bounds. Ignatowich emphasized the importance of staying down and focused on the ball until contact is made to maintain accuracy, especially when hitting at high speeds.
Targeting: Aiming for Success
Another key point Ignatowich made was where to aim when going for a speedup. Rather than trying to pick corners, he advises players to aim for the area between their opponent’s shoulders. This not only narrows the window for a clean return but also makes it harder for the opponent to judge whether the ball is going in or out. The more uncertainty created, the more likely the shot will either force an error or overwhelm the opponent.
News in Brief: Master the Speedup Shot in Pickleball
In his latest video, professional pickleball player James Ignatowich shares insights on the speedup shot, highlighting its importance in advanced strategy. He estimates that about half of his speedup attempts land in the court, emphasizing that the unpredictability of the shot makes it valuable even when not successful. Ignatowich stresses that effective speedups rely more on timing and deception than raw power. He advises players to focus on keeping their heads down during the shot to maintain accuracy. Additionally, he suggests targeting the area between opponents’ shoulders to increase uncertainty and enhance the shot’s effectiveness.
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