James Ignatowich’s Secret Off-Hand Tips: In pickleball, the significance of using one’s off-hand can often be underestimated. James Ignatowich, a seasoned player and instructor, emphasizes this aspect in his approach to the game. For right-handed players like James Ignatowich, this means harnessing the power and stability that the left hand brings to their strokes.
Enhancing Power and Stability
As James Ignatowich points out, the trend in pickleball is leaning towards players hitting powerful serves, showing strength and precision. To effectively generate this power, players must engage their off-hand.
“A lot of players are hitting big serves now, getting a lot of power on the serve.” he notes. The off-hand plays a crucial role not only in delivering power but also in maintaining stability throughout the stroke.
Practicing with Purpose
To show the benefits of utilizing the off-hand, James Ignatowich shares a personal training method he adopted. He recalls, “When I wanted to practice my two-handed backhand return, I actually went out and hit some lefty forehand returns.”
This practice allowed him to refine his technique, as the left hand is pivotal in executing a two-handed backhand. He states, “My lefty forehand return is pretty good because that’s essentially what a two-handed backhand return is—it’s about 80% left arm.”
Maximizing the Two-Handed Backhand
James Ignatowich warns players who rely too heavily on their dominant hand: “If you’re someone who is hitting two-handed backhand returns almost entirely with your right hand while your left arm is just along for the ride, you’re not making the most of your two-handed backhand.”
By maximizing the use of the off-hand, players can elevate their game and improve their overall performance on the court. He insists that almost any two-handed backhand in pickleball should predominantly feature the off-hand, reinforcing the need for balanced and effective strokes.
News in Brief: James Ignatowich’s Secret Off-Hand Tips
James Ignatowich stresses the importance of utilizing the off-hand in pickleball, particularly for players who rely on a two-handed backhand. He notes that engaging the off-hand enhances power and stability, especially when hitting serves.
By practicing lefty forehand returns, players can improve their technique and maximize their performance. He emphasizes that nearly all effective two-handed backhands should prioritize the off-hand, ensuring players make the most of their shots.
ALSO READ : James Ignatowich’s Secret Serve Technique That Every Pickleball Player Needs to Know