Master Pickleball Volleys: Professional pickleball player James Ignatowich recently shared insights on his approach to consistent volleys, emphasizing the importance of controlled mistakes as part of good technique. For James Ignatowich, certain errors indicate that players are on the right track. Missing a volley into the net, for example, doesn’t raise alarms. “That’s in the budget,” he noted, explaining that such misses suggest players are staying focused on technique without overreaching. In contrast, he pointed out that missing a volley long, by 30 feet or more, often signals an attempt to do too much—overswinging or trying to add unnecessary power.
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Learning from a Teammate’s Compact Technique
James Ignatowich highlighted the play of fellow athlete Ryan, whose volleys remained controlled and compact. Over an entire weekend of games, Ryan avoided hitting long volleys, keeping his movements precise and minimal.
James Ignatowich emphasized the importance of keeping the swing “super compact, super upfront, and very loose.” The more a player keeps their paddle out in front, the less likely they are to overswing, he explained, showing that a smaller swing produces more controlled results.
The Importance of Staying “In Front”
Central to James Ignatowich’s volley philosophy is positioning. He encouraged players to keep their volleys “in front,” meaning that the paddle should meet the ball in a stable, forward position.
This positioning not only controls the shot’s trajectory but also naturally limits swing size, providing more manageable power. With this approach, players can maintain accuracy without sacrificing consistency.
Controlled Power for Winning Volleys
James Ignatowich’s tips demand a volley technique that relies on stability and compact movement over raw force. By staying in front and embracing controlled errors, players can refine their skills while maintaining control, ultimately leading to a more reliable volley. This approach, balancing power with precision, is key to consistent performance in pickleball matches.
News in Brief: Master Pickleball Volleys
James Ignatowich, a professional pickleball player, shared his insights on achieving consistent volleys, stressing the importance of controlled mistakes. He explained that missing a volley into the net is part of good technique, as it suggests players are focusing on proper form.
James Ignatowich highlighted the value of a compact technique, noting teammate Ryan’s ability to maintain precise, controlled volleys throughout a weekend of games. He emphasized keeping the paddle in front to limit overswinging and enhance accuracy. His approach promotes controlled power, combining precision with stability to ensure consistent performance in competitive pickleball.
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