Mastering Off-Hand in Pickleball: James Ignatowich, a seasoned pickleball player, recently shared valuable insights on how to properly utilize the off-hand, particularly for those who are right-handed, like him. As the sport of pickleball continues to evolve, with players hitting big serves and focusing on power, the importance of a strong off-hand has become more apparent.
Developing the Off-Hand: A Practical Approach
For Ignatowich, the path to improving his game began with a conscious effort to strengthen his left hand. A key part of this development was his decision to practice lefty forehand returns, which helped him improve his two-handed backhand. The mechanics of a two-handed backhand return, he explains, are nearly identical to that of a lefty forehand. “That’s essentially what a two-handed backhand return is—it’s about 80% left arm.”
Maximizing the Potential of a Two-Handed Backhand
The key takeaway for players, according to Ignatowich, is to fully engage the off-hand in a two-handed backhand return. Far too often, players rely primarily on their dominant hand, with their off-hand acting merely as a stabilizing force. This approach, while somewhat effective, doesn’t fully unlock the potential of the two-handed backhand. Ignatowich stresses that almost any two-handed backhand in pickleball should rely heavily on the off-hand to generate both power and control.
Embrace the Off-Hand
For anyone looking to elevate their pickleball game, Ignatowich’s advice is clear: don’t underestimate the power of your off-hand. Whether you’re working on your two-handed backhand or fine-tuning your serves, the off-hand is a crucial element for stability and power. The sooner players recognize its significance, the more complete their game will become.
News in Brief: Mastering Off-Hand in Pickleball
James Ignatowich emphasizes the importance of the off-hand in pickleball, especially for right-handed players, in improving their two-handed backhand returns. By practicing lefty forehand returns, players can engage their off-hand more effectively, leading to greater power and stability in their shots. Ignatowich highlights that nearly 80% of a two-handed backhand should come from the off-hand for optimal performance.
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