James Ignatowich’s Return Shot Technique: James Ignatowich, a professional pickleball player, shared key tips on Instagram about mastering the return shot. He emphasized staying low and focusing on leg power rather than relying on a large backswing. His insights aim to help players reduce errors and improve consistency.
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Return Shot Tips from a Pro
Ignatowich highlighted common mistakes players make during the return, particularly using too big of a backswing.
“For me, I’m not getting my power on the return with the arm or with the backswing, and my elbow is never really coming behind my body.” – (James Ignatowich)
He noted that the return shot in pickleball is unique because it involves running forward while hitting the ball. This motion provides an opportunity to generate power using leg momentum rather than the upper body.
Using Leg Power for Accuracy
Ignatowich shared his strategy for hitting effective returns:
“When somebody gets the serve to me, I’m trying to get my legs into the ball, and I’m keeping my swing with the upper body as small as possible.” – (James Ignatowich)
He warned that excessive backswing or forward swing can lead to errors.
“Since you’re running through the ball in the return, you have all that weight going forward, any extra backswing or forward swing or upward motion can do a lot to the ball, and it can result in some errors long.” – (James Ignatowich)
Impact on Players
These tips could benefit players at all levels, helping them focus on simplicity and proper technique. By engaging their legs, players can achieve better control and accuracy. Ignatowich’s advice reinforces the importance of minimizing unnecessary movements to improve gameplay.
As pickleball continues to grow, expert guidance like this ensures players can elevate their skills while avoiding common pitfalls. Players are encouraged to apply these strategies during practice to see measurable improvements in their returns.
News in Brief: James Ignatowich’s Return Shot Technique
James Ignatowich, a professional pickleball player, shared crucial tips on mastering the return shot in pickleball. He emphasized the importance of using leg power for accuracy instead of relying on a large backswing.
Ignatowich explained that the return involves running forward while hitting the ball, allowing players to generate power through their legs. By minimizing upper body movement, players can improve consistency and reduce errors. His insights help players at all levels enhance their return shots by focusing on proper technique and minimizing unnecessary motions.
