Ben Johns and James Ignatowich’s Pickleball Timing Secrets: For those striving to reach a 4.0 skill level in pickleball, the obstacle likely isn’t a lack of power or dinking technique—it’s timing. Timing is the elusive skill that separates intermediate players from advanced competitors, especially at the critical kitchen line. Understanding how to control the tempo of the game can make all the difference.
Mastering Timing at the Kitchen Line
At the 4.0 level, the game evolves. Consistency is no longer the sole focus—managing the pace is just as vital. Elite players, like Ben Johns, show the importance of timing. They don’t look rushed under pressure; instead, they use footwork, positioning, and paddle control to dictate play.
One of their key strategies is absorbing hard drives with soft resets, allowing them extra milliseconds to recover. When on offense, they employ sharp dinks and precise speed-ups, taking time away from their opponents and forcing errors.
Winning with Movement
Top players know that timing at the kitchen line is a game of microseconds. They’re always moving—stepping back to reset when under attack and reengaging to apply pressure. The best players are intentional with every shot, using timing to control the flow of the game.
The lesson? Stop obsessing over perfect shots and start thinking about manipulating time. On defense, slow down the game; on offense, vary the pace to keep the opponents off balance.
James Ignatowich’s Tips for Success at the Kitchen Line
James Ignatowich offers useful insights in his newsletter for players looking to dominate at the kitchen line. He explains that dinking out of the air doesn’t always require aggression.
Many players overcomplicate their approach, trying to be too aggressive with these shots. Instead, they should focus on maintaining offensive pressure by hitting the ball low to the opponent’s feet, especially since they’re likely leaning back when receiving a dink.
Ignatowich also stresses the importance of recovering quickly to the middle after executing a good crosscourt dink. This is essential for setting up a potential pop-up in the middle. Don’t hesitate to get aggressive in the middle, even if it means hitting with the backhand.
Another key element in his game strategy is the Erne. The mere threat of an Erne can create pressure for the opponents, forcing the ball to the middle where a partner can take control and set up a winning shot.
News in Brief: Ben Johns and James Ignatowich’s Pickleball Timing Secrets
Achieving a 4.0 level in pickleball comes down to mastering timing, particularly at the kitchen line. Elite players, like Ben Johns, use precise footwork, positioning, and paddle control to manipulate the game’s tempo.
By slowing down on defense and varying offensive shots, players can dominate the court. James Ignatowich advises players to focus on dinking with control, recovering to the middle, and using the threat of an Erne to keep opponents on edge.
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