James Ignatowich on MLP Finals Loss: In the latest episode of the James Ignatowich Show, professional pickleball player James Ignatowich delves into a range of topics from his recent experiences in Major League Pickleball (MLP) to his upcoming coaching clinics.
Tough Loss in MLP Grand Rapids Finals
Ignatowich begins by reflecting on his recent loss in the finals of the MLP Grand Rapids. Despite the team’s close finish, losing 18-18 in the decisive dream breaker, Ignatowich remains optimistic about his performance and the future. “Finishing second overall among all players, men and women, was a significant achievement,” he noted. The team secured a substantial prize, although they fell short of the $80,000 grand prize. Ignatowich expressed a mix of disappointment and pride, acknowledging the impressive journey to the finals.
Strategic Team Change: Trading Allyce Jones for Vivian Glozman
In a significant team development, Ignatowich announced a trade involving Allyce Jones and Vivian Glozman. The decision to bring Glozman on board proved beneficial as she performed exceptionally well, finishing near the top of the individual standings. “On paper, a lot of people would say we might have the best team now,” Ignatowich stated, expressing confidence in the team’s potential for upcoming events.
Upcoming Coaching Clinics
Ignatowich is set to embark on a rigorous schedule of coaching clinics. His teaching tour includes stops at Lifetime in Penn Station, Manhattan, and Montclair Pickleball, among other locations. He plans to conduct full-day sessions, emphasizing the importance of drive shots, shot selection, and offensive strategies. Ignatowich aims to impart his knowledge, particularly on hitting hard drives through the middle and targeting players closer to the net, which he believes can create confusion and yield significant advantages.
Emphasis on Shot Selection and Technique
During the episode, Ignatowich shared his insights on shot selection and technique. He discussed the effectiveness of hitting drives at a 70% pace, especially at higher levels where opponents can handle harder shots. He highlighted the strategic advantage of hitting hard drives through the middle and targeting the player closer to the net during transitional play. According to Ignatowich, focusing on these aspects can lead to better results.
Engaging with Fans and the Pickleball Community
Ignatowich also took a moment to address his interactions with fans, expressing gratitude for their support. He acknowledged the challenges of balancing focus during tournaments with engaging with fans but promised special attention to those who follow his podcast and newsletter.
Promoting Selkirk Backpacks
In a lighter segment, Ignatowich endorsed Selkirk backpacks, praising their durability and sleek design. He shared personal anecdotes about the practicality and longevity of these backpacks, emphasizing their popularity within the pickleball community.
Ignatowich concluded the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with his content and provide feedback, as he continues to share his expertise and experiences both on and off the court.
News in Brief: James Ignatowich on MLP Finals Loss
In the latest episode of the James Ignatowich Show, professional pickleball player James Ignatowich reflects on his recent MLP Grand Rapids finals loss, expressing both disappointment and pride. He discusses the strategic team change, trading Allyce Jones for Vivian Glozman, which bolstered their performance. Ignatowich announces his upcoming coaching clinics, focusing on drive shots, shot selection, and offensive strategies. He shares insights on the effectiveness of 70% pace drives and targeting players closer to the net. Additionally, Ignatowich engages with fans, promotes Selkirk backpacks for their durability, and invites listener feedback, continuing to offer valuable content on his podcast and newsletter.
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