The Best 2-Handed Backhand Drives in Pickleball: Low & Short 💯 | James Ignatowich Show

[@shipwreck8847]

My man Ignatowich, love this guy.

[@JamesIgnatowich]

I’ll never get tired of comments like this

Hey James, from 12:50 - 13:20 you talk about sprinting to the kitchen line after the return. Is this always the case, or are there times that we'll want to split step in the transition zone while coming up, perhaps because we got pushed back by a hard deep serve?

[@JamesIgnatowich]

Yes, definitely need to split step and stop if you’ve been pushed far back. But until you get to that point of split step - get up there as fast as you can. If you have a tough time getting up to kitchen, return high cross court. This gives you the most time to come in

[@dougb1212]

Return of serve for people who aren't fast to the kitchen line - hit deep but not hard to give yourself time to get up there.

[@JamesIgnatowich]

And cross court, so the ball is in the air for longer. There is more space going cross court than down the line according to Pythagoras

[@dougb1212]

@@JamesIgnatowich a^2 +b^2 = c^2 🤓🤣

[@Tekel408]

Thanks for sharing your insights on your returns! My question is, how do you manage to return a serve, and keep the ball low? With the heavy topspin from serves, I'm often finding it difficult to reverse the incoming spin. Which ends up with my returns being relatively flat compared to my serve. 1) If I try to hit it hard, my return often ends up with only mild topsin, and goes out WAY long or straight into the net. It feels like a low percentage shot with my skill-level. 2) If I hit it soft and low, it often ends up short, letting them hit an easy 3rd shot drop. 3) If I hit it higher and slower, almost like a lob, my opponent hits an easy 3rd shot drive into 5th shot drop. So, is it really reliable to be hitting returns hard with heavy topspin? Or should I be giving myself more margin for error due to returns innately having less spin?

[@JamesIgnatowich]

Great, well structured question. The answer is actually simple. I do NOT try to hit my returns with top spin. I hit them quite flat, and they may end up having a little bit of top spin. I find it much easier to hit it harder also if I return cross court - geometry says we have an extra 4 or 5 feet going cross as opposed to down the line. So I’d recommend going for more of a flat, pushing forward motion for the return. Focusing mainly on depth, and some pace. And go cross court if you’re missing long.

[@Dr-CAPT-Bret]

When will you be doing a clinic in South Florida? Maybe meet up at Diadem

[@JamesIgnatowich]

In November I think but we will keep everyone updated in a better way in the future. Still getting better about publicizing schedule.

[@MrPanthers23]

You ever coming back to Buford GA at pickle and social for another clinic?

[@brendavaughn9796]

Do you have any upcoming clinics in PA scheduled for 2025?

[@jfktoo5128]

James, where do we sign up for Montclair NJ??

[@JamesIgnatowich]

This podcast was recorded a week ago, I am so sorry. But I’ll be back at Montclair within a few months if they let me. Great place

[@callees8790]

Dude always look like he needs to take a slash

[@DannyBPlays]

2 questions: 1. Why don't you do singles? 2. Is there a "best" or "worst" type of serve return in terms of spin, speed, placement

[@JamesIgnatowich]

I don’t play singles because my body has a tough time with going on deep runs in all 3 events. Sometimes I get some minor injuries which can be nagging. Mainly, though, my passion has always been for doubles. I used to be a better singles player than doubles player. But everyone knew I liked doubles more. I love dinking and getting into intense kitchen line exchanges. That’s the most unique, special part of pickleball, for me. Singles pickleball is a great work out and fun in its own right.

[@JamesIgnatowich]

I don’t try to spin my returns. I go for a flatter, deep return with some power. I think that’s the best, since there is no spin to use against me, either.

[@toddmathis7484]

More of a commercial for Selkirk than how to hit a 2 handed backhand.