Episodes

  • James Ignatowich Show #94 - Pickleball Footwork: The Key to Improving Your Game
    Jan 7 2025

    Welcome to Episode 94 of The James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James discusses the importance of footwork in pickleball, including why it's so important to get your feet behind the ball to achieve pickleball topspin and avoid slicing, why you should be watching the pickleball pros to improve your game, and how good footwork will improve your pickleball dinking and other areas of your game, like body positioning and balance. Learn proper foot movement through pickleball drills James will teach you so you can improve your pickleball strategy and execution.

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    17 mins
  • James Ignatowich Show #93 - Lessons for Developing Pickleball Players
    Dec 24 2024

    Welcome to Episode 93 of The James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James shares his experience teaching pickleball to players in Japan who are still developing their skills. Some of the lessons included the importance of hitting hard returns and getting to the kitchen line, the need for effective communication between partners during gameplay, high crosscourt drops, and topspin drops. He also teaches every player why they should always be aware of their partner's shots, and why humor and camaraderie will make every pickleball experience better.

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    16 mins
  • James Ignatowich Show #92 - Why You Should be the Best Player on The Pickleball Court 25% of the Time
    Dec 6 2024

    Welcome to Episode 92 of The James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks about how important it is to practice in pickleball and the significance of treating practice like a pickleball competition. He also discusses why you should be playing with both better and worse pickleball players so you can identify weaknesses AND improve your skills (you should be the best player on the court 25% of the time), the significance of treating practice like a competition, and the art of pickleball resetting and why Collin Johns is a great player to watch to learn resetting skills. Plus - learn more about James' upcoming pickleball coaching clinics and the value of learning from experienced players.

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    17 mins
  • James Ignatowich Show #91 - Master Your Pickleball Flick Shots (Plus, 007 Giveaway!)
    Nov 27 2024

    Welcome to Episode 91 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks pickleball strategy, focusing on improving your backhand and forehand flicks. Learn about the proper form, wrist and forearm strength, and the mental approach to executing these shots effectively. James is also giving away seven Selkirk LABS 007s! Plus, he will share his thoughts on the PPA Finals and a trip to Tokyo.

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    18 mins
  • James Ignatowich Show #90 - The Best Teams in Pickleball Will Be Righty-Lefty Combinations
    Nov 22 2024

    Welcome to Episode 90 of The James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James focuses on recent pickleball tournaments, and why, as the game evolves, the most successful pro teams will have a left-handed player. Plus, backhand techniques used by the pickleball pros, how the pro game is evolving, and team dynamics within MLP and PPA. He also talks about why practical pickleball strategy is the best strategy — and why you should focus on the significance of two-handed resets, the necessity of proper footwork for consistency, maintaining a stable base, and executing effective pickleball strategies.

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    19 mins
  • James Ignatowich Show #89 - The Best Way To Improve Your Pickleball Skills: Game Scenario Drilling
    Nov 14 2024

    Welcome to Episode 89 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James shares why it's so important to practice point-based drilling to improve your skills, why practicing like it's a game can prepare you better for competition, and how drive and drop drills mimic real game scenarios effectively. He also explains the differences between slice and topspin drops, and when to use each pickleball shot. James also talks about how different court surfaces can make or break your gameplay experience and his new favorite pickleball player: Maxwell Freeman.

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    19 mins
  • James Ignatowich Show #88 - The Newest Star of Pro Pickleball: Ryan Fu
    Nov 8 2024

    Welcome to Episode 88 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks about the recent Major League Pickleball (MLP) tournament in Miami, with some inside insight into the importance of coaching and team dynamics in competitive play — and the performance of pickleball player Ryan Fu, a rising star in the pro pickleball world. James also shares pickleball techniques and strategy: including why you should always volley in front of your body, tips for faster hands, and and simple strategies that build player confidence.

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    15 mins
  • James Ignatowich Show #87 - Maximizing Forehand Returns in Pickleball Doubles
    Oct 31 2024

    Welcome to Episode 87 of the James Ignatowich Show. In this episode, James talks about how important it is to find (and leverage) your strengths in pickleball — rather than focusing on your weaknesses. Plus, how your forehand shot can improve your game, including: some strategies for maximizing your forehand return, the advantages of playing on the left side of the court, effective dinking techniques to set up a forehand shot, and why anticipation and movement are important in executing a successful forehand.

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    15 mins