Claim OwnershipThe James Ignatowich Pickleball Show
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Dive into the exhilarating world of pickleball with host and professional player James Ignatowich! Stay updated on the latest news, events, and happenings on the PPA Tour and within Major League Pickleball. Each episode features an exclusive interview with a fellow pickleball pro, providing unique insights and tips from the experts themselves. Tune in to The James Ignatowich Show for all things pickleball, from thrilling match analysis to insider perspectives, and join the conversation with one of the sport's rising stars.
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After three years and over 100 episodes, James Ignatowich signs off with his final podcast episode. In this farewell, James breaks down the shots that defined his game — from the two-handed backhand dink that’s become his signature, to the power serve and backhand flick that set him apart on tour. He dives into technique, mindset, and footwork details that players of all levels can apply immediately, while also reflecting on the evolution of the show and what he’s learned about coaching through this journey. Whether you’re here for strategy tips or to celebrate the end of an era, this episode is packed with insight and personality. 📌 Highlights include: Why the two-handed backhand dink demands full-body movementThe leg mechanics that separate great dinks from inconsistent onesHow James developed his aggressive serve philosophyAdvanced tips for mastering the backhand flickGratitude for Selkirk and the fans who supported the show
In this episode of The James Ignatowich Show, James completely reframes how you should think about the return of serve in pickleball. Forget the old “just get it back” advice—today’s game rewards intentional, aggressive, and strategic returns. Here’s what you’ll learn: The modern philosophy of the return — why pros are missing more returns (and why that’s OK)How to target specific sides and weaknesses to force tougher third shotsUsing deep returns to force drives, and short, low returns to force dropsWhy high cross-court returns can give you the time you need to get established at the kitchenMiddle confusion tactics against certain doubles setupsThird shot tips: the “bunt” drop, cross-court drives, lob setups, and why foot positioning matters If you want to dictate the point before it really begins, this episode is packed with pro-level tactics you can start using today.
In this episode of The James Ignatowich Show, James gets fired up over one of the most misunderstood topics in pickleball: paddle delamination. Think your paddle is delaminated? Think again. James breaks down: What delamination really is (and why it’s almost never the case)What’s actually happening inside your paddle (hint: core crush)The real difference between delamination, core compression, and despondingWhy his paddles (especially Self-Curve ones) don’t suffer from these issues Plus, a high-level strategy segment on how running through your return of serve will level up your game—and why chaos is your best friend on the court.
Do carbon fiber erasers actually preserve paddle grit—or is it just marketing hype? James breaks down the real science behind how and why your paddle loses grit over time—and why erasers can help (if used correctly). He also dives into crossbody speed-ups, why heat affects power, and how your serve toss might be holding you back. 📌 Topics Covered: Do paddle erasers work? The truth about debris and gritWhy spray-on grit paddles need different careHow crossbody attacks jam your opponentsThe legal paddle hack for more power: sun heatingServe toss tips to improve power and depth
In this episode, James breaks down the fundamentals of court positioning, transitional movement, and how proximity to your partner changes based on where you are on the court. Whether you’re at the baseline, midcourt, or kitchen line—your spacing strategy matters more than you think. 🔥 Learn: How close you should be at the kitchen lineWhy the court “shrinks” when you're both upThe biggest mistake when defending from the baselineWhere to drop your shot to avoid killing your partnerWhy reading slice vs topspin changes everything
In Episode 113 of The James Ignatowich Show, James breaks down one of the most misunderstood aspects of pickleball: how to be aggressive in the transition zone 📝 Learn: When to swing and when to resetWhy attacking cross-court can be the smarter playThe biggest body language cue for dodging out ballsWhy most people defend the wrong sideAnd how throwing a frisbee can improve your backhand flick
In Episode 112 of The James Ignatowich Show, James breaks down the most overlooked—but absolutely critical—part of your pickleball game: the return of serve. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced player, this episode dives into:✅ Why deep and consistent returns matter more than ever🔁 How to mix in short slice and high cross-court returns to gain time and disrupt rhythm🧠 When a lob return actually makes sense (yes, really)🎯 How to target the middle to create confusion—especially against righty-lefty teams💥 The myths of cross-court attacks—and how pros really use them🧍♂️ Why you keep getting hit... and how to stop getting baggedJames also shares a few entertaining anecdotes—from attacking his own student Max Freeman, to giving props to the ducking master himself, Quang Duong.
Welcome to Episode 111 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James discusses the idea of "dwell time" in pickleball, explaining its significance in paddle control and shot execution. He explains how dwell time affects the pickleball player's ability to generate spin and control the ball, emphasizing the importance of paddle thickness and core material. He also shares his strategies for executing offensive and defensive lobs, including the differences in technique and approach for each type of lob, and the importance of using topspin and height effectively.
Welcome to Episode 110 of the James Ignatowich show. In this episode, James discusses the evolution of pickleball, both on the rec level and professional pickleball, and how to stay present and focused while maintaining your composure during competitive pickleball games. He also discusses the technical aspects of serving and how you can improve your serve by learning the science behind pickleball paddle technology. James also highlights the significance of arm relaxation and leg positioning in achieving a powerful and consistent serve.
Welcome to Episode 109 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James shares his thoughts on tungsten tape vs. lead tape on pickleball paddles. He explains how the weight distribution of the tape affects paddle performance, including power, swing weight, and twist weight. James also shares his thoughts on customizing paddle weight for different playing styles and compares elongated and wide body paddles. Understanding paddle dynamics is an important (and underrated) part of becoming a better pickleball player.
Welcome to Episode 108 of the James Ignatowich Show. In this episode, James shares his recent experiences at pickleball tournaments, including detailed information on his strategies for playing against powerful and talented professional players (like Collin Johns), why pickleball paddle power is so important in competitive games, and the importance of sticking to your pickleball fundamentals. He also shares his thoughts on pickleball coaching and how pickleball equipment has been evolving over the years.
Welcome to Episode 106 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James discusses the importance of pickleball paddle grip pressure, including his personal preferences for grip levels for different shots. He also talks about the recent controversy surrounding tournament conditions at Major League Pickleball (MLP), especially the lighting issues that led to pickleball pros Ben and Collin Johns to pull out of MLP Columbus. Plus, his thoughts on the current state of pro pickleball, how to increase viewer engagement, and make the sport more enjoyable to watch.
Welcome to Episode 105 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks about how to play pickleball when it's windy out, including the importance of adjusting techniques such as the lob, drive, and footwork. Playing in the wind requires very specific strategies, but there are ways to make it work in your favor. He also shares his thoughts on the recent withdrawal of professional players from Major League Pickleball (MLP) Columbus due to concerns over court conditions and safety.
Welcome to Episode 104 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James discusses wrist motion for the different pickleball shots, including dinks, drops, drives, attacks, and even your serve. Plus, how to achieve topspin without excessive wrist motion. James will also teach you the importance of pickleball body positioning during volleys and counters, especially a lower stance so you can improve your shot advocacy.
Welcome to Episode 103 of the James Ignatowich Show. In this episode, James shares his expertise on partner movement in pickleball, including the seesaw concept in paddle height, how to move with your partner at the kitchen line, dynamics in the transition zone, and the importance of an ATP defense. He also explores the differences between elongated and wide-body pickleball paddles and the advantages and disadvantages for players at various skill levels.
Welcome to Episode 102 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James talks about the evolution of pickleball paddle technology, specifically the change from honeycomb cores to foam cores. James discusses which technology is better, which one will last longer, and which one feels better? He also talks about PickleRoll surfaces and how they can be beneficial to grow the game of pickleball, but why they may not be ready for the pro game. James then focuses on pickleball strategy, and how you can improve your hands battles, speed ups, and slice dinks.
Top pickleball pro James Ignatowich argues that playing singles can improve a player's performance in doubles pickleball. James also recaps his good performance at the PPA Red Rock Open and his partnership with Hurricane Tyra Black, emphasizing the importance of serving and returning with pace, the dynamics of court positioning, and the significance of communication between partners. James also reveals new strategies for high-level Mixed Doubles and how YOU should be covering the middle.
Welcome to Episode 100 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James shares some of his strategies for improving pickleball performance, including how to understand your opponent's weaknesses, effective driving techniques, and the role of the third shot lob. He also shares how driving the ball to the middle can create confusion for your opponents, his favorite pickleball drills, and why pickleball coaching can significantly improve your player performance.
Welcome to Episode 99 of the James Ignatowich Show! In this episode, James discusses the new headshot rule implemented by the PPA Tour and how it will hopefully protect players in the future. The pickleball rule will be determined based on intent, and players will be fined for targeting other players. James also discusses strategies for mixing up your serves and returns in pickleball, especially in rec pickleball — even if the pros tend to stick to one type of serve. He also shares why it's important to adapt your pickleball techniques based on different skill levels, why you should understand that the geometry of the pickleball court is crucial for effective play, and how practicing control over pickleball paddle movement can improve your accuracy.
Welcome to Episode 98 of The James Ignatowich Show. In this episode, James discusses changes in pickleball strategy, especially at the pro level, including positioning in the transition zone, how to effectively cover the middle during speedups, and his techniques for forehand shots. James also shares why you should maintain the same distance from the ball as your partner, a new approach to handling speedups that come from the middle, and his techniques for forehand shots to enhance consistency and control.
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