The Path to Beating the Best in Pickleball
Pro player James Ignatowich shares insights on improving your game and toppling the sport's elite duo
James Ignatowich recently released a solo podcast episode packed with sharp strategic analysis of the sport. While much of the discussion dove deep into technical details, Ignatowich also provided thoughtful perspectives on the game's development and what it will take to defeat its undisputed top team: Ben Johns and Colin Johns.
- New Dad Adam Stone (0:36)
Unfortunately, Ignatowich's usual podcast co-host Adam Stone was unable to join him this time due to his child care responsibilities with his 6 month old son.
- Solving the Ben and Colin Puzzle (1:59)
When asked what it would take to consistently beat the sport's elite duo of Ben Johns and Colin Johns, Ignatowich emphasized the need for highly reliable offensive skills rather than sporadic moments of brilliance. In his view, the key lies in a left-sided player capable of threatening through a mix of third shot drops, quick resets, and sudden attacks off both wings. Such well-rounded excellence stands the best chance of finally cracking the Johns' formidable defense.
- Matt Wright's Formula (2:44)
According to Ignatowich, player Matt Wright came closest to solving the Ben and Colin riddle by relentlessly attacking Ben's backhand in their 2021-2022 matchups. However, Ben has since strengthened that weakness, highlighting his capacity for rapid improvement even from the top. This underscores why consistency is so vital - any holes left open risk getting patched.
- The Evolution of Pickleball (3:52)
In speculating about the future meta of professional men’s doubles, Ignatowich argues that rather than speeding up, matches will likely slow down. As more aspiring pros invest in full-time training, overall touch, control and consistency will reach new heights. Though players’ reaction speeds may plateau, their command of nuanced net play could progress considerably.
- The Policy of Positive Regression (8:17)
For amateur players struggling with their attack, Ignatowich advocates committing fully rather than getting stuck in no man's land. If opting to rip speed ups without carefully targeting placements, go for pure power - either aim small or miss big. According to Ignatowich, tentative aggression effectively wastes offensive opportunities.
- Dissecting the Counter (14:10)
Despite possessing some of the tour’s slickest counters, Ignatowich reveals he focused little on them in his early paddling days. He attributes his adept blocking to innate hand-eye coordination carried over from his junior tennis days. For those less naturally gifted, he recommends high-volume repetitions against randomized attacks to ingrain reactive volleying patterns.
- Who Can Dethrone the King? (18:47)
So when might Ben Johns finally relinquish his crown as pickleball’s undisputed ruler? Ignatowich believes only consistent tournament losses will compel Ben to address his few remaining weaknesses. With Ben rarely losing lately, we’ve yet to witness his ceiling. Until a new crop of challengers emerge to repeatedly take down Ben on the big stage, his reign may persist for years still.
- Not So Fast (22:28)
In a spicy hot take, Ignatowich pumps the brakes on the popular narrative of ex-tennis pros immediately conquering pickleball’s top ranks. He argues that the extreme skill differential from top 5 to merely top 50 means practice alone cannot bridge the divide - newcomers require high-stakes tournament reps against the elite. Until these essential battles commence en masse, existing title contenders likely aren’t going anywhere soon.
- Secret Music Shame (25:30)
In a quick aside near the end, a sheepish Ignatowich acknowledges harmlessly amusing opinions may not prove universal. Though offering a self-deprecating anecdote regarding his affinity for pop star Olivia Rodrigo’s catalog, he promptly pivots back to pickleball before elaborating further.
Summary:
With regular podcast co-host Adam Stone unavailable, James Ignatowich delivered an impromptu solo episode packed with strategic insights on professional pickleball. He discussed what it will take to defeat the dominant duo of Ben Johns and Colin Johns, evaluated the direction of the sport's meta at the highest levels, and shared helpful advice for amateur players seeking to improve their attacking and countering skills.
Regarding toppling Ben and Collin Johns, Ignatowich argued only consistent precision offense can penetrate their defense. Matt Wright discovered temporary success attacking Ben's backhand, but Ben soon shored up that weakness. As the world #1 continues improving despite barely losing lately, Ignatowich believes defeating him requires matching his well-rounded excellence rather than relying on sporadic blistering shots. He suggests the current crop of top challengers likely don't possess the diversity of threats in their arsenal to consistently unsettle Ben.
In terms of the sport's evolution, Ignatowich predicts increased training density will slowly transform the professional meta. As more nuanced touch and control enters the game through enhanced repetition, matches may gradually slow down rather than speed up. Reaction speeds will plateau, but drop shot and reset consistency could scale new heights thanks to full-time player investment.
For amateur players seeking more effective attacking, Ignatowich endorses committing fully to rip speed ups rather than getting handcuffed in between. Aggression should either aim small for placements or miss big by maximizing power - tentative shots attempting both lack upside. On developing counters, Ignatowich credits his innate body control for his volleying prowess rather than deliberate practice. For others less naturally adept, random ball drills can ingrain reactive blocking to sharpen counters.
Finally, Ignatowich pump fakes popular narratives of ex-tennis players imminently conquering pickleball's top ranks. He cites extreme skill disparities from the top 5 to merely top 50 as barriers not quickly overcome. True bridging of this divide requires ample tournament repetitions against the elite - practice alone cannot simulate the competitive rigor critical for advancement. Until waves of newcomers complete this trial by fire, existing champions likely aren't disappearing soon.
With his signature blend of nuance and conviction, James Ignatowich provides a compelling vision for the future trajectory of professional pickleball. Both newcomers and veterans alike stand to gain insight from his strategic perspectives. If the sport’s development indeed aligns with Ignatowich’s projections, high-level play may prove even more fascinating than it already stands today.
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