SLICING IS BAD!? | Pickleball Slice vs.Topspin

James Ignatowich

Top 5 Pro player James Ignatowich

Hey guys, this is James Ignatowich, now we are going to talk about when to put two hands on the backhand. Where I always put two hands on the backhand is my return of serve.

If you try to go over the ball with a one-handed backhand on the return of serve, it’s going to be increasingly more difficult the harder the serve gets. And you can be sure that the serve is getting pretty powerful these days. If you try to put a one-handed backhand on your return of serve, you’re probably going to be in a tough spot.

Why You Shouldn’t Slice the Return

Also, I generally teach to not slice the return of serve—because your slice is my Top Spin. And again, there are no strings on the pickleball paddle, so any spin that our opponent is giving us is very important as it relates to our own shot.

At the higher levels, I definitely do not teach a return with slice. I think you can get away with a slice return of serve below the 4.5 level, but in general—especially if you’re planning on getting better—I would say a two-handed backhand return is important.

Top Spin and Stability with the Left Hand

You’re getting a little bit of Top Spin with two hands, but also the left hand helps you come through the ball. Because on the return, you are actively moving through the shot.

The return of serve is the only shot in pickleball where you are basically required to run through it as you hit it. And that left hand on the backhand makes all the difference for stability in that situation.

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James Ignatowich is a top 10 professional pickleball player originally from Connecticut, now residing in Delray Beach, Florida. A former Division 1 tennis player at Vanderbilt University, James made a transition to pickleball, quickly rising to prominence in the sport and often playing doubles with Tyson McGuffin and Anna Bright. In addition to his athletic achievements, he runs his own podcast, where he shares insights into the game and interviews other professionals. jamesignatowichnewsletter | PPA | MLP | My paddle