Topspin Tutorial: Ava Ignatowich

 

Ava Ignatowich breaks down the basics of topspin to help players understand how to generate it effectively and keep their shots in the court.

Key takeaways on topspin:

• The Concept: Topspin is simply the continuous forward rolling motion of the ball through the air (0:14-0:46). When it hits the court, this spin causes the ball to spring forward rather than dropping dead.
• Technique:
  • Use your wrist: Contrary to advice often given to beginners, Ignatowich emphasizes that creating topspin is a "wristy" movement. She suggests practicing rolling a ball against a wall with your paddle using only your wrist to get the feel (2:00-2:30, 4:08-4:32).
  • The "Wave" motion: Use a wave-like motion with your paddle mid-stroke to brush up on the back of the ball (2:31-3:15).
  • Paddle Angle: Your paddle should be slanted (approximately at a 45-degree angle) at the point of contact to properly brush over the ball (4:53-5:30).
  • The Finish: Always finish your swing over your shoulder to close the stroke, which helps the ball dip into the court (5:54-6:10).
• Backhand Application: For the two-handed backhand, hold the paddle with your non-dominant hand and focus on that same brushing motion to generate spin (7:24-8:45).

Why it matters: Learning topspin is a major game changer, as it provides reliability and control, especially in windy conditions or when trying to hit harder without hitting the ball out of the court (6:31-6:56). Ignatowich recommends consistent practice against a wall to master these mechanics.

How a small Chinese city became China's pickleball capital

 Hebi, a small prefecture-level city in Henan Province, China, has transformed into a national hub for pickleball.

Key Highlights:

• Rapid Adoption: Hebi has embraced the sport significantly, boasting around 300,000 regular players—roughly one in five residents—and nearly 1,600 courts (1:10-1:23). The city has implemented a "15-minute fitness circle," ensuring courts are within walking distance for residents (1:29-1:36).
• Economic Growth: The city is leveraging the sport to boost its economy. Beyond recreation, Hebi is a manufacturing center for pickleball equipment, with local companies like Gaye Sports exporting paddles globally (1:37-2:13).
• Tourism & Events: By hosting the China National Pickleball Championships (2024–2026), Hebi has seen a massive surge in tourism, with arrivals increasing by 395% and tourism revenue rising by 380% during event periods (2:43-3:33).
• Future Outlook: With eyes on potential Olympic inclusion for pickleball by 2032, Hebi is investing in the sport's longevity by integrating it into middle school physical education and launching youth training programs (3:35-3:54).

Overall, the city is using pickleball to drive local manufacturing, tourism, and public health, successfully positioning itself on the national and international stage (4:02-4:14).

Anna Bright: 3-person drilling

 

Anna Bright explains why 3-person drilling is an excellent, often overlooked way to improve your game and simulate real-world match intensity. Instead of cancelling a session when a fourth player drops out, she demonstrates how to use the court efficiently to build skills, consistency, and anticipation.

Key 3-Person Drilling Variations

• No Speed-ups (0:50 - 4:41): This drill focuses on dinking consistency and ball placement. By moving the ball around and avoiding the "chronic crosscourt" habit, you learn to keep opponents uncomfortable. Anna emphasizes that even in a no-speed-up drill, you should always take an ATP (Around The Post) or Ernie if the opportunity arises.
• Single-Player Speed-ups (4:43 - 6:44): In this version, the player training alone is the only one allowed to speed up the ball. This simulates realistic gameplay pressure, allowing you to work on decision-making, holds, and freezing opponents, while the other two players focus on countering and handling aggressive shots.
• Anything Goes (6:45 - 7:32): This is the most advanced variation where any player can speed up the ball from any position (off the bounce or out of the air). It forces you to maintain constant readiness to counter, replicating the fast-paced nature of competitive matches.

Takeaways

• Consistency is king: Even without speed-ups, you are getting high-quality touches that help you master court movement.
• Anticipation: These drills are designed to help you act as a "puppet master," directing the ball to keep opponents off-balance.
• Maximize your time: Don't view a 3-person court as a disappointment; use it as a tool to gain more touches and sharpen your mental game.

PPA Finals | San Clemente: Pool Play Day One Highlights

 

00:10 Lea Jansen vs Catherine Parenteau 3:03 Kate Fahey vs Liz Truluck 04:53 Christian Alshon vs Jack Sock 08:28 Hunter Johnson vs Roscoe Bellamy 12:49 Anna Leigh Waters & Ben Johns vs Tina Pisnik & Federico Staksrud 16:50 Anna Bright & Hayden Patriquin vs Jessie Irvine & Eric Oncins 20:50 Parris Todd & Rachel Rohrabacher vs Tina Pisnik & Lacy Schneeman 24:00 Anna Leigh Waters & Anna Bright vs Meghan Dizon & Alix Truong 26:39 Ben Johns & Gabriel Tardio vs Connor Garnett & Riley Newman 29:56 Hayden Patriquin & Christian Alshon vs Jaume Martinez Vich & Jay Devilliers

Vivian Glozman & Quang Duong: From PPA/MLP To APP

 

Will  Vivian Glozman & Quang Duong, two of the top PPA/MLP pro players in 2025, lose in the APP?

Anna Leigh Waters Singles Sunday Press Conference - Atlanta Open

 

3:48 Mindlessly Cracking Her Knuckles

Atlanta Press Conferences Playlist