JAMES IGNATOWICH: Two-Hand Backhand Cross-Court Dink with Side-Spin

Two-Handed Backhand Dinking: Unlocking Aggressive Play

Introduction

In pickleball, mastering dinks is critical for success. While one-handed dinks allow for control, two-handed backhand dinks open up more aggressive options. In this video, a 4.0 pickleball player works with a pro James Ignatowich to develop his two-handed backhand dink technique. Ignatowich provides guidance on grip, ball contact point, spin, and strategy for maximizing this shot.

Key Points

• There are two main types of dinks - "dead" dinks for resets and aggressive dinks for offense. Dead dinks can be hit slightly higher over the net with more margin. Aggressive dinks are hit lower over the net and can be placed deeper.
• For two-handed backhand dinks, the left hand provides most of the power and control. The right hand offers support. Start by practicing strokes with just the left hand to develop confidence.
• On two-handed backhand dinks, the key is covering the left side of the ball with the left hand to impart side-spin. This is different than normal backhand dinking where you get under the ball for topspin. The side-spin creates a biting action that's tough to return.
• Mastering two-handed backhand dinks opens up the court, especially down the sideline. Since many players at the 4.0 level don't have effective backhand ATPs, these dinks can really put opponents on their heels.
• While top pros like Ben Johns succeed with one-handed backhands, the two-handed grip provides additional options for aggression on backhand dinks. The player should practice both but use the two-hander when looking to attack.

Practice Session

The player starts off working on his two-handed grip. Ignatowich emphasizes keeping the left hand locked into the paddle and letting the right hand provide support. At first the player hits the dinks too high over the net, allowing them to be attacked. After a few tries, the player starts making solid contact on the left side of the ball, creating heavy side-spin.

Ignatowich reinforces that the player needs to resist the habit of getting too far under the ball like on a topspin dink. The key is driving through the left side of the ball with the shoulders to impart side-spin. When the player connects correctly, Ignatowich struggles to even return the biting dinks.

After some good repetitions, the player begins popping the dink back up. Ignatowich reminds him to stay shoulder driven and hit the left side of the ball. The last dink of the session has perfect side-spin and lands right at the coach's feet.

Conclusion

Adding a two-handed backhand dink opens up opportunities for aggression, especially down the sideline or behind a poaching partner. While top players can succeed with one-handed dinks, the two-handed grip provides additional options. By continuing to practice this technique and focusing on the proper contact point, the player unlocks the ability to attack with his backhand dink. Mastering this shot will raise the player's game to the next level.