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.

Will Teens DOMINATE Pro Pickleball?!

 

Juniors All-Stars — a squad of four unbelievably talented 12–15 year-olds — take on the seasoned pros of the Bay Area Breakers.

7 EASY Steps to a Powerful & Consistent Pickleball Serve

 

0:00 7 Tips For POWERFUL Serves 0:45 Step 1 1:48 Step 2 2:12 Step 3 3:02 Step 4 4:56 Step 5 6:20 Step 6 7:03 Step 7 8:07 BONUS TIP!

Power, Spin, and Control: The Seven Steps to a Stronger Pickleball Serve

How Troy Akin breaks down the perfect serve into simple, repeatable moves.

In his energetic instructional video “7 EASY Steps to a Powerful & Consistent Pickleball Serve,” coach Troy Akin shows how to transform a hesitant serve into a confident, attacking shot. Drawing from his years of competitive play and teaching, Akin dissects the motion into seven clear, body-driven steps — with a bonus tip inspired by pro players like Anna Leigh Waters. His approach blends athletic efficiency with accessible teaching, making it appealing to players of all skill levels.

---

0:00 — 7 Tips for Powerful Serves

• Akin opens with enthusiasm, promising to take players’ serves from “this to this.”

• Emphasizes the difference between pros and recreational players: pros serve with power and control.

• Frames the lesson as “seven easy steps” to add velocity, topspin, and depth.

Akin sets the tone like a coach in motion — equal parts motivator and mechanic. His focus isn’t just strength but efficiency: using the whole body to generate controlled power. The serve, he insists, sets up the tone for every rally. Winning points begins before the ball crosses the net.

---

0:45 — Step 1: The Closed Stance

• Players should adopt a low, wide, closed stance for stability.

• Closed stance lets you “sit into your legs” and prepare to use your whole body.

• Visual tip: think of the paddle as a “flashlight” pointing behind you.

The closed stance gives a foundation for explosive energy. Akin’s “flashlight” metaphor makes mechanics visual and memorable — helping players align their paddle correctly and prepare for a fluid swing. Balance first, power second.

---

1:48 — Step 2: Load the Back Leg

• “Coil” on the back leg like a spring.

• Maintain an athletic crouch for maximum drive.

• Push off that back leg to launch power forward.

Akin’s athletic background shows in this step. Power begins from the ground up; the legs are the engine. The message: don’t arm the serve — body it.

---

2:12 — Step 3: Fire the Front Hip

• The front hip and back leg must move together.

• The hip “fires” forward to rotate the body through the serve.

• Compares the motion to Tiger Woods’ golf swing.

This section highlights the magic of kinetic sequencing — one movement flows into the next. Like a golfer’s drive, the serve’s power doesn’t depend on size or strength but on timing. Even before swinging, energy builds from the body’s rotation.

---

3:02 — Step 4: Make Contact in Front

• Drop or toss the ball a foot in front of the body.

• Strike the ball squarely with the paddle face.

• Avoid hitting too early (left miss) or too late (right miss).

The precision of contact defines success. Akin urges players to reach forward — attacking the ball, not waiting for it. This forward contact naturally adds topspin and depth, creating that “heavy” serve that wins free points.

---

4:56 — Step 5: Snap the Wrist

• Combine arm drive with wrist snap for maximum speed.

• Synchronize both movements for clean timing.

• Cites Ben Johns as an example of perfect rhythm and spin.

This step blends art and science. The wrist snap is where power meets finesse. It’s the difference between a fast, flat serve and one that dips into the court like a whip crack.

---

6:20 — Step 6: Finish the Swing

• Complete the follow-through across your body to your opposite shoulder.

• Don’t stop halfway — finish high and full.

• A full finish delivers full power.

The follow-through is a visual flourish — a sign of confidence. Akin warns against “halfway” serves that waste energy. Completion, in form and focus, is what defines a pro-level shot.

---

7:03 — Step 7: Step Into It

• Step forward legally with one or two steps for extra momentum.

• Use body weight to add “a little extra sauce.”

• Mentions pros like Anna Leigh Waters and Caitlin Christian who walk into their serves.

The final physical tip marries rhythm and power. The walk-up serve transforms static energy into forward momentum — a dance step that adds speed without stress.

---

8:07 — BONUS TIP: Bring It All Together

• Master all seven steps for greater velocity, topspin, and depth.

• The payoff: more control, more confidence, more wins.

• Encourages viewers to comment and subscribe for future lessons.

Akin closes like a modern coach — upbeat, engaging, and community-minded. The real lesson? The serve is more than mechanics. It’s rhythm, confidence, and connection — the art of starting strong.

---

Summary

Troy Akin’s seven-step system breaks down what elite players often make look effortless. His method turns the serve into a coordinated chain of motion — stance, load, rotation, contact, snap, and finish — all fueled by rhythm and timing. By mastering these fundamentals, any player can serve with power and consistency, transforming one of pickleball’s simplest shots into one of its greatest weapons.

---

Step-by-Step Guide

7 EASY Steps to a Powerful & Consistent Pickleball Serve

1. Start in a Closed Stance
   Stand low and balanced. Keep your front foot angled slightly inward. (~2 minutes)

2. Hold the Paddle Like a Flashlight
   Point the butt of the paddle behind you — this sets up your swing path.

3. Load Your Back Leg
   Bend your knees. Feel the weight in your back leg before swinging.

4. Fire Your Front Hip
   Rotate your hips forward as you push off your back foot. Avoid stiff upper body. (~5 minutes)

5. Toss the Ball a Foot in Front
   Contact out in front of your body for topspin and depth.
   Tip: Too close = weak serve; too far = mishit.

6. Snap Your Wrist
   Add pop by snapping your wrist as your arm extends.
   Practice 10 slow reps to find the timing.

7. Finish Your Swing
   Let the paddle follow through across your opposite shoulder. (~3 minutes)

8. Step Into the Serve
   Add one or two steps for natural power. Stay smooth — no rushing.

9. Stay Relaxed
   Tension kills power. Breathe before each serve.

10. Repeat Consistently
    Practice all steps together, then slow them down. Master rhythm before speed.

---

Song: “Serve It Right”

(Upbeat, 1960s folk-jazz swing — cheerful and instructive)

Lyrics

Verse 1
Start with your stance, feel low and wide,
Close those toes, let your balance decide.
Flashlight paddle, shining bright,
Point it back — you’re ready to ignite.

Chorus
Serve it right, let it fly tonight,
From your legs to your hips, make it feel just right.
Load that spring and let it go,
Topspin rolling, watch it flow.

Verse 2
Bend that knee, fire that hip,
Watch your rhythm take the trip.
Hit out front, a foot or so,
Square that paddle, let it show.

Chorus
Serve it right, let it fly tonight,
From your legs to your hips, make it feel just right.
Snap that wrist and finish high,
Swing it smooth and kiss the sky.

Bridge
Step on up, take that stride,
Like Anna Leigh, full of pride.
Two-step, one-step, feel the beat,
Power and grace — your serve’s complete.

Final Chorus
Serve it right, oh serve it bright,
Every motion shining light.
Seven steps and one more too,
You’ll win your serve — the point’s on you!

---

Instrumentation & Arrangement

Verses: Acoustic guitar + upright bass + light brushed snare; solo vocal.
Chorus: Add piano comping and three-part harmony (male/female mix).
Bridge: Add muted trumpet and walking bass for a jazzy lift.
Final Chorus: Full ensemble with claps and group harmonies for a joyful close.

---

How the Song Was Created

“Serve It Right” was composed to mirror Troy Akin’s teaching rhythm — each lyrical line corresponds to one of the seven serve steps. The songwriting structure follows a folk-jazz format: 4/4 swing rhythm, AABA verse-chorus form, and internal rhyme for flow (“fly tonight / feel just right”). The lyrics emphasize movement verbs — bend, fire, snap, swing — to make physical instructions musical.

Instrumentation choices blend acoustic warmth (folk guitar) with playful jazz textures (upright bass, brushed drums, muted trumpet). The vocal arrangement reflects community — solo instruction in verses, shared encouragement in choruses. This design invites players to sing along, reinforcing memory through rhythm and rhyme.

The bridge references pro players like Anna Leigh Waters, grounding the tune in real pickleball culture. The melody’s tempo (around 110 BPM) allows listeners to tap their foot or even mimic the motion of a serve in time with the song. For senior and youth players alike, it turns learning into light exercise — music as movement memory.

---

Quiz

Test your knowledge from “7 Easy Steps to a Powerful & Consistent Pickleball Serve.”

1. What stance does Troy Akin recommend for serving?
   a) Open stance
   b) Closed stance
   c) Parallel stance
   d) Split stance

2. What does Akin compare the paddle position to in Step 1?
   a) A hammer
   b) A flashlight
   c) A golf club
   d) A mirror

3. Where should most of your weight be before swinging?
   a) On your front foot
   b) Evenly balanced
   c) On your back leg
   d) On your toes

4. Which professional does Akin cite when describing perfect timing?
   a) Tyson McGuffin
   b) Ben Johns
   c) James Ignatowich
   d) Anna Leigh Waters

5. When making contact, where should the ball be relative to your body?
   a) Directly overhead
   b) A foot in front
   c) Behind your front leg
   d) On the sideline

6. What motion helps create topspin on the serve?
   a) Snapping the wrist
   b) Holding the paddle still
   c) Tossing higher
   d) Jumping into the serve

7. What mistake does Akin say reduces power?
   a) Finishing too high
   b) Overstepping
   c) Stopping halfway through the swing
   d) Using a closed paddle face

8. What is the final “cherry on top” step?
   a) Bending knees deeper
   b) Adding a step into the serve
   c) Changing grip mid-swing
   d) Shorter toss

9. Who does Akin mention as pros who walk into their serves?
   a) Anna Leigh Waters and Caitlin Christian
   b) Ben Johns and Riley Newman
   c) Jessie Irvine and Lea Jansen
   d) James and Anna Bright

10. What overall benefit do the seven steps provide?
    a) Better dinks
    b) Greater power, spin, and depth
    c) Faster footwork
    d) More lobs and volleys

---

Answer Key

1-B
2-B
3-C
4-B
5-B
6-A
7-C
8-B
9-A
10-B

Pickleball Serves with Leigh and Anna Leigh Waters

  

Serve and Swing: Lessons from Team Waters on Pickleball’s First Shot

How small rules, steady routines and simple variation turn an underhand serve into an advantage.

Introduction
Pickleball’s opening act is often understated — an underhand motion, a short bounce, a simple toss. Yet in a brief coaching clip by Team Waters, Anna Leigh Waters and Leigh Waters distill the serve into a compact playbook: the rules that govern it, the mechanics that stabilize it and the tactical choices that make it a weapon. The following feature synthesizes their advice into clear, actionable guidance for players who want a dependable serve and — when ready — the variety to keep opponents guessing.

0:00 — Pickleball Serves

• Serves in pickleball are underhand only.

• Two legal ways: volley serve (hit from the volley) or drop/bounce serve.

• Contact rules: paddle head below wrist; strike below belly button.

• Position: behind baseline, between center line and sideline at contact.
  Team Waters opens the clip by laying out the absolute scaffolding of the serve: the shot begins and is contained by specific rules that govern where and how you may strike the ball. Those constraints — underhand motion, paddle angle, height of contact and court position — may sound limiting, but they create a consistent framework within which players can develop reliable mechanics and plan tactics. Once the ball has been struck and contact is complete, the player is free to step into the court and follow the point wherever it leads.

0:23 — Team Waters Introductions

• Anna Leigh and Leigh Waters identify themselves as USA Pickleball national champions.

• The advice comes from elite competitive experience.

• Tone: instructional, practical, and grounded in tournament play.
  The brief introduction is a reminder that the guidance comes from top-level practitioners. Anna Leigh and Leigh’s championship background gives the instructions competitive weight; their emphasis is not on flashy trickery but on repeatable motions and small tactical edges that matter under tournament pressure. Their voice matters because their successful outcomes did not come from gimmicks but from disciplined fundamentals.

1:15 — Technique

• Use a pre-serve routine: bounce or paddle taps for timing.

• Swing like a pendulum from the shoulder; avoid wrist or elbow flicks.

• Give yourself a consistent toss or drop; lift before releasing on a volley serve.

• For a drop serve: release from comfortable height, arm slightly forward toward paddle side for higher bounce.
  Technique, the Waters note, is the engine of reliability. A simple routine calms timing. The ideal swing is loose and shoulder-driven — a pendulum motion that travels through contact rather than snapping at the wrist or hinging at the elbow. Consistency in the toss or drop sets the stage: a volley serve needs a lift before release; a drop serve should come from a height and position that gives the ball the best bounce. These small motions — repeated — convert random serves into dependable starts.

3:04 — Mix It Up

• Primary target: opponent’s backhand, served deep.

• Aim two to three feet inside baseline rather than right at the line.

• Factor wind when outdoors.

• Develop one consistent serve first; then add driving, lob, inside-out and out-wide serves.
  Targeting and variation are a paired strategy. As a default, the Waters recommend serving deep into an opponent’s backhand to push them off the line and invite weaker returns, but with a practical margin: aim a couple of feet inside the line to reduce error. Outdoor players should account for wind. Once a player has one consistent serve, the real gain comes from variety — mixing deep backhands with driving serves, lobs, inside-out and wide placements to keep the returner off balance.

Summary

• The serve is governed by precise rules but offers tactical leverage.

• Routine, shoulder-driven mechanics, and a consistent toss are the pillars of a reliable serve.

• Tactical targeting plus controlled variation produce defensive and offensive advantage.
  Team Waters’ short lesson repackages pickleball’s opening shot as a study in constraint and creativity. The serve is bounded by rules — underhand motion, low contact height, a fixed hitting zone — which paradoxically free players to focus on rhythm, body mechanics and placement. Begin with a routine and a shoulder-led pendulum swing, stabilize your toss or drop, and aim deep to the opponent’s backhand with a modest safety margin. When that base exists, introduce variation: driving serves, lobs and wide angles become ways to control the point rather than panic-inducing gambits. The result is a pragmatic progression from basic competence to tactical versatility.

Team Waters: Seven Serve Secrets 

Introduction
A dependable serve sets the tone for every pickleball point. Anna Leigh and Leigh Waters break the serve into seven simple techniques and strategies that any player can practice. These steps focus on rhythm, body mechanics, placement and smart variation — small changes that yield big results.

1. Pre-serve routine

• Short action: find a repeatable ritual (bounce the ball 2–4 times or tap the paddle).

• Why: stabilizes timing and calms nerves before each serve.

2. Stay loose — shoulder-driven swing

• Short action: swing like a pendulum from the shoulder; avoid wrist flicks or elbow snaps.

• Why: a fluid shoulder motion produces a consistent, reliable contact.

3. Use a consistent toss or drop

• Short action: for a volley serve lift briefly before release; for a drop serve release from a comfortable height slightly ahead of your body.

• Why: a repeatable toss yields a predictable bounce and cleaner contacts.

4. Aim deep to the opponent’s backhand

• Short action: target the backhand side about 2–3 feet inside the baseline.

• Why: pushes opponents back and often elicits weaker returns.

5. Factor in wind (outdoor adjustment)

• Short action: test a few trial serves and adjust aim slightly more inside on windy days.

• Why: wind alters flight and bounce; early adjustments reduce errors.

6. Watch the ball through contact

• Short action: keep your eyes on the ball until the moment it meets the paddle.

• Why: improved focus increases accuracy and reduces mishits.

7. Mix up your serves once you’re consistent

• Short action: after mastering one reliable serve, add one new type (drive, lob, inside-out, or wide).

• Why: variation keeps returners off balance and turns a good serve into a tactical weapon.

Summary
Start with a steady routine and a shoulder-led pendulum swing. Build a reliable toss or drop, aim with a modest safety margin to the opponent’s backhand, and adjust for wind. Watch the ball through contact and, when ready, add one new serve at a time. Together these seven habits convert a basic underhand motion into a repeatable advantage. 

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Bounce the ball 3 times before you serve.

   • Action: Find a steady rhythm with three bounces.

   • Tip: Keep breaths slow.

   • Time: ~10–15 seconds.

2. Stand behind the baseline, between center and sideline.

   • Action: Place both feet behind the line in the legal zone.

   • Tip: Check feet position before every serve.

   • Time: ~5 seconds.

3. Hold paddle so the head is below your wrist at contact.

   • Action: Position paddle low when you prepare to hit.

   • Tip: Practice in front of a mirror.

   • Time: ~2 minutes practice.

4. Use a pendulum shoulder swing — do not snap the wrist.

   • Action: Move the arm from the shoulder through contact.

   • Tip: Move slowly at first to build form.

   • Time: ~5–10 minutes drill.

5. Choose volley or drop serve and practice each toss.

   • Action: For volley, lift the ball; for drop, release ahead from comfortable height.

   • Tip: For drop serve, keep the arm slightly forward toward paddle side.

   • Time: ~10 minutes per serve type.

6. Aim toward opponent’s backhand, about 2–3 feet inside the baseline.

   • Action: Target a point inside the baseline on their backhand side.

   • Pitfall: Don’t aim directly on the line; errors increase.

   • Time: ~5 minutes practice.

7. Watch the ball through contact every time.

   • Action: Keep your eyes on the ball as it meets the paddle.

   • Tip: Focus on the exact moment of contact.

   • Time: Continuous.

8. Factor wind: aim slightly more inside on windy days.

   • Action: Take a few test serves to judge wind.

   • Tip: Adjust aim after two or three test hits.

   • Time: ~5 minutes.

9. Perfect one consistent serve first.

   • Action: Repeat until you reach stable accuracy.

   • Tip: Aim for 8 out of 10 successful serves before adding new types.

   • Time: ~15–30 minutes.

10. Add one new serve type (drive, lob, inside-out or wide).

    • Action: Practice the new serve slowly, then add speed.

    • Tip: Introduce variety gradually — don’t overload.

    • Time: ~10–20 minutes.

11. Mix serves in practice sets (3–5 serves per set).

    • Action: Randomize serve order to simulate match stress.

    • Tip: Use a partner to return or a target box to measure accuracy.

    • Time: ~15 minutes.

12. After practice, rest and review what felt stable.

    • Action: Note one thing to improve next time.

    • Tip: Keep a short practice log.

    • Time: ~5 minutes.

---

Song: “Below the Belly, Above the Line”

(Approx. 320 words; upbeat — 1960s folk/jazz with a 90’s rap vibe)

Verse 1
Hey, it’s Stacy on the mic, we’re learning how to serve,
Anna Leigh and Leigh say steady hands deserve
A little gentle rhythm — underhand, don’t swerve,
Paddle low, belly-button rule, that’s the curve.
Bounce three times, tap the wood, find your tempo, find your beat,
Behind the baseline you position both your feet.
Paddle head below the wrist when you meet the ball,
A shoulder-pendulum swing — steady through it all.

Chorus
Serve it deep, send it back to the weak-side hand,
Two, three feet from the line — give your margin, take your stand.
Mix it up, make ’em guess — drive, lob, inside-out wide,
Watch the ball, mind the wind, step into the rally with pride.

Verse 2 (rap-styled)
Drop or volley, lift before you go, that’s the plan — yo, listen close,
If you drop it too low, you lose height on the toast.
Arm ahead, paddle-side, give the bounce the most,
Serve into the backhand, make returns a ghost.
Loose in the shoulder, not a flick of the wrist,
Practice the same routine — rhythm’s what you missed.
Anna Leigh’s a champion — the lesson’s crisp,
Play by the rules, then bend ’em with a twist.

Bridge (spoken / jazz swing)
We’re not chasing flash, we’re making steady work,
One reliable serve, then add the perks.
Factor wind, aim inside the line, keep calm like a lark,
From baseline to court — light in the dark.

Chorus (repeat, with harmony)
Serve it deep, send it back to the weak-side hand,
Two, three feet from the line — give your margin, take your stand.
Mix it up, make ’em guess — drive, lob, inside-out wide,
Watch the ball, mind the wind, step into the rally with pride.

Outro (folk swing)
Team Waters taught the rule: be steady and be fine,
Underhand, below the belly, above the line.

Instrumentation & Vocal Arrangement Guidance

• Verses: Acoustic guitar (strummed), upright bass walking pattern, soft brushed snare. Solo lead vocal with light spoken-rap phrasing in Verse 2; occasional single-line harmony echoes.

• Bridge: Sparse piano comping, upright bass, soft cymbal brushes; spoken lead vocal with light backing “ooh”s from two-part harmony.

• Chorus: Full band (acoustic guitar + upright bass + brushed snare + soft brass hits); 3-part harmony on the final lines of the chorus for lift and clarity.

How the Song Was Created

The song was constructed to blend two stylistic impulses: 1960s folk-jazz storytelling and the rhythmic punch of 1990s rap. Formally, the piece follows a verse-chorus-verse-bridge-chorus structure with an outro — a familiar map that supports both narrative explanation and repeated practical advice. The rhyme scheme mixes couplets and alternating lines (AABB, ABAB) so hooks are easy to remember; the chorus contains the clearest mnemonic (“Two, three feet from the line…”) to anchor the tactical advice.

Instrumentation choices reflect accessibility and tone. Acoustic guitar and upright bass provide a warm, familiar foundation suited for senior players and club settings. Brushed snare offers a gentle swing without sharp dynamics that could overpower listeners. Sparse piano or brass in the bridge adds a reflective hue. The 90s rap influence appears in Verse 2: a tighter rhythmic delivery and spoken phrasing that emphasize stepwise instructions.

Arrangement and vocal choices prioritize intelligibility. Verses are sung by a solo lead to focus on detail. The bridge is spoken over sparse chords, allowing listeners to absorb technical points slowly. Choruses use three-part harmony so the main tips are sung and reinforced — a mnemonic device useful for learners who remember melodies. Harmony placement avoids vocal strain for older singers by keeping ranges moderate and syllables sustained.

Lyrically, the song ties directly to the article: explicit rules (belly-button contact, paddle position), mechanical cues (pendulum shoulder swing), toss guidance (lift for volley, forward drop for bounce) and tactical aims (backhand, 2–3 feet inside line). For seniors, performance tips include slower tempo, clear diction, and dynamic restraint. The song is intended as both an enjoyable tune and an ear-friendly drill for serve fundamentals.

Quiz

1. What type of serve is legal in pickleball as stated in the article?
   a. Overhand allowed if below the waist
   b. Underhand only
   c. Sidearm only
   d. Any type with backspin

2. What is the rule for paddle position at contact?
   a. Paddle head below the wrist
   b. Paddle head above the wrist
   c. Paddle perpendicular to the net
   d. Paddle behind the body

3. Where must the server be positioned at the moment of contact?
   a. On the baseline, outside the sideline
   b. At the service box line
   c. On the net line
   d. Behind the baseline, between center line and sideline

4. Which body motion did Team Waters recommend for a consistent serve?
   a. A wrist flick to add speed
   b. A bent-elbow pop motion
   c. A pendulum swing from the shoulder
   d. A jump serve

5. How should you aim relative to the baseline when targeting an opponent’s backhand?
   a. Right on the baseline edge
   b. About two to three feet inside the line
   c. Well short of the service line
   d. Directly at the center line

6. What should you do before adding variety to your serves?
   a. Develop one consistent serve first
   b. Immediately start mixing all serves
   c. Only practice wide serves first
   d. Avoid practicing the same serve more than once

7. Which of these is NOT listed as a recommended serve type to mix in?
   a. Driving serve
   b. Lob serve
   c. Inside-out serve
   d. Under-spin slice serve

8. For a volley serve, what do the Waters advise about the release?
   a. Drop the ball with no lift
   b. Toss behind the body
   c. Lift the ball before releasing it
   d. Hold for several seconds before serving

9. Who provided the instruction in the clip described by the article?
   a. Anna Leigh Waters and Leigh Waters (Team Waters)
   b. Stacy Townsend alone
   c. An anonymous coach
   d. A referee from USA Pickleball

10. What outdoor factor did the article recommend accounting for when serving?
    a. The sun’s color
    b. Wind
    c. The temperature of the ball
    d. The crowd noise

Answer Key

B
A
D
C
B
A
D
C
A
B

James Ignatowich Teaches Aggressive Dinking in Pickleball (World Ranked #9)

 

⏱️ Timestamps

1. 0:00 Intro – Meet James Ignatowich (World Ranked #9)
2. 0:37 Where to Aim Aggressive Dinks (Deep vs. Shallow)
3. 1:51 Technique for Aggressive Topspin Dinks
4. 3:29 Crosscourt Forehand Dink Secrets (Like Ben Johns)
5. 3:38 Top 3 Mistakes Players Make When Dinking Aggressively
6. 6:28 How to Hit the Aggressive Backhand Dink (Two-Handed)
7. 8:57 Common Backhand Dink Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
8. 10:49 Deception and Options from the Squat Position
9. 10:55 James’s New Paddle – RPM Friction Pro

2025 MLP New York City Finals

 

Columbus Sliders vs New Jersey 5s Match #3

Columbus Sliders Andrei Daescu:   / andreidaescupkl   CJ Klinger:   / cjklinger_pb   Parris Todd:   / itsparristodd   Ross Whittaker: Lea Jansen:   / leajansen_pb   Marcela Hones:   / cela_hones   New Jersey 5s Anna Leigh Waters:   / a.l.waters_a1  

Meghan Dizon:   / meghandizon   Will Howells: Noe Khlf:

Craig Johnson:   / craigjohnsonpb   Mari Humberg Match Timestamps: 0:00 Women's Doubles

12:53 Megan Dizon Volley Mechanics (Freeze Frame, Slow Motion)

15:31 ALW Baseline Corner Winner

16:46 Men's Doubles 34:24 Mixed Doubles #1

42:24 CJ Klinger Highlight 47:48 Mixed Doubles #2

54:09 Highlight 1:03:43 Post match interview

MLP New York City Playlist

Nashville Chefs v Las Vegas Night Owls
Columbus Sliders v New Jersey 5s #2

Columbus Sliders v New Jersey 5s #1
Nashville Chefs v Las Vegas Night Owls
Columbus Sliders v St. Louis Shock
Nashville Chefs v Las Vegas Night Owls
Los Angeles Mad Drops v New Jersey 5s
Los Angeles Mad Drops v New Jersey 5s
Columbus Sliders v St. Louis Shock