Want a Stronger Overhead? Start with Your Shoulders

Top 5 pro player James Ignatowich

Hey guys, this is James Ignatowich, and I’m going to cover one more very important part of the overhead. You want to have your shoulders oriented to the sideline (Figure 1), so it’s a closed stance with the shoulders.

(Figure 1) View Selkirk Paddle at JustPaddles

You are not hitting the overhead like this (Figure 2).

(Figure 2)

I’ve seen way too many people hit an overhead like that, and that is not how you generate power with the overhead. It is a lot easier to get more power and leverage if you are faced towards the sidelines, so that when you hit it, your shoulder turn brings your right arm forward. You’re able to get way more leverage like that, and you’ll hit it significantly harder.

Turn your shoulders, side shuffle back, and when you hit it, let your shoulders do the work.

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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