James Ignatowich Show #117 - Rethinking the Return of Serve – Pro Strategies to Control the Kitchen

In this episode of The James Ignatowich Show, James completely reframes how you should think about the return of serve in pickleball. Forget the old “just get it back” advice—today’s game rewards intentional, aggressive, and strategic returns. Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The modern philosophy of the return — why pros are missing more returns (and why that’s OK)
• How to target specific sides and weaknesses to force tougher third shots
• Using deep returns to force drives, and short, low returns to force drops
• Why high cross-court returns can give you the time you need to get established at the kitchen
• Middle confusion tactics against certain doubles setups
• Third shot tips: the “bunt” drop, cross-court drives, lob setups, and why foot positioning matters

If you want to dictate the point before it really begins, this episode is packed with pro-level tactics you can start using today.