Third Shot Drop

Why Your Twoey Isn’t Ignatowich-Level Yet

September 23 2024

We all admire that smooth two-handed backhand dink James Ignatowich makes look effortless, right? Well, spoiler alert: waking up and whipping out ‘twoeys’ like James doesn’t just happen—it’s all about technique and training.

If you’ve been wondering why your backhand dinks aren’t quite there yet, pickleball trainer Connor Derrickson has pinpointed three key areas you must work on. And no, it’s not just about hitting more balls.

#1 - Improve your Thoracic Spine Mobility

If you’re not twisting enough, you’re not going to get that open stance needed for a killer two-handed dink.

Try this: sit down, cross your arms, and rotate from your upper back as far as possible. From this position, rotate your upper body to one side, targeting about 45-50 degrees of movement.

This exercise is crucial because it isolates your thoracic spine, ensuring you’re not compensating with neck movements.

Many players overlook this, but opening up your thoracic mobility lets you swing around the ball effectively, giving you that smooth, controlled dink.

#2 - Hip Mobility

Poor hip mobility might be the culprit keeping you from nailing those low, sharp dinks.

Here’s a way to check: lie on your back with your legs in the air, bent at the knees. Practice rotating your thighs inward and outward without any help.

It sounds simple, but many players have tight hips restricting their range of motion. By enhancing your hip mobility, you’ll find it easier to position yourself optimally for every shot.

#3 - Strong Lower Half

Strength in your lower half is a non-negotiable. You need to be able to squat deep and often, mimicking the low stance of a two-handed backhand dink during a rally.

Regular squats, lunges, and plyometric exercises build the muscle endurance needed for quick drops into a low stance and rising without losing rhythm. This is what separates average players from pros like Ignatowich.

Work on these exercises and you’ll not only make the twoeys look easy, you'll avoid one of the seven most common pickleball injuries.

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