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Volair Mach & CTRL From Dennis Rodriguez

Volair has introduced more paddle variety with their latest CTRL series release, and I had the chance to put them to the test alongside their MACH line. While my main focus was on the MACH series, I couldn't help but notice how the CTRL paddles held their own in terms of performance and design. The MACH series features that familiar T-700 Raw Carbon Fiber face, while the CTRL goes a different route with an aramid fiber (basically Kevlar). Both paddles give off a responsive, controlled feel while still delivering solid pop when needed. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned player, there's a paddle in this lineup that can match your style—and if you're on the hunt for an all-court paddle, I definitely recommend trying both series.

What stood out to me the most was how well-built and versatile these paddles are. I loved the feedback and control I got on resets and dinks, and the spin potential was strong—especially with the CTRL series. The MACH 1 Forza 14mm was my personal favorite after I customized it a bit with some added weight. It gave me the balance of power and control I’m always chasing. Wide-body or elongated, 14mm or 16mm, there’s a lot of room here to find a match. And at under $200, the value is hard to beat. Volair really delivered on both feel and function with this release, in my humble opinion of coarse.

View Mach Series at Volair, View CTRL at Volair

Backhand Drive Tips From James Ignatowich

Hey guys, this is James Ignatowich, and today we are going to talk about the two-handed backhand drive. If you watch pro pickleball, you’re not going to see a lot of one-handed backhand drives. Personally, I do not believe in that shot. When it comes to the two-handed backhand drive, I could not be a bigger believer.

Having two hands on the backhand is essential because your left hand provides both power and stability. It’s a rare situation in pickleball where you can get extra power and stability at the same time, but the two-handed backhand is one of those situations.

The main focus for me with the two-handed backhand drive is:

• Hitting the ball with my shoulders

• Staying down with my legs

You don’t want to just bend your knees and then come up as you hit the ball. In tennis, you’re taught to bend your knees and then rise as you make contact—I think, but I wasn’t that great at tennis. In pickleball, it’s closer to ping pong than anything else. You want to bend your knees and keep them bent as you make contact (figure 1).

That’s how you develop a consistent low drive—by bending your knees and keeping them stable rather than pulling up at contact.

Maximizing Power with Your Left Hand

The last key point is using your left hand to extend through the ball. It’s all about the left hand almost extending as far as possible (figure 2). That’s the secret to generating power on the two-handed backhand drive.

Stepping Into the Shot for Maximum Power

One big thing to remember on the backhand drive is to step in while hitting the shot. You don’t want to just stand there and swing your arms through the ball. Instead, you want to step into the shot in a closed stance and follow through.

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