Collin Johns Exposes the Top Design Flaws: Collin Johns, a professional pickleball player and founder of Johns Brothers Design & Consulting, is working to fix major design flaws in new pickleball facilities. In a recent YouTube interview, Johns discussed common mistakes in facility planning and how his company helps builders avoid them.
Many pickleball courts are being built with poor designs, such as yellow lines that don’t stand out and safety hazards like exposed electrical boxes behind courts. Johns emphasizes the importance of creating safe, functional spaces for players, with a particular focus on backdrops. A dark backdrop behind the court, similar to the “batter’s eye” used in baseball stadiums, helps players see the ball better, especially when it’s yellow. “It’s not rocket science,” says Johns, who explains that this simple design change can make a huge difference in game play.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Johns works with facilities to help them design courts that meet professional standards. A common issue he sees is the use of white walls or open windows without blinds behind courts. These features make it harder to see the ball, especially for beginners and intermediate players. To solve this, Johns suggests using dark walls or a “voler eye,” a specialized backdrop that enhances ball visibility, just like the ones used in professional sports stadiums.
Another challenge is ensuring that the layout meets proper spacing requirements for safe play. Johns stresses that without the right space, it’s impossible to create a high-quality, certified court. He also advises facility owners to consult with experts early in the design process, so they don’t make costly mistakes that could lead to having to redo their work later.
Global Expansion and Future Growth
Johns Brothers Design & Consulting has expanded quickly, signing new clients both in the U.S. and internationally. Recently, they’ve been involved in building facilities in Asia and Nicaragua. Johns didn’t expect this rapid growth, but he’s excited about the opportunity to help more communities create high-quality pickleball courts.
“We’ve had a very busy first year,”. “We really didn’t expect it to grow this fast.”(Collin Johns)
Expert Advice on Building the Best Courts
Johns shared his frustrations with some facility builders who don’t understand basic court design principles.
“Some people don’t know what they’re doing, and I’m shocked by how little they understand,”(Collin Johns).
He recommends that new facility owners seek professional advice to ensure they get the design right the first time. “If you don’t know what you’re doing from the start, you have to go back and change it,” he warns.
The Problem with Skidding Lines
One issue that comes up in court design is the problem of ball skidding when it hits the lines. Johns explains that this happens because the lines are painted on top of the court surface, creating a raised area.
“You’re always going to have that to some extent,” (Collin Johns),
though he adds that it could be improved by embedding the lines into the court surface. However, this solution may be cost-prohibitive, which is why it hasn’t been widely adopted yet.
Why Quality Matters
For Johns, the key to successful pickleball facility design is ensuring quality from the beginning.
“You want to avoid mistakes that could cause you to redo everything,” (Collin Johns).
By working with experts in court design, facility owners can avoid common mistakes, save money, and create the best possible spaces for players. As more people start building pickleball facilities, Johns believes quality control will become increasingly important.
In conclusion, while pickleball continues to grow in popularity, ensuring the quality of new courts is essential for both safety and game play. With the guidance of experts like Collin Johns, new facilities can avoid costly mistakes and provide better experiences for players.
News in Brief: Collin Johns Exposes the Top Design Flaws
Collin Johns, founder of Johns Brothers Design & Consulting, highlights major design flaws in pickleball facilities, such as poor visibility and safety hazards. He advocates for dark backdrops and proper spacing to improve gameplay. Johns’ company helps builders avoid mistakes, ensuring high-quality courts. His global expansion emphasizes the importance of expert advice in designing functional facilities.
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