Ben Johns Shares Secrets to Mastering Pickleball: In a recent video shared on social media, Ben Johns, one of the top professional pickleball players in the world, offered valuable insights for aspiring pros looking to elevate their game. With a track record that includes multiple championships and a reputation for being a strategic thinker on the court, Johns distilled his advice into three essential tips for players aiming to reach the next level.
Johns began with what he considers the most important piece of advice: play with better players. “That’s probably number one,” he said, acknowledging the challenge that comes with this suggestion. “Everyone wants to play with better players, but not everyone can do that. But that is the best thing you can do.” For many players, finding opportunities to compete with more advanced opponents can be difficult, but Johns emphasized that such experiences are crucial for growth. Exposure to higher-level play can sharpen skills, increase game awareness, and build confidence under pressure.
His second tip focused on the importance of practice and repetition. Johns advised finding a consistent drilling partner, someone to help refine technique and strategy through regular, focused practice sessions. “Whether they’re better than you or not, you can get a ton of touches and more reps than just playing,” Johns explained. “You can get better more quickly, so you probably need a consistent drilling partner.” This approach, he noted, can be more beneficial than casual games, providing the structured practice needed to make significant improvements.
3 tips to take your pickleball game to the next level 📈 pic.twitter.com/rshG2C78Zg
— Ben Johns (@BenJohns_pb) August 26, 2024
Johns’ third recommendation was to participate in as many tournaments as possible. “You’re gonna get a lot better a lot more quickly, especially in competitive environments and professional environments if you are playing a lot of tournaments,” he noted. The intensity and pressure of tournament play, he argued, force players to adapt, learn, and improve faster than they might in less competitive settings. For those looking to make a name for themselves, frequent tournament play offers the opportunity to gain exposure, experience, and recognition.
“Those would be my top three, I think,” Johns concluded, underscoring his belief that immersing oneself fully in the game is key to development. Kind of the more pickleball, the better when you’re starting off. You almost can’t play enough.”
For aspiring pickleball professionals, Johns’ advice is both straightforward and practical: seek out better players, find a reliable practice partner, and compete as often as possible. These foundational strategies, grounded in his own experience, provide a clear roadmap for players aiming to transition from hobbyists to serious competitors.
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity and attract new talent, insights from seasoned professionals like Ben Johns offer invaluable guidance for those looking to climb the ranks. By following his three simple but effective tips, aspiring players can accelerate their progress and gain a competitive edge in the sport.
News in Brief: Ben Johns Shares Secrets to Mastering Pickleball
In a recent video, pickleball pro Ben Johns shared three key tips for aspiring players looking to elevate their game. First, he emphasized the importance of playing with better players to sharpen skills and gain experience. Second, Johns advised finding a consistent drilling partner for regular, focused practice to improve technique. Lastly, he encouraged participation in as many tournaments as possible, as the competitive environment accelerates growth and offers valuable experience. Johns’ practical advice provides a clear roadmap for players aiming to advance from casual participants to serious competitors in the growing sport of pickleball.
