Ben Johns’ Surprising Take on Pickleball Coaching: In a recent interview, professional pickleball player Ben Johns shared his thoughts on whether players need a coach, offering insight into a question often debated among athletes. For Johns, the answer lies not in a universal approach, but in understanding how an individual learns best.
“It’s a personal decision—knowing how you learn best is the key,” Johns explained. The top-ranked pickleball star emphasized that each player has a different way of absorbing and applying new information, which should guide their approach to training.
For Johns, a self-described visual learner, coaching wasn’t always necessary.
“I personally benefited more from being a visual learner. I would identify things other players did well and mimic them in practice.” – (Johns)
Whether studying video footage or observing in person, Johns found that he could refine his skills by watching others rather than relying on direct instruction.
Do you need a coach? It's a personal decision—knowing how you learn best is the key! 🧠 pic.twitter.com/AZdbpE2U4r
— Ben Johns (@BenJohns_pb) September 16, 2024
However, Johns acknowledges that not every player thrives in that environment.
“Some people need to be told what to do. Maybe they don’t see things in their opponent’s game or can’t put visual learning into practice.” – (Johns)
He noted that these individuals might benefit more from hands-on coaching or instruction, as they require direct feedback to improve their game.
Johns was clear that there’s no “magical level” where coaching becomes essential. Rather, he believes that players need to understand their learning style before determining whether a coach is necessary.
“Do you learn better on your own, or do you need somebody to provide critiques? Maybe you need to video yourself.” – (Johns)
News in Brief: Ben Johns’ Surprising Take on Pickleball Coaching
Ben Johns, a top-ranked professional pickleball player, recently shared his perspective on the need for pickleball coaching. According to Johns, whether a player needs a coach depends on their learning style. As a visual learner, Johns personally improved by observing and mimicking other players rather than relying on direct instruction. However, he acknowledges that some players may benefit more from hands-on coaching, particularly those who need direct feedback or struggle with visual learning.
Johns emphasized that there’s no universal point where coaching becomes essential; instead, athletes should understand their personal learning preferences to determine the best approach for their improvement and growth. Success, Johns believes, comes from self-awareness, not necessarily having a coach.
