Ben Johns’ Secret Formula for Pickleball Mastery: Lessons on Consistency and Tactical Play

Ben Johns’ Secret Formula for Pickleball Mastery: Ben Johns has set the standard for excellence in pickleball. His ability to combine skill, strategy, and mental fortitude makes him an undisputed leader in the sport. While many players may boast impressive athleticism or power, none seem to match Ben’s comprehensive mastery of the game.

So, what makes him the best, and how can recreational players take notes from his game to enhance their skills? Here are key pickleball lessons from Ben’s playstyle that can be applied to any pickleball player’s routine.

1. The Power of Consistency

Consistency is central to Ben Johns’ game. Rarely making unforced errors, Ben stays in control by ensuring he doesn’t give away free points, a crucial aspect in pickleball where rallies can be long and points hard-earned.

Ben is known for his ability to hit nearly perfect dinks—99 out of 100—where even elite players might fall short with 85 out of 100. This consistency allows him to outlast opponents who rely on more explosive, but less reliable, shots.

Ben’s Approach

Ben keeps his paddle high and his focus sharp, positioning himself to handle each dink with minimal movement. This controlled style allows him to maintain long dink exchanges, waiting for his opponent to make a mistake.

Key Takeaway

Recreational players should focus on being consistent rather than trying for flashy winners. By practicing dinking with a partner, they can improve accuracy and learn to control rallies until their opponent makes an error.

2. Mastery of Footwork and Balance

Footwork is another defining element of Ben’s game. His effortless movement across the court makes difficult shots seem easy, as his precise and balanced steps maximize efficiency. With minimal wasted energy, Ben stays agile even when under pressure.

Ben’s Approach

Ben moves with fluidity, shifting his weight and staying on the balls of his feet, allowing him to react quickly to incoming shots. His small, measured steps ensure that he maintains control and balance at all times.

Key Takeaway

To improve footwork, players should focus on small, balanced steps and aim for consistent positioning. Drills involving shadow movements can help players develop the necessary posture and control to react effectively during matches.

3. The Soft Game: An Essential Tool

One of Ben’s greatest strengths lies in his soft game. Rather than rushing to finish points, he excels at dinking and controlling the pace, forcing errors through precision rather than power.

Ben’s Approach

Ben varies his dinks in height, depth, and angle to create confusion for his opponents. He knows when to push an opponent back with a deeper shot and when to bring them in with a drop shot, making each dink a calculated move to set up the winning play.

Key Takeaway

To develop a more versatile game, recreational players should dedicate time to soft shots, especially third-shot drops and dinks. Slower, more controlled rallies can ultimately frustrate opponents and lead to better opportunities for attack.

4. Adaptability: Reading the Opponent

Ben Johns is a master at adapting his game to what the opponent offers. His ability to adjust his strategy, often after the first game, sets him apart as a tactician. Recognizing weaknesses and responding accordingly is key to his success.

Ben’s Approach

By observing his opponent’s body language, shot selection, and tendencies, Ben quickly identifies patterns and makes real-time adjustments to exploit weaknesses, often leading to a stronger comeback.

Key Takeaway

Players should learn to observe their opponent’s weaknesses during a match and adapt their pickleball strategy accordingly. Rather than sticking rigidly to a plan, they should remain flexible and ready to change tactics if needed.

5. The Role of Drills in Development

Ben’s game is a result of countless hours spent drilling. His emphasis on repetition and mastering the fundamentals allows him to perform consistently under pressure, even in the most challenging matches.

Ben’s Approach

Ben dedicates significant time to practice specific shots, from his third-shot drop to volleys and dinks. His approach ensures that each aspect of his game becomes instinctive, allowing him to execute under competitive pressure.

Key Takeaway

Recreational players often skip drilling in favor of casual play but to truly improve, it’s important to spend focused time on specific shots. Whether practicing footwork, dinks, or third-shot drops, consistency through repetition leads to improved match performance.

6. Patience and Strategic Play

Ben Johns excels at playing the long game, relying on patience rather than rushing. He sticks to high-percentage shots, waiting for the right opportunity to strike. This strategic, composed style makes him a formidable competitor.

Ben’s Approach

Ben takes his time, positioning his shots carefully to set up the right opportunity for an aggressive play. His patience can wear down opponents, who may make errors when they become too eager to score quickly.

Key Takeaway

Players should resist the urge to rush points or play too aggressively. Patience allows for better decision-making and can create situations where opponents make pickleball mistakes out of frustration or impatience.

7. Strategic Use of Power

While Ben is known for his soft game, he also knows when to use power. He doesn’t rely on it constantly but uses it as a surprise tactic to catch his opponents off guard.

Ben’s Approach

Ben waits for the perfect moment to deliver a powerful shot, often targeting a gap in his opponent’s defense or hitting their body. This calculated approach allows him to break through when the conditions are ideal.

Key Takeaway

Recreational players can benefit from developing a powerful shot, but it’s important to use power strategically. Timing is key—focus on controlled aggression that can catch the opponent off guard rather than relying on raw power.

8. Playing the Percentages

Ben Johns plays the game with an analytical mindset. He’s always thinking in terms of probabilities, choosing shots with the highest chance of success rather than attempting risky plays.

Ben’s Approach

Ben anticipates his opponent’s likely return based on his shot placement. This allows him to position himself in the optimal spot, making it seem as though he’s always in the right place at the right time.

Key Takeaway

Recreational players should focus on making smart shot selections based on probabilities. Avoid unnecessary risk by opting for shots that offer a higher chance of winning the point, ensuring that they are in the best position for the next return.

Channeling the Ben Johns Approach

Ben Johns has proven that success in pickleball comes not from flashiness or sheer athleticism, but from consistency, strategic play, and mental toughness. His meticulous approach to the game—whether it’s through refining fundamentals, adapting pickleball strategies mid-game, or exercising patience—sets him apart.

While recreational players may not have the same time to dedicate to practice as Ben, they can still apply his principles to their game. By focusing on consistency, footwork, adaptability, and intelligent decision-making, anyone can take their pickleball skills to the next level.