Ben Johns Shares His Secret of Pickleball: In a recent instructional video shared on Twitter, Ben Johns, renowned in the pickleball world for his skill and precision, looks into the intricacies of executing the backhand roll shot—a fundamental technique crucial for players aiming to elevate their game.
Key Elements of the Backhand Roll Shot
Johns emphasizes two pivotal elements: the swing path and paddle angle. According to him, achieving topspin on the backhand roll requires a distinct approach. The key lies in starting with a closed paddle face and executing an upward swing motion. This combination allows the ball to clear the net while setting the stage for generating the desired topspin.
“For me, the most important things are swing path and paddle angle. To create topspin, you need a closed paddle face combined with an upward swing.” – (johns)
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Johns stresses the importance of initiating the swing from a low position and finishing with a high follow-through—a technique that minimizes errors commonly caused by prematurely advancing toward the shot.
“One mistake a lot of people make is they go forward on it, and that’s when they miss into the net,” Johns explains, highlighting a frequent pitfall among players striving to perfect their backhand roll.
Remember these things when executing the backhand roll 👏 pic.twitter.com/hw5Yj2QDnb
— Ben Johns (@BenJohns_pb) July 5, 2024
Maintaining Paddle Face Stability
Maintaining a consistent paddle face position throughout the swing is another crucial point Johns addresses. He advises against rolling the wrist over during the swing, demanding for a controlled and steady motion that enhances shot accuracy.
“As you go low to high, avoid rolling your wrist over like this. Keep the wrist firm to maintain control over the paddle face.” – (johns)
Fine-tuning Paddle Manipulation
Johns further goes through the finer points of paddle manipulation, particularly for players struggling with shots that consistently sail long. Adjusting the wrist angle similar to operating a motorcycle throttle is his recommended technique, ensuring the paddle face remains angled to impart topspin while keeping the ball trajectory low.
“If you’re often missing long, it’s likely due to opening the paddle face. Maintain a forward wrist bend to keep the paddle face down, thus achieving the desired topspin and ensuring the ball stays in play.” – (johns)
Johns’ Legacy and Impact
The instructional video not only serves as a masterclass in technique but also shows Johns’ commitment to enhancing the understanding and proficiency of pickleball players worldwide. His insights into swing mechanics and paddle control provide a valuable framework for players at all skill levels to refine their backhand roll—a shot that can be a game-changer on the court.
As pickleball enthusiasts continue to seek ways to elevate their game, Johns’ instructional wisdom serves as a beacon of clarity and expertise, guiding players toward mastery of the backhand roll and beyond. With each precise explanation and practical tip, Johns reinforces the fundamentals that define success in the sport, solidifying his legacy as a pivotal figure in the evolution of pickleball strategy and technique.
News in Brief: Ben Johns Shares His Secret of Pickleball
In a recent instructional video, Ben Johns, a renowned figure in pickleball, looks into the variations of executing the backhand roll shot, emphasizing swing path and paddle angle are crucial for generating topspin.
Johns highlights common pitfalls to avoid, such as premature forward movement and wrist rolling, demanding for a controlled swing motion to maintain paddle face stability and shot accuracy.
His expert guidance not only enhances understanding of technique but also reinforces his legacy as a key influencer in advancing pickleball strategy worldwide, offering invaluable insights for players looking to refine their game and excel on the court.
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