Ben Johns, recognized as one of the greatest pickleball players in history, asserts that achieving success in elite pickleball hinges not on excelling at every skill but on mastering one specific strength. He shared this insight recently, emphasizing that top players often win by focusing intensely on a singular aspect of their game rather than being generally good across the board. This pickleball winning strategy prioritizes quality over quantity in skills, a perspective particularly relevant for players rated 5.0 and above.
Leveraging Strengths to Shape the Course of Play
Johns explained that pickleball offers a unique advantage, allowing competitors to design their gameplay around their most powerful skills.
“In pickleball, you can maneuver yourself to play to your strengths, basically, and make that one thing matter a lot. You can do that a lot better and use it to beat people more than you can beat them by being good at everything,”
he stated. This approach allows players to dictate points and maintain control by repeatedly using their signature moves to gain an edge over opponents.
The Importance of a Signature Move in Competitive Matches
While having a well-rounded game does provide some benefits, Johns noted it rarely decides the outcome of matches.
“It’s nice to be good at everything, but that’s not what actually wins matches. Usually, people are really good at like one thing, and that’s what they use to beat you,”
he said. Identifying and honing this one defining skill can create a significant competitive advantage in professional play.
Examples of How Professionals Are Defined by Their Key Strengths
Ben Johns pointed out that most professional players are known for their standout ability.
“Every player, usually, if you say one player, I’m like, they’re really good at doing X. Yeah, their other stuff is, of course, good because they’re pros, but usually, they have one thing that it’s like, this is clearly their strength.”
This recognition of a primary weapon or technique not only separates top players but also influences how matches unfold strategically.
Johns’ Personal Growth Through Simplifying His Game
Reflecting on his own development in the sport, Johns revealed that when he emerged as a top player in 2017, he kept his tactics straightforward and relied heavily on a few effective moves.
“When I got good in 2017, all I basically was doing is getting to the kitchen line, dinking cross-court, and then only hitting backhand rolls. Worked out pretty well,”
he recalled. This back-to-basics approach exemplifies the power of focusing on one’s core strengths rather than spreading oneself too thin trying to master every skill equally.
Recent Success Validates Focused Playstyle
Ben Johns’ ongoing competitive success serves as proof of the effectiveness of playing to one’s strengths. He recently secured gold in men’s doubles at the Carvana Mesa Cup alongside partner Gabriel Tardio. This victory underscores how concentrating on what a player does best can pave the way to consistent wins at high levels of the sport.
What This Means for Pickleball Players Moving Forward
For those looking to improve their pickleball game, Johns’ advice suggests the best route may not be to become a jack-of-all-trades but to identify one key skill and develop it into a match-winning weapon. This strategy could transform how players train and compete, ensuring they maximize their potential and sharpen their competitive edge in tournaments.
With pickleball’s rapid rise in popularity around the globe, players and fans alike are drawn to stories like Johns’, which highlight dedication, focus, and passion. The community looks forward to seeing how mastering signature strengths shapes the next generation of champions and elevates the sport itself.
