HomeUSA Pickleball NewsPPA Tour NewsZane Navratil Critiques Ben Johns' Shot at Zimmer Biomet Masters

Zane Navratil Critiques Ben Johns’ Shot at Zimmer Biomet Masters

Zane Navratil Critiques Ben Johns’ Shot: A bold move by Ben Johns during a quarterfinal match at the Zimmer Biomet Masters on Jan. 10 stirred a heated debate in the pickleball community. His high-powered shot aimed at Quang Duong, which Johns later called a “warning,” has divided opinions about unwritten etiquette in the sport.

The Incident That Sparked the Debate

In a one-sided match, Ben and Collin Johns secured an 11-0, 11-3 win against Quang Duong and Matt Wright. However, a speed-up shot from Ben aimed at Duong early in the second game drew attention. Pickleballtv commentator Dave Fleming exclaimed, “Oh my goodness gracious! Wow! Ben Johns just full sent it at QD,” describing it as the hardest shot he had seen from Johns.

Ben later clarified the intention behind the shot, saying it was a warning to Duong, who had aimed body shots at them earlier in the match. “It was just a warning shot more than anything,” said Johns. “If you’re going to do that, we’re going to do it, too.”

Unwritten Rules of Pegging

Collin Johns addressed the broader issue on the PicklePod podcast, emphasizing an unwritten rule in pickleball about pegging. He explained,

“Pegging is part of the game, and I’m totally fine with pegging, but the etiquette is you keep it shoulders and below.”-(Collin Johns)

He added that newer players like Duong often don’t follow this rule, creating safety risks, especially with today’s advanced paddle technology.

Collin argued that the growing speed of the game has made pegging more effective, but players must respect limits to avoid turning pickleball into dodgeball. “Headhunting is not something that we really do because I don’t think the sport should be dodgeball,” he said.

Mixed Reactions from the Community

Veteran player Zane Navratil expressed a different view, calling the shot distasteful.

“I think Ben sped that ball up from too low to realistically be able to avoid Quang’s head. I do think it was a distasteful speed-up,”-(Zane Navratil)

However, he acknowledged the message behind the move, saying,

“I don’t disrespect that message.”

Collin defended his brother’s actions, noting that Duong had repeatedly aimed high-speed shots at them. He explained,

“If he’s trying to do that over and over to both of us and you expect us to just sit there and not take any sort of action… The shot that Ben hit was really ‘Message sent.’”-(Collin Johns)

What This Means for Pickleball

The incident has sparked discussions about the need for clearer boundaries in pickleball etiquette. Collin suggested a “gentleman’s agreement” where pegging is allowed but headhunting is avoided. He emphasized that professional players should respect these unwritten rules to ensure the game remains safe and competitive.

As pickleball continues to grow and evolve, incidents like this highlight the importance of balancing competitive intensity with sportsmanship. The community will likely continue to debate the role of etiquette in maintaining the spirit of the game.

News in Brief: Zane Navratil Critiques Ben Johns’ Shot

Ben Johns’ controversial shot during a quarterfinal match has sparked debate about unwritten rules in pickleball. While some see it as a justified warning, others criticized the move. The incident highlights the need for clearer etiquette and respect among players as the sport evolves.

ALSO READ: Ben Johns’ Warning Shot at Quang Duong Sparks Controversy on Pickleball Etiquette

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