Ben Johns is the greatest of all time in pickleball. Sure, there are players who are more athletic or hit harder, but nobody else embodies the complete package of skills, strategy, and mental toughness quite like Ben. So what exactly makes him the GOAT, and how can you, as a recreational player, take a page from his book to elevate your game?
Let’s break it down in a way that’s practical and actionable.
1. Consistency is King
One of Ben’s most defining qualities is his consistency. He rarely makes unforced errors. In a game of pickleball, where points can be hard to come by, not giving away free points is crucial.
Ben hits 99 out of 100 dinks perfectly, whereas even top-level players often hit only 85 out of 100 without an error. This consistency keeps him in every point, allowing him to grind down opponents who may be more explosive but less reliable.
Watch Ben Johns and his brother Collin take on fellow pros Nunnery and Bar in an epic dink battle:
What Ben Does on Court: Ben keeps his paddle up and his focus sharp, ensuring that he is always ready for the next shot. He positions himself to take each dink with minimal movement, keeping his body relaxed but his paddle steady. This allows him to outlast his opponents in long dink rallies, forcing them to make the first mistake.
Takeaway for Rec Players: Work on being consistent over trying to hit flashy winners. Practice dinking with a partner and see how many times you can keep the ball in play without making a mistake. Focus on high-percentage shots that keep you in control. Remember, the goal is to keep the rally going until your opponent is the one to make an error.
2. Balance and Footwork
Ben’s footwork is almost effortless. He’s always balanced, which allows him to make difficult shots look easy. His movement is precise, meaning there’s no wasted energy, and he’s always ready for the next shot. This helps him stay in control, even when under pressure.
See how effortlessly he moves to cover the court:
What Ben Does on Court: Ben constantly shifts his weight smoothly and stays on the balls of his feet, which helps him adjust to the ball quickly. He takes small, efficient steps to position himself, allowing him to stay balanced. He rarely lunges or gets caught off-balance, which means he can react faster to his opponent’s shots.
Takeaway for Rec Players: Good footwork starts with being mindful of your positioning. Instead of rushing to the ball, try to focus on taking small, balanced steps to get into position. Drill shadow movements without the ball to practice getting into a good stance before every shot. The more balanced you are, the more control you’ll have over your game.
3. Master the Soft Game
Ben has the best soft game in pickleball. He can dink you to death if needed, forcing opponents into mistakes rather than trying to blast winners all the time. His control with soft shots allows him to dictate the pace of play and wear down his opponents mentally.
Hear it straight from the man himself: how to outmaneuver your opponent with dinking and wait for the perfect ball to attack:
What Ben Does on Court: Ben varies the depth, height, and angle of his dinks to keep his opponents guessing. He knows when to push his opponent back with a deep dink and when to drop it short to pull them out of position. His dinks are calculated to force awkward returns, setting himself up for the winning shot.
Takeaway for Rec Players: Develop your soft game by practicing dinks and third-shot drops. The next time you play, challenge yourself to play longer rallies without speeding up the ball. It’s tempting to go for aggressive shots, but mastering the soft game will make you a more versatile and formidable player in the long run.
4. Adaptability and Mental Game
Ben Johns is like a chess grandmaster on the court. He reads his opponents, spots patterns, and adapts his strategy as needed. Many times, he’ll lose the first game but come back stronger in the next two, having figured out his opponent’s weaknesses. His ability to quickly adjust sets him apart.
What Ben Does on Court: Ben pays close attention to his opponent’s body language, shot selection, and tendencies. He adjusts his strategy mid-game—whether it’s targeting a weaker backhand, changing his positioning, or altering his shot pace. His ability to stay calm and analytically assess the situation allows him to turn matches around.
Takeaway for Rec Players: When playing, try to observe your opponent’s tendencies. Are they weaker on their backhand? Do they struggle with low balls? Make mental notes and adjust your strategy accordingly. Instead of sticking rigidly to one plan, be flexible and ready to change tactics based on what you see.
5. Drill, Drill, Drill
Ben spends most of his time drilling rather than playing casual games. His repetition and focus on perfecting the fundamentals—such as footwork, accuracy, and timing—are what make him such a consistent force in tournaments. Even his brother, Collin Johns, became a top player largely due to hours and hours of drilling during the pandemic.
What Ben Does on Court: Ben is relentless in drilling key aspects of his game, such as his third-shot drop, his volleys, and his dinks. He practices scenarios repeatedly so that his responses become automatic during match play. His dedication to drilling is what makes his execution so consistent under pressure.
Takeaway for Rec Players: Recreational players often play games but neglect drills. To truly improve, dedicate time to drilling specific shots. Pick one area of your game—like the third-shot drop or cross-court dinks—and spend 30 minutes just on that. The more reps you get, the more automatic your responses will be during a match.
6. Patience and Strategy
Ben knows how to play the “long game.” He doesn’t rush, and he doesn’t let emotions dictate his play. Instead, he sticks to high-percentage shots and waits for the right opportunity. He’s confident in his ability to outlast opponents both physically and mentally.
What Ben Does on Court: Ben takes his time to set up each point, never rushing into a speed-up unless the conditions are right. He keeps his shots deep and consistent, avoiding risky plays until he sees a clear opening. His patience often frustrates opponents, causing them to make errors out of impatience.
Takeaway for Rec Players: Stay patient, even when things aren’t going your way. If you lose a few points, resist the urge to start hitting harder or going for low-percentage shots. Instead, focus on staying calm and executing your game plan. The more you can stay composed, the better you’ll be at adapting and coming back.
7. The Power Game Is Still There
While Ben is known for his soft game, he’s also capable of unleashing powerful shots when the moment is right. He doesn’t use power recklessly; instead, he uses it as a surprise element, catching opponents off guard when they least expect it.
Check out how he varies powerful shots and keeps the opponent back:
@thekitchenpickleball Ben Johns once again proves why he’s the greatest pickleball player in the world. 🐐 He wins this point, the championship, and MVP. 🏆 @benjohns_pb @MLPickleball #pickleball #pickleballhighlights #pickleballtiktok #pickleballtournament #pickleballplayers #pickleballpro #pickleballaddiction #pickleballislife ♬ original sound – The Kitchen Pickleball
What Ben Does on Court: Ben selects his moments for power very carefully. He waits for a ball that sits up high enough or catches his opponent slightly off-balance. When he does unleash his power, he does so with precision, often targeting his opponent’s body or a gap in their positioning.
Takeaway for Rec Players: Power should be used strategically, not constantly. Work on developing a solid, controlled shot that you can pull out when the timing is perfect. Surprise your opponent with a speed-up when they are expecting another dink, but always be ready to reset if they manage to return it.
8. Play the Probabilities
Ben plays the game like a mathematician, always opting for shots with the highest probability of success. When he speeds up the ball, he already knows where the likely return will go, allowing him to prepare in advance.
What Ben Does on Court: Ben anticipates his opponent’s likely response based on the shot he just played. For example, if he speeds up to an opponent’s backhand, he positions himself for the probable return. His strategic placement and anticipation make him seem almost always in the right place at the right time.
Takeaway for Rec Players: Think in terms of percentages. Instead of going for highlight-reel shots, ask yourself: What shot gives me the best chance of winning this point? Position yourself accordingly and be ready for the next ball. The smarter your shot selection, the more successful you’ll be.
How You Can Channel Your Inner Ben Johns
Ben Johns is the GOAT not because he’s the flashiest or most athletic player, but because he’s the smartest, most consistent, and most adaptable. He puts in the work off the court, masters the fundamentals, and plays a strategic, patient game that gives him an edge over everyone else.
As a rec player, you may not have hours every day to practice like Ben does, but you can learn from his approach. Focus on consistency, develop your footwork, drill the basics, stay adaptable, and always play the smart, high-percentage shot. Take these lessons from Ben Johns and watch your game elevate to the next level.
