Written by: Tomas Morgan
In the world of professional pickleball, one name stands out above all the rest, and that name is Ben Johns. With his extraordinary skills and relentless dedication to the sport, Ben has emerged as a dominant force, earning him the title of one of the best pickleball players on the planet. But there's much more to Ben Johns than meets the eye. In this article, we'll dive deep into the life, career, and passion of the pickleball legend himself.
Ben Johns was born on June 29, 1998, in the picturesque city of Baltimore, Maryland. Raised in a family with a love for sports, Ben's journey into the world of pickleball began at an early age. He credits much of his success to the influence of his family and his mother's tennis background. From his mother, he learned the fundamentals of racket sports, developing a strong foundation for his future career.
Ben's love for sports extended beyond the confines of traditional racquet sports, and he experimented with various activities throughout his childhood. His pursuit of diverse sports like table tennis, golf, and even chess enriched his athletic prowess and strategic thinking. He never had a single sports idol but enjoyed watching different players across various sports. This breadth of experience would later prove instrumental in shaping his unique approach to pickleball.
Despite his early exposure to tennis and other racket sports, Ben Johns' love for pickleball blossomed when he relocated to the sunny state of Florida. Florida is a hub for pickleball, and it was here that Ben Johns found his true calling. His dedication and enthusiasm for the sport quickly caught the attention of fellow players and fans alike.
What sets Ben apart from the competition is not just his natural talent but also his relentless work ethic. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear and compelling goals, which serve as a constant source of motivation. To reach the pinnacle of his sport, Ben's unwavering commitment to improvement drives him to spend hours on the court perfecting his shots, strategies, and skills.
As he continued to evolve as a pickleball player, his unique background in table tennis and other sports helped him develop a distinctive style of play. His diverse sporting influences have given him a tactical advantage, as he can approach pickleball with a fresh perspective. This broad spectrum of skills enables him to adapt to different playing styles and opponents, making him an unstoppable force on the court.
In the quest to push the boundaries of pickleball equipment, Ben Johns entered into a groundbreaking partnership with JOOLA, a renowned German engineering company specializing in table tennis equipment. This collaboration resulted in the creation of the Hyperion paddle, Ben's signature paddle. The Hyperion paddle is engineered to maximize player performance, emphasizing solidity, spin, and power.
The Hyperion's innovation lies in its carbon fibre surface, a rigid material that enhances the solidity of the paddle. This design ensures a consistent response even outside the sweet spot, allowing players to maintain control and accuracy. Furthermore, the paddle's curvature and foam around the edge further minimize the disparity between the sweet spot and the surrounding area.
Ben Johns' signature paddle represents the perfect fusion of his extensive knowledge of racquet sports and JOOLA's table tennis expertise. While designed for elite players like Ben, the paddle's unique features can benefit any player aiming to elevate their pickleball game.
Ben Johns, a rising star in the world of pickleball, embodies the epitome of excellence in sports. His relentless pursuit of perfection, his eclectic sports background, and his unwavering commitment to his goals make him a force to be reckoned with. As pickleball continues to gain popularity on a global scale, Ben Johns' influence on the sport is undeniable, and his journey is a testament to the transformative power of dedication and hard work. With his signature paddle and continued success, Ben Johns is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of pickleball.
To hear more of Ben's story, listen to episode #134 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.
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