A Brief Overview of Ben Johns
Ben Johns is a name that echoes through the world of pickleball. He’s a professional player who has taken the sport by storm with his exceptional skills and impressive record.
In fact, he’s been dubbed “The Goat” (Greatest of All Time) by many in the community. With numerous gold medals under his belt, Ben has become an icon and role model for aspiring pickleball players around the world.
This point is absolutely insane and shows why at only 24 years of age people are already saying Ben is the GOAT of pickleball.
But what sets Ben apart from other players? One word: talent and practice.
Ben takes his equipment seriously, constantly searching for new ways to enhance his performance on the court. From paddle to shoes to apparel, every detail of his gear is carefully chosen to give him an edge over his opponents.
Ben’s Gear From The Top Down
- Joola Hat
- JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Graphite Paddle
- Gamma Supreme Overgrip
- Compression Sleeves: OurStoryi
- Joola Shirt
- Joola Shorts
- Babolat Men’s Jet Mach 3 All Court Tennis Shoes
The Importance of Quality Equipment
While it’s true that skill and technique are crucial in pickleball, having quality equipment can make all the difference between winning and losing. A good paddle, shoes that provide support and traction, and comfortable apparel can help players perform at their best. This is especially important for competitive players like Ben Johns who need every possible advantage they can get.
Investing in quality gear not only improves a player’s chances of winning but also helps prevent injury and discomfort during long matches. In fact, I would argue that having good gear is even more important than natural talent or physical ability.
Without proper equipment, even the most skilled player will struggle to perform at their best. So let’s take a closer look at some of Ben Johns’ gear and how they contribute to his success on the court.
The Paddle: Ben’s Secret Weapon
Why a Good Paddle is Essential in Pickleball
A good paddle is to a pickleball player what a sword is to a knight. You simply cannot expect to win battles without the right tool in your hands.
A paddle can make or break your game, and this is especially true in pickleball, where the paddle-to-ball contact area is much smaller than in other racquet sports like tennis or badminton. A good paddle should be lightweight yet sturdy, comfortable to grip, and with the right combination of power and control.
It should also feel like an extension of your arm, allowing you to make quick and accurate shots with minimal effort. When you’re playing at a competitive level like Ben Johns does, these are not mere luxuries but critical needs.
The Unique Features that Make Ben’s Paddle Stand Out
Ben Johns’ paddle is more than just a piece of equipment – it’s his secret weapon. This paddle has been specifically designed to suit his playing style and preferences, which makes it different from any other paddle out there. One of the standout features of Ben’s paddle is its shape – it has an elongated head that provides him with extra reach and accuracy on both volleys and groundstrokes.
Another feature that sets Ben’s paddle apart from others is its weight – at 7 ounces, it’s significantly lighter than most other paddles used by pickleball pros. This allows him to have quicker reflexes at the net while still maintaining enough power on his shots to keep his opponents on their toes.
The material used for the construction of Ben’s paddle also plays an important role in its performance on the court. The core material used inside the paddles gives it extra control while not sacrificing power- something very few paddles can offer.
How These Features Contribute to Ben’s Success on the Court
Everything about Ben’s paddle is designed to help him dominate on the court. The elongated head gives him a longer reach, which allows him to make plays that other players simply cannot. This can be especially crucial in doubles games, where positioning is everything.
The light weight of his paddle allows him to move quickly and react faster than his opponents, giving him a distinct advantage at the net. He also has excellent control over his shots thanks to the material used in its construction; this combined with his precision and power make it difficult for his opponents to return anything he sends their way.
Ben Johns’ paddle is not just another piece of equipment – it’s a testament to how fine-tuning every aspect of your game can elevate you from good to great. The design choices that have gone into making this paddle are not accidental but carefully thought out by himself and his team- and they have paid off in spades when it comes time for competition on the pickleball courts around the world.
The Shoes: Stepping Up His Game
Proper Footwear is Crucial in Pickleball
Many players overlook the importance of proper footwear in pickleball. They assume that their regular tennis or running shoes will suffice, but they couldn’t be more wrong.
Pickleball involves quick and sudden movements, and the wrong shoes can lead to slips, falls, and even injuries. That’s why Ben Johns is so particular about his footwear.
He understands that the right shoes can make all the difference on the court. The shoes he wears offer a perfect combination of grip, support, and comfort that allow him to move swiftly and confidently on any surface.
Ben’s Shoes Offer Unmatched Benefits
Ben’s preferred shoe brand is Babolat, and for good reason. Their Mach 3 line provides excellent traction on both indoor and outdoor courts.
The midsole cushioning absorbs shock during jumps and lunges, reducing impact on his knees and ankles. The upper material is breathable but sturdy enough to withstand aggressive play.
Another reason why Ben loves these shoes is their affordability. Unlike some other high-end brands that charge exorbitant prices for their pickleball-specific footwear, Babolat offers quality at a reasonable price point.
The Importance of Grip
The most crucial aspect of pickleball shoes is undoubtedly their grip capabilities. A player needs to feel confident in their movements around the court without slipping or losing traction at critical moments.
Ben’s Babolat Mach 3’s have a gum rubber outsole with excellent grip properties designed explicitly for indoor court use since they are non-marking outsoles would not leave marks on indoor courts’ surfaces reducing them from getting dirty too quickly which can disrupt with gameplay. Their ability to provide him with exceptional grip allows him to change direction quickly during rallies while keeping control over his shots’ accuracy—an essential element of successful pickleball play.
Efficiency is Key
The final characteristic of Ben’s shoes that makes a significant difference is their ability to help him move efficiently on the court. Pickleball requires quick reflexes, agility, and speed, all of which are dependent on having supportive and lightweight footwear. Ben’s shoes tick all these boxes: they’re comfortable enough to wear during extended matches without causing blisters or soreness.
The cushioning system in the midsole ensures that his movements are efficient and controlled, without wasting energy on unnecessary footwork. Ben Johns understands the importance of proper footwear in pickleball and has carefully chosen his Gel-Rocket Asics for their exceptional grip, supportiveness, comfortability as well as being affordable.
These shoes offer him an edge over other players by allowing him to move quickly and efficiently around the court while maintaining control over his shots’ accuracy. Any serious pickleball player should invest in a good pair of pickleball-specific shoes to up their game and prevent avoidable injuries on the court.
The Apparel: Looking Good, Playing Better?
When it comes to pickleball, many players don’t give enough credit to the impact of clothing on their performance. Not only does wearing comfortable and functional apparel help with range of motion and flexibility on the court, but it can also give players a mental advantage. And when it comes to Ben Johns pickleball gear, his apparel choices are just as calculated and strategic as his paddle and shoes.
I can’t find the exact blue shirt that he’s wearing above – which is a bummer because I really like that one – but this Joola Shirt is the same material and is pretty sharp looking. One of Ben’s go-to apparel items is a moisture-wicking shirt that fits snugly without restricting movement. This might seem like an insignificant detail, but when you’re playing in hot and humid conditions, having a shirt that keeps you cool and dry can make all the difference.
Plus, the snug fit ensures there’s no extra fabric flapping around or getting in the way during volleys. Another important aspect of Ben’s apparel choices is the length of his shorts.
Many pickleball players opt for longer shorts that hit below the knee for modesty reasons, but this can actually hinder movement on the court. Ben goes against this trend with his shorter shorts that allow for full range of motion in his legs.
Sure, some people might find them too revealing or inappropriate for a sport like pickleball – but who cares? The name of the game is winning, not pleasing everyone else.
And let’s not forget about how looking good can give players an extra boost of confidence on the court. When you know you look good in your gear – whether it’s because it fits well or because it makes a statement – you’re more likely to feel good about yourself and your abilities.
This may seem like a superficial aspect of sports performance, but any athlete will tell you that mindset plays a huge role in success. Clothing might seem like a minor detail when it comes to pickleball gear – especially compared to things like paddles and shoes – but it shouldn’t be overlooked.
Ben Johns’ apparel choices are just as strategic and calculated as his other gear items, and they contribute to his overall success on the court. So next time you’re getting ready for a match, don’t underestimate the impact of what you wear – both physically and mentally.
The Accessories: Small Details Make Big Differences
Ben’s Grip of Gold: The Gamma Supreme Overgrip
Pickleball is a high-intensity sport that requires players to maintain a firm grip on their paddle, or else they risk losing control of the ball. Ben Johns understands this fact, which is why he uses the Gamma Supreme Overgrip on his paddle.
This premium overgrip provides excellent tackiness and cushioning, ensuring that Ben’s hand stays firmly planted on his paddle even after hours of intense gameplay. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, investing in quality overgrips like the Gamma Supreme can make all the difference in your game.
The Power of Compression: Ben’s Socks and Sleeves
Compression gear has become increasingly popular among athletes in recent years due to its ability to improve circulation and reduce muscle fatigue. Ben Johns is no exception; he wears compression socks and sleeves during matches to help keep his legs feeling fresh and energized throughout gameplay.
These accessories are made with high-quality materials that wick away sweat and provide targeted support where it’s needed most. While compression gear might seem like a small detail, it can make all the difference when it comes to endurance and recovery.
The Importance of Eye Protection: Ben’s Sunglasses
Pickleball may not be as high-impact as some other sports, but it still poses risks for eye injuries from stray balls or collisions with other players. That’s why Ben always wears protective sunglasses during matches.
Not only do these glasses provide UV protection from harmful rays, but they also shield his eyes from debris or fast-moving objects on the court. Investing in quality sunglasses like those worn by Ben Johns is an easy way to protect your eyesight while playing pickleball.
Conclusion
Ben Johns’ success on the pickleball court is not just due to his incredible skill and athleticism. His careful attention to detail when it comes to equipment and accessories has undoubtedly played a role in his rise to the top of the sport. From his unique paddle design to his compression gear and protective eyewear, every aspect of Ben’s gear has been carefully chosen for maximum performance and comfort.
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, more players should take note of the importance of quality equipment and accessories in optimizing their gameplay. With the right gear at their disposal, anyone can improve their skills and enjoy this fun, fast-paced sport to its fullest potential.
I hail from the picturesque landscapes of Denver, Colorado, where the pickleball scene is as vibrant as our city's sunsets. The game has changed my life in ways I never thought a sport could. You see, before I got hooked, my closest encounter with a racket was a fly swatter.
As far as my coaching credentials go, well, it's a classic underdog story. I was once the guy who couldn't tell a pickleball paddle from a pizza peel, and now I'm proudly sporting the title of Master Teaching Professional from the IPTPA. If that doesn't give hope to all my fellow klutzes, I don't know what will!
My love for pickleball goes far beyond the court. I run the In2Pickle YouTube channel, which is a blend of pickleball tactics, bloopers (mostly mine), and heartfelt stories from players whose lives have been touched by the sport. If you're more into listening than watching, you can catch me chatting about everything pickleball-related on my Pickleball Therapy podcast. And if that isn't enough, I've also penned a book titled "Play Pickleball", where I share everything from basic rules to advanced strategies, and of course, anecdotes of my own hilarious mishaps.
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