Christopher Haworth: The Quiet Assassin of the PPA Tour

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There are players who try to intimidate you.

Then there’s Christopher Haworth, who looks like he’s calmly filing taxes while dismantling your crosscourt dink pattern.

He doesn’t fist pump.
He doesn’t scream.
He doesn’t swing like he’s trying to split firewood.

He just wins.

And if you’ve coached as long as I have, you know that’s the scariest kind of player.

Who Is Christopher Haworth?

Christopher Haworth is one of the most consistent left-side doubles specialists on the PPA Tour.

Former tennis background.
Elite hands.
Disciplined patterns.
Zero wasted movement.

Sophie once told me, “He’s not flashy, but I feel like he never hits the wrong ball.”

That’s not an accident.

What Makes Haworth So Difficult to Beat?

1. He Plays Structured Doubles

A lot of players play pickleball emotionally. Haworth plays it architecturally. His typical point pattern looks like this:

Deep crosscourt dink
Subtle angle shift
Pressure at the opponent’s right hip
Reset if needed
Finish when the margin is high

No panic. No hero swings. Just disciplined pressure. Mason calls it “slow suffocation.” I call it maturity.

2. His Hands Are Elite Without Being Reckless

In hand battles, you’ll notice something. He rarely swings hard.

He absorbs pace.
Redirects.
Changes angle.
Wins on efficiency.

If you’re swinging big in hand exchanges, you’re gambling. Haworth doesn’t gamble.

What Paddle Does Christopher Haworth Use?

Luzz Blade

Controlled power for a stoic champion.

Christopher has been seen using the LÜZZ Blade Paddle from LÜZZ Pickleball.

The LÜZZ Blade is built with:

  • T700 raw carbon fiber surface
  • Thermoformed construction
  • Elongated shape
  • Carbon friction texture
  • Polymer honeycomb core

Based on manufacturer specs, it typically sits around:

SpecApproximate Range
Core Thickness16mm
ShapeElongated
SurfaceT700 Carbon Friction
BuildThermoformed

Why This Paddle Fits Haworth

This isn’t a trampoline paddle.

It’s controlled, stable, and predictable.

That fits his identity perfectly:

  • Elongated shape = extra reach on left side
  • Thermoforming = added perimeter stability
  • T700 carbon = consistent spin generation
  • 16mm core = controlled resets

Sophie hit with one and said, “It feels locked in.”
That’s exactly how Haworth plays — locked in.

Great footage of Chris playing men’s #1 Hunter Johnson.

Does the LÜZZ Blade Add Power?

Yes — but not reckless power.

Thermoformed paddles typically generate:

  • Higher twistweight (more stability)
  • Slightly firmer feel
  • More put-away authority than non-thermo builds

However, this paddle still leans control-forward compared to hyper-pop power paddles.

If you’re expecting trampoline pop like some 13mm rockets, this isn’t it.

If you want a structured offense? It makes sense.

What Shoes Does Christopher Haworth Wear?

Babolat Jet Mach 4

Excellent Tennis shoes that excel on the pickleball court.

Christopher Haworth plays in the Babolat Jet Mach 4 Court from Babolat — not the 3.

The Jet Mach 4 is the updated evolution of the Jet line, and it’s a true performance hard-court shoe. Not a lifestyle sneaker. Not a pickleball-branded compromise. A legitimate, tournament-level court shoe.

Here’s what you’re getting with the Jet Mach 4:

  • Michelin-developed rubber outsole
  • Reinforced lateral chassis for stability
  • Lightweight mesh upper with structured support zones
  • Toe guard for drag protection
  • Low-profile ride for court feel

This is a “move with intention” shoe.

And that fits Haworth perfectly.


Why the Jet Mach 4 Matches Haworth’s Game

Watch Haworth closely and you’ll notice something:

He’s rarely off balance.

He doesn’t scramble wildly.
He doesn’t overstep.
He plants, absorbs, redirects.

That style demands:

  1. Lateral containment
  2. Stable heel lock
  3. Predictable ground contact

The Jet Mach 4 provides all three.

It’s lighter than traditional tennis tanks but still stable enough to handle violent direction changes at the kitchen.

Sophie tried them and said, “They feel fast.”
Mason said, “They feel more connected to the floor than my old Gel-Resolutions.”

That connection matters when your game is built on micro-adjustments and hand battles.


Are the Babolat Jet Mach 4 Good for Pickleball?

Yes — especially for competitive doubles players.

Here’s why they translate well to pickleball:

Hard-Court Durability
Pickleball courts are gritty. The Michelin outsole compound holds up extremely well under lateral stress.

Lateral Stability
Thermoformed paddles don’t matter if your ankle rolls mid-reset. The Jet Mach 4’s chassis keeps your base controlled during kitchen exchanges.

Court Feel
Lower ride height gives better balance and quicker adjustment steps — crucial in structured doubles.


Who Should Wear the Jet Mach 4?

You’ll benefit from these if you:

  • Play 3–5 times per week
  • Compete in leagues or tournaments
  • Value stability over marshmallow cushioning
  • Play a disciplined, positioning-based game

If you’re a casual 3.0 playing once a week?
They might feel firm.

If you’re grinding 4.5+ doubles and care about footwork precision?

They make sense.

How Does Haworth Compare to More Explosive Players?

Let’s make this practical.

Player TypeStrengthRisk Profile
HaworthStructure & consistencyLow risk
Explosive attackersHighlight winnersHigh variance
Chaos playersTempo disruptionVolatile

If you’re like Mason — former tennis player with heavy hands — you might find Haworth conservative.

If you’re like Sophie — pattern-focused doubles strategist — he’s your blueprint.

Is Haworth More Effective in Doubles or Singles?

Doubles.

His skillset translates best to:

  • Left-side control
  • Structured kitchen exchanges
  • Patient point construction

In singles, explosive baseline drivers like Federico Staksrud can overwhelm with pace.

But in doubles?

Structure beats chaos more often than people admit.

Who Should Study Christopher Haworth?

You should study him if you:

  • Play left side
  • Value positioning over raw power
  • Want fewer unforced errors
  • Are tired of losing hands battles

He’s proof that you don’t need to scream to dominate.

You just need to make fewer mistakes than the other guy.

Final Thoughts From a 47-Year-Old Coach

Some players win loud.

Haworth wins quietly.

And if you’ve ever lost to someone who barely looked tired after beating you 11–6, you know that kind of loss sticks.

He’s not flashy.

He’s not chaotic.

He’s just disciplined.

And honestly?

That’s harder to beat than power.

Mikhail Ricci
Social FTW!

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