How To Hit the Two-Handed Backhand Counter in Pickleball | Ben Johns

 

Mastering Pickleball Techniques with Ben Johns

Enhancing Your Game with Precision and Strategy

Introduction

Welcome to this instructional guide designed to help you master key pickleball techniques with insights from pro player Ben Johns. This guide will cover essential drills, strategies for mixing up shots, important aspects to remember during play, and more. Whether you're a beginner looking to improve your skills or an advanced player aiming to refine your game, these tips will provide valuable guidance.

1. Drill Routine - First Pattern 0:00

• Start with focused dinking to the backhand corner.
• Incorporate two-handed shots for added control.
• Alternate between attacking the ball line and targeting the opponent's right hip.
• Ensure your partner is aware of the general direction of your shots for effective counters.
• Practice defending against counterattacks to improve your response time and accuracy.

Ben Johns emphasizes the importance of starting with specific spots for targeted attacks. Begin by dinking to your partner’s backhand corner and then switch to two-handed shots for better control. Focus on attacking along the ball line or the opponent’s right hip to practice precision. This routine allows your partner to anticipate and counter your shots, which helps both players enhance their defensive skills. Practicing these drills regularly will improve your ability to execute and defend against strategic plays.

2. Mix Up Your Dinks and Attacks 0:46

• Integrate dinking and attacking to keep opponents guessing.
• Use a two-handed motion for both dinking and attacking to mask your intentions.
• Maintain consistency in your shot motion to prevent telegraphing your attacks.
• Combine both types of shots in drills to develop a seamless transition between them.

Johns stresses the importance of unpredictability in your game. By mixing dinks with attacks using a two-handed motion, you can confuse your opponent and keep them off balance. It’s crucial to use a consistent shot motion for both dinks and attacks, making it harder for opponents to anticipate your next move. This strategy not only enhances your offensive game but also prepares you for unexpected returns, making you a more versatile player.

3. Things to Remember 1:08

• Pay attention to the outside of the ball for better control.
• Watch the angle of the ball closely.
• Expect backhand returns when attacking the line.
• Transition to a one-handed shot if the ball gets higher for better downward control.

Johns provides key insights into the nuances of shot control. Focusing on the outside of the ball can help you manage your shot’s direction and precision. Being aware of the ball’s angle is also crucial for making effective returns. When attacking the line, anticipate a backhand return from your opponent and prepare accordingly. If the ball comes higher than expected, switching to a one-handed shot can give you better control to drive the ball downwards, maintaining an offensive advantage.

4. Outro 1:39

• Recap the importance of practicing specific patterns.
• Highlight the role of follow-up shots in maintaining offensive pressure.
• Emphasize ongoing learning and adaptation in your game.

In his conclusion, Johns recaps the critical aspects of practicing and refining your game. He underscores the importance of specific patterns and targeted drills to develop consistency and precision. Follow-up shots are essential to keep up the offensive pressure and capitalize on your attacks. Finally, he encourages continuous learning and adaptation, as mastering pickleball requires evolving your strategies and techniques based on your experiences and observations.

Guide Summary

This guide, based on Ben Johns' expert advice, covers essential drills and strategies to elevate your pickleball game. By focusing on specific patterns, mixing dinks and attacks, and paying attention to key details like the ball's outside and angle, you can develop a more unpredictable and effective play style. Regular practice, anticipation of your opponent's moves, and continuous adaptation are crucial for mastering the game. Use these insights to refine your skills and gain a competitive edge on the court.

Jazzy Pickleball with Ben Johns

In the realm of pickleball, there’s a name that dawns, The master of the court, it's the great Ben Johns. With a rhythm and a flow, he’s got us all enthralled, Teaching us the secrets to mastering pickleball.

In the backhand corner, where the battle starts, Ben's two-handed shots play like jazz on the charts. Mixing dinks and attacks in a seamless dance, Keeping the opponents guessing with every chance.

We start with drills, oh, the patterns we weave, Attacking the right hip, with tricks up our sleeve. Precision in practice, that’s the golden rule, Counterattacks honed in the heat of the duel.

"Maintain consistency," Ben whispers with a grin, It's the secret to ensure you always win. With specific patterns, and a strategy so grand, We follow his lead, the paddle in our hand.

Outside of the ball, watch it spin and glide, The angle of the shot, let your instincts guide. Expect the backhand, be ready on the line, With every swing, you'll see your game refine.

Transition smooth, from two hands to one, In the heat of the moment, under the blazing sun. Dink Drills are his passion, each stroke a specific beat, Patterns perfected, no room for defeat.

In the lead, with his wisdom so bright, Turning rookies to pros in the flick of a night. Swinging in sync, with a jazz-like refrain, Ben Johns, in pickleball, forever will reign.

So take to the court, let the number one's lessons flow, With every move, let your confidence grow. In the game of pickleball, you'll find your fame, With jazzy rhythms, you'll be mastering the game.