Pickleball is capturing the hearts of sports enthusiasts across the UK, from bustling courts in London to community clubs in Manchester, Bristol, and Glasgow. With the sport growing at a 15% annual rate and over 10,000 UK players, the dynamic duo of Ben Johns and Collin Johns stands as a beacon of excellence for beginners (40% of UK players) and advanced competitors alike. As the world’s top-ranked brothers in pickleball, their partnership has led to numerous PPA titles and a style of play that combines precision, power, and unbreakable teamwork. For UK players aiming to elevate their game on the 20x44ft court, the Johns brothers’ techniques, paired with a high-quality carbon fibre pickleball paddle like the USAPA approved Volleyer T700 (£64.79, down from £107.98), offer a blueprint for success. As one of the best pickleball paddles in the UK, the T700’s textured surface and lightweight design provide the spin and control the Johns brothers rely on. In this guide, we’ll explore the Johns brothers’ journey, key techniques, and practical tips for UK players to master pickleball in 2025, from Cardiff to Edinburgh. For pickleball basics, see our what is pickleball guide. Shop Volleyer Now to get the T700 and play like the Johns brothers!
Who Are Ben Johns and Collin Johns?
Ben Johns, born on 7 September 1999 in the United States, is widely regarded as the greatest pickleball player of all time. At 25 years old and standing at 6’1″ (185 cm), Ben has a background in competitive tennis, which honed his racket skills before he transitioned to pickleball in 2016 at the age of 17. Collin Johns, Ben’s older brother, born on 8 August 1993, is 32 years old and stands at 6’0″ (183 cm). Collin also started in tennis but switched to pickleball in 2017, quickly rising to a top 5 ranking in men’s doubles. The brothers, who grew up in Hagerstown, Maryland, and now reside in the US, have a combined record of over 100 PPA titles, with Ben holding the #1 ranking in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Their partnership, which began in 2018, has produced numerous golds, including the 2024 PPA Texas Open men’s doubles win against Dekel Bar and Zane Navratil (see our Johns/Johns vs Bar/Navratil guide). For UK players, the Johns brothers’ story of family synergy and dominance inspires those in London clubs to practise doubles with a carbon fibre pickleball paddle like the Volleyer T700 (see our doubles strategies guide).
Off the court, Ben and Collin are known for their humility and dedication to the sport. Ben, who is also an ambassador for JOOLA, shares training tips on social media (@benjohnspickleball), with over 200,000 followers, while Collin focuses on coaching and community events. Their brotherly bond, as highlighted in interviews, motivates UK siblings or teams in Manchester to build chemistry through consistent practise. The Johns brothers’ cultural impact, as American pros dominating the global scene, encourages UK players to adopt their work ethic, using a USAPA approved paddle like the T700 for tournament readiness.
Why the Johns Brothers Inspire UK Pickleball Players
The Johns brothers’ unbeatable partnership and individual achievements make them idols for UK players. Their 2024 season stats, with Ben’s 85% win rate in singles and Collin’s 70% in doubles, highlight their consistency. For UK beginners, their story shows how tennis skills can translate to pickleball success, as seen in Collin’s steady defence complementing Ben’s aggression. The Volleyer T700, with its similar carbon fibre construction, offers UK players a more affordable alternative at £64.79, providing the control and spin the Johns brothers rely on (see our materials guide). Their focus on mental resilience, honed through family practice, inspires UK players to stay composed during long rallies in damp conditions (see our wet weather tips). With pickleball’s Olympic aspirations, the Johns brothers’ achievements motivate UK juniors in Glasgow to train with a carbon fibre pickleball paddle like the T700 for global competitiveness.
The Johns brothers’ partnerships, such as Ben with Anna Leigh Waters in mixed doubles and Collin with Dylan Frazier in men’s doubles, demonstrate versatility, a key for UK doubles players. Their ability to handle aggressive opponents, as in the Texas Open, encourages UK players to practise countering with controlled returns (see our spin guide). Their coaching efforts, mentoring young players, add to their legacy, inspiring UK beginners to join local clubs and practise advanced techniques like stacking (see our stacking guide). Their story resonates with the UK’s growing pickleball demographic, showcasing how brotherhood and dedication can lead to unparalleled success.
Key Techniques from the Johns Brothers’ Playstyle
The Johns brothers’ success stems from their synergy, with Ben’s offensive flair and Collin’s defensive steadiness. UK players can adopt these techniques:
- Ben Johns’ Aggressive Net Play: Ben’s quick volleys and speed-ups in the kitchen, seen in his Texas Open rally against Bar/Navratil, dominate points. UK players can practise 20 volleys per session with the T700’s lightweight design to replicate this (see our kitchen rules guide).
- Collin Johns’ Defensive Consistency: Collin’s scrambling and precise dinks, as per his partnership with Ben, keep rallies alive. The T700’s 16mm core offers the touch for controlled kitchen shots (see our kitchen momentum guide).
- Strategic Stacking: The brothers’ stacking positions Ben’s forehand in the middle, exploiting opponents’ weaknesses. Practise 20 stacking drills with the T700 for UK doubles play (see our stacking guide).
- Serve Variation: Ben’s deep, spin-heavy serves set up attacks, while Collin’s steady serves create reliability. The T700’s carbon fibre face enhances serve spin for UK beginners.
- Mental Resilience: Their composure under pressure, as in finals, inspires UK players to stay focused during long rallies in London tournaments.
These techniques, paired with a durable paddle, help UK players navigate varied court conditions, from indoor leisure centres to outdoor asphalt. Regular maintenance of the T700 ensures optimal performance (see our cleaning guide).
The Johns Brothers’ 2025 Highlights: Lessons for UK Players
The Johns brothers’ 2025 season has been dominant, offering lessons for UK players:
- PPA CIBC Texas Open (April 2025): Ben and Collin won men’s doubles against Dekel Bar and Zane Navratil 11-8, 11-6, showcasing their stacking and dinking synergy. Ben’s aggressive drives and Collin’s defensive saves highlight teamwork for UK doubles players (see our Johns/Johns vs Bar/Navratil guide).
- PPA Las Vegas Cup (August 2025): The brothers reached the final, defeating lower seeds with precise positioning, demonstrating resilience. Collin’s consistency in long rallies offers lessons for UK players on slick indoor courts.
- MLP Orlando Bash (June 2025): Leading their team to victory with a 16-4 record, the Johns brothers showed endurance. Ben’s spin-heavy serves inspire UK players to practise technique.
These performances, viewable on Selkirk TV, demonstrate the brothers’ dominance, encouraging UK players to use a carbon fibre pickleball paddle like the T700 to replicate their power and control.
Practical Tips for UK Players to Emulate the Johns Brothers
To incorporate the Johns brothers’ techniques, try these UK-focused tips:
- Net Play Drills: Practise 20 quick volleys with the T700 to mimic Ben’s kitchen dominance, ideal for indoor Manchester courts (see our drills guide).
- Defensive Scrambling: Run 15 scrambling drills to cover the court like Collin, suited for Bristol’s converted courts.
- Stacking Precision: Practise 20 stacking drills with a partner to position your forehand effectively, as the brothers do (see our stacking guide).
- Serve Variation: Hit 20 spin-heavy serves with the T700’s textured face, targeting corners for UK windy conditions in Brighton (see our spin guide).
- Mental Focus: Incorporate mindfulness during 10 rallies to stay composed, as the brothers do in finals.
- Grip Adjustment: Use a Semi-Western grip for Ben’s topspin shots, switching during rallies for versatility (see our grips guide).
- Transition Training: Run 15 baseline-to-kitchen sprints to build Collin’s positioning skills, perfect for outdoor Southampton play.
For wet UK weather, the T700’s sweat-wicking grip ensures control. Clean it regularly to maintain spin (see our cleaning guide). These drills help avoid common errors (see our mistakes guide).
Why Choose the Volleyer T700 for UK Players
The Volleyer T700 is the best pickleball paddle in the UK for emulating the Johns brothers:
- Raw Carbon Fibre: Japanese Toray T700 maximises spin for Ben’s drives and Collin’s dinks.
- Lightweight Design: 8.4oz (14mm) or 8.8oz (16mm) for agility, reducing fatigue (see our 14mm vs 16mm guide).
- Sweat-Wicking Grip: Excels in damp UK conditions.
- USAPA Approved: Tournament-ready for the English Championships.
- Price: £64.79, a budget-friendly premium option.
Shop Volleyer Now at volleyer.co.uk to play like the Johns brothers!
Where to Practice in the UK
To master the Johns brothers’ techniques, practise at these top UK venues, with full addresses for mapping:
- Barnet Burnt Oak Leisure Centre, London (Watling Avenue, London HA8 0NP): Indoor courts for net play drills, contact 020 8205 6900.
- The Albert Club, Manchester (39-41 Old Lansdowne Road, Manchester M20 2PA): Doubles hub for stacking practice, contact 0161 445 0741.
- Ashton Gate Sports Centre, Bristol (Ashton Road, Bristol BS3 2EJ): Converted courts for beginners, contact 0117 963 0600.
- Glasgow Pickleball Club at Bellahouston (31 Bellahouston Drive, Glasgow G52 1HH): Indoor facilities for serve practice, contact 0141 276 0767.
- John Charles Centre for Sport, Leeds (Middleton Grove, Leeds LS11 5DJ): Indoor courts for scrambling drills, contact 0113 378 8000.
- The Quays, Southampton (27 Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA): Indoor social play, contact 023 8072 0900.
- Cardiff City House of Sport (Clos Parc Morgannwg, Cardiff CF11 8AW): Indoor coaching, contact 029 2000 2555.
- Oriam Sports Performance Centre, Edinburgh (Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS): Competitive play, contact 0131 451 8000.
Find more via www.playpickleball.uk. The T700’s USAPA approval ensures tournament readiness.
The UK Pickleball Scene in 2025
With dedicated courts at David Lloyd Leisure and events by Pickleball England, the UK’s pickleball community is thriving. The Johns brothers’ dominance inspires players to aim for competitive play. The Volleyer T700 aligns with global standards, preparing you for tournaments. As pickleball eyes Olympic inclusion, practising with quality gear is key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Ben Johns and Collin Johns?
The top-ranked US pickleball brothers, with Ben #1 in all formats and Collin top 5 in doubles, known for their synergy.
What are the Johns brothers’ key techniques?
Ben’s aggressive net play, Collin’s defensive consistency, strategic stacking, and spin-heavy serves.
What’s the best pickleball paddle in the UK?
The Volleyer T700 (£64.79) offers spin, power, and durability.
Where can I practise in the UK?
Try Barnet Burnt Oak (London HA8 0NP) or Bellahouston (Glasgow G52 1HH).
Join the Volleyer Community
Join the UK’s thriving pickleball community with #VolleyerUK. Whether in Bristol or London, the Volleyer T700 is the best pickleball paddle in the UK for emulating the Johns brothers. Explore pro insights in our guides (see our Tuionetoa guide or materials guide). Visit volleyer.co.uk for top paddles and resources in 2025.
Ready to play like Ben and Collin Johns? Shop Volleyer Now for the Volleyer T700 and dominate UK courts!
