Pickleball continues to captivate sports enthusiasts across the UK, transforming courts in London, Manchester, Bristol, and Glasgow into thriving hubs for players of all levels. With the sport growing at a 15% annual rate and over 10,000 UK players, professional match highlights offer invaluable lessons for beginners (40% of the market) and advanced competitors aiming to elevate their game. One electrifying moment from 2024’s top plays is the intense rally in the Men’s Doubles Round of 16 at the CIBC Texas Open, where Ben Johns and Collin Johns defeated Dekel Bar and Zane Navratil 11-8, 11-6. This match, part of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, showcases the speed, strategy, and teamwork that define elite pickleball doubles.

For UK players in Leeds or Southampton, analysing this encounter can refine your doubles play, especially with a quality paddle like the Volleyer T700 carbon fibre pickleball paddle. As one of the best pickleball paddles in the UK, it delivers spin and control for executing pro-level shots. In this guide, we’ll break down the match, provide detailed player backgrounds, and share practical lessons for UK players to incorporate professional techniques in 2025, from Cardiff to Edinburgh. For more on pickleball fundamentals, see our what is pickleball guide. We’ll also explore how this match reflects pickleball’s growing appeal and its implications for the UK’s expanding pickleball community, with tips tailored to local court conditions.

The CIBC Texas Open: Tournament Overview

The CIBC Texas Open, held in Dallas, Texas in April 2024 as part of the PPA Tour, is a premier event showcasing top professionals in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. This tournament drew significant attention for its competitive brackets and dynamic plays, including the thrilling Round of 16 men’s doubles match between Johns/Johns and Bar/Navratil. The event highlights pickleball’s professional stature, with substantial prizes, rankings, and global viewership via platforms like Selkirk TV and PPA streams, inspiring UK players to practise on local courts. The final score of 11-8, 11-6 in favour of Ben and Collin Johns, the #1 seeds, over Bar and Navratil, the #12 seeds, demonstrated their strategic dominance in a match filled with explosive rallies and defensive mastery. This encounter, featured in the 2024 Top 10 Plays, exemplifies why pickleball is gaining traction in the UK, where clubs are expanding and events like the English Championships are drawing crowds.

The PPA Tour’s structure, with its point-based scoring (games to 11, win by 2) and seeded draws, mirrors major tennis events, making it relatable for UK tennis converts (see our tennis to pickleball guide). The Texas Open’s outdoor setting, with its warm climate, contrasts with the UK’s often damp conditions. However, the match’s strategic elements such as kitchen play, spin, and stacking, translate directly to British courts (see our wet weather tips). The tournament also featured other notable performances, such as Anna Leigh Waters dominating women’s singles and mixed doubles, adding to its prestige and relevance for UK enthusiasts seeking to emulate professional strategies.

Background on Ben Johns

Ben Johns, from the US, is widely regarded as the world’s top pickleball player since starting in 2016. At 25 years old, Johns has a background in competitive tennis, which informs his all-court dominance. He holds the #1 global ranking in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, with over 50 PPA titles, including multiple golds in 2024. His technical precision, powerful drives, and unmatched consistency make him a legend, with a 2024 win percentage exceeding 80%. For UK players, Johns’ journey highlights how racket sport skills can translate, particularly with a paddle like the Volleyer T700, which offers a tennis-like grip for comfortable handling (see our grips guide). His practise routines, emphasizing spin, footwork, and strategy, inspire beginners in Manchester clubs to build disciplined habits through dedicated practise.

Johns’ partnership with his brother Collin in 2024, including their Texas Open victory, showcases his ability to synergize with a steady partner. His aggressive net play and precise dinks, seen in the highlight rally, make him a role model for UK players aiming to dominate the kitchen. Johns’ coaching efforts and equipment development with JOOLA further enhance his influence, encouraging UK beginners to join local clubs and practise advanced techniques like stacking (see our stacking guide). His story resonates with the UK’s growing pickleball demographic, showcasing how dedication can lead to unparalleled success.

Background on Collin Johns

Collin Johns, also from the US, is a top pickleball pro and Ben’s older brother, competing since 2017. At 30 years old, Collin’s background in recreational sports fuels his steady, defensive style, complementing Ben’s aggression. He holds a top 5 ranking in men’s doubles, with multiple PPA medals, including golds with Ben in 2024. His consistency and positioning make him a reliable partner, as seen in their Texas Open win. For UK players in Southampton, Collin’s journey illustrates how complementary skills can elevate doubles play, encouraging the use of a spin-focused paddle like the T700 (see our spin guide).

Collin’s partnership with Ben leverages his defensive prowess, allowing Ben to attack. His practise routines focus on positioning and endurance, inspiring UK players to incorporate drills for consistency (see our drills guide). His quieter presence compared to Ben’s stardom resonates with UK players seeking steady improvement in local leagues.

Background on Dekel Bar

Dekel Bar, from Israel, is a pickleball pro who transitioned from tennis in 2019. At 32 years old, Bar’s athletic background and powerful forehand have earned him a top 15 ranking, with PPA medals in men’s doubles. His 2024 season included strong performances, such as reaching the Texas Open Round of 16 with Navratil. For UK players in Cardiff, Bar’s international perspective encourages participation in multicultural clubs, with a lightweight paddle like the T700 aiding quick reactions.

Bar’s aggressive style, seen in the Texas Open rally, complements Navratil’s consistency, offering lessons for UK doubles players. His practise focus on power and spin makes him a model for players aiming to challenge top seeds.

Background on Zane Navratil

Zane Navratil, from the US, is a pickleball pro known for his consistency since starting in 2018. At 28 years old, his background in recreational sports fuels his steady play, earning him a top 10 ranking and multiple PPA medals. His 2024 season showcased resilience, including competitive matches at the Texas Open. For UK players in Edinburgh, Navratil’s journey highlights how dedication can elevate recreational players, encouraging practise with a durable paddle like the T700.

Navratil’s partnership with Bar showcased his defensive skills, though they were outmatched by Johns/Johns. His practise routines emphasize footwork and consistency, inspiring UK players to build fundamentals for long-term success.

Breakdown of the Ben Johns & Collin Johns vs Dekel Bar & Zane Navratil Match

The Men’s Doubles Round of 16 at the CIBC Texas Open in April 2024 saw #1 seeds Ben and Collin Johns defeat #12 seeds Dekel Bar and Zane Navratil 11-8, 11-6 in a straight-sets victory. Game 1 was competitive, with Bar/Navratil’s aggressive drives and defensive saves pushing the score to 11-8. The Johns brothers’ strategic stacking and precise dinking secured the win. Game 2 saw Ben’s powerful drives and Collin’s steady positioning dominate, closing 11-6. The highlight rally, featured in the 2024 Top 10 Plays, showcased Ben’s cross-court dinks and Collin’s defensive saves, countered by Bar’s forehand attacks and Navratil’s scrambling, with Johns/Johns winning through a well-placed lob. For UK players, this match demonstrates kitchen strategy and teamwork, with Johns/Johns avoiding momentum faults, a critical skill for doubles (see our kitchen rules guide).

The match’s intensity, with rallies averaging 10-12 shots, highlights the importance of coordination and endurance in doubles. Johns/Johns’ use of stacking (see our stacking guide) positioned Ben’s forehand effectively, a tactic UK players can practise to exploit opponents’ weaknesses. Bar/Navratil’s resilience offers lessons in countering aggression with consistency, applicable on slick UK indoor courts in Glasgow. The outdoor Texas setting contrasts with the UK’s damp conditions, but the T700’s sweat-wicking grip ensures control (see our wet weather tips). This victory propelled Johns/Johns further in the tournament, reinforcing their status as the top men’s doubles team.

Lessons for UK Players from This Match

UK pickleball enthusiasts can draw valuable lessons from Johns/Johns’ victory:

• Emphasise Spin and Control: Ben’s topspin dinks and drives countered Bar/Navratil’s aggression; practise with a textured paddle like the T700 to replicate spin-heavy shots (see our spin guide). Aim for 20 topspin dinks per session, targeting cross-court corners for precision.
• Master Momentum: Johns/Johns avoided kitchen faults with balanced footwork; practise short steps for net play to prevent errors (see our kitchen momentum guide). Drill 15 volleys outside the kitchen to build muscle memory, ideal for indoor Manchester courts.
• Adapt Grips: Use a Semi-Western grip for spin-heavy shots like Ben’s drives (see our grips guide). Practise switching grips during 10 rallies to enhance versatility, crucial for UK doubles.
• Build Endurance: The match’s intense rallies highlight fitness; incorporate high-intensity drills for stamina (see our drills guide). Run 3 sets of 15-shot rallies to simulate pro-level endurance, preparing for extended matches in London tournaments.
• Strategic Stacking: Johns/Johns’ stacking positioned Ben’s forehand effectively; practise 20 stacking drills with a partner to master positioning (see our stacking guide). This tactic suits outdoor Brighton courts, where wind can affect play.

For wet UK weather, use a durable paddle like the T700 to maintain grip and clean it regularly to preserve performance (see our cleaning guide). These lessons help UK players avoid common errors (see our mistakes guide) and transition smoothly from tennis if applicable.

Choosing the Right Paddle for UK Players

A high-quality paddle enhances pro-like play on UK courts. Look for:

• Lightweight Design: The T700’s 8.4oz (14mm) or 8.8oz (16mm) weight supports quick reactions for volleys and stacking switches.
• Textured Surface: The carbon fibre face enhances spin for dinks and drives, emulating Ben Johns’ precision.
• Durability: Withstands wear on rough UK courts, saving costs for frequent players in Leeds.
• USAPA Approved: Ensures compliance for tournaments like the English Championships.

The Volleyer T700 is a top choice, offering a large sweet spot for beginners and spin capabilities for advanced players, making it one of the best pickleball paddles in the UK. Choose a 16mm core for control in dinks or 14mm for power in drives, depending on your style. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning after damp sessions, keeps it performing (see our cleaning guide).

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of Ben Johns & Collin Johns vs. Dekel Bar & Zane Navratil at the CIBC Texas Open?

Ben and Collin Johns claimed victory with scores of 11–8, 11–6 in the Men’s Doubles Round of 16, showcasing their trademark control and teamwork.

Who is Ben Johns?

Ben Johns is a leading US professional and widely recognised as the world’s top pickleball player. Renowned for his precision, strategic play, and consistency, he has earned over 50 PPA titles and continues to set the standard in the sport.

Who is Collin Johns?

Collin Johns, Ben’s brother and doubles partner, is known for his steady composure and tactical awareness. Ranked among the world’s best in men’s doubles, he plays a key role in the pair’s continued dominance.

Where can I find a quality pickleball paddle in the UK?

For high-performance gear, explore the Volleyer T700 at volleyer.co.uk. Designed for spin, control, and comfort, it’s an excellent choice for UK players at every level.

Join the Volleyer Community

Pickleball is a community-driven sport, and we’re thrilled to support UK players from Edinburgh to Brighton. Share your match highlights or practise tips with #VolleyerUK on social media. Whether you’re practising in a Bristol club or competing in a London tournament, pro matches like Johns/Johns vs Bar/Navratil offer inspiration for men’s doubles. Visit volleyer.co.uk to discover paddles and resources for UK players mastering pickleball in 2025.

Ready to dominate the court like Ben and Collin Johns? Shop Volleyer Now and explore the best pickleball paddles in the UK!