Pickleball legend Ben Johns surprised spectators at the PPA Worlds by incorporating a rare, left-handed forehand into his gameplay during a singles match against Brandon French. While Johns is widely recognized as the greatest player in the sport, this unexpected tactical shift highlights his ability to adapt and utilize techniques from his competitive tennis background.
The Origins of the Lefty Forehand
The decision to switch hands during high-stakes professional play is not a new development for Johns, but rather a revival of a technique he mastered long before he transitioned to pickleball. During a post-match interview, Johns explained the history behind this unconventional shot:
- Tennis Roots: During his formative years as a tennis player, Johns actually favored a style where he utilized two forehands rather than a traditional backhand.
- Early Pickleball Integration: Johns previously experimented with using this left-handed forehand during his early days in pickleball, though he eventually abandoned the technique when it ceased to be effective against higher-level competition.
- The Recent Comeback: After a long hiatus from the shot, Johns successfully reintroduced the left-handed forehand during his match against Brandon French at PPA Worlds, proving that the technique remains a viable weapon in his modern repertoire.
While Johns typically relies on his standard right-handed forehand and two-handed backhand, the re-emergence of this "secret weapon" serves as a reminder that even the most dominant players in the world are constantly looking for ways to evolve. By digging into his old bag of tricks, Johns has added yet another layer of unpredictability to his game, keeping opponents on their toes and demonstrating that his capacity for innovation remains as sharp as ever.
