Ben Johns Backhand Roll
Ben Johns Backhand Roll: Master the Deceptive Shot for a Winning Edge
When it comes to pickleball, the Ben Johns backhand roll is one of the most dynamic and deceptive shots you can add to your arsenal. It empowers you to attack from below net height, generate unpredictable topspin, and surprise your opponents with minimal wrist action. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how Ben Johns executes his signature shot, and how you can master it too.
Why the Ben Johns Backhand Roll Stands Out
If you’ve ever seen Ben Johns play pro pickleball, you know he relies on a variety of smart, high-percentage shots. Yet his backhand roll remains his best weapon. It turns defensive moments into offensive strikes, often catching opponents off guard. Unlike typical backhand volleys, this roll:
- Looks like a dink until the last second, making it incredibly deceptive.
- Generates heavy topspin to force the ball downward rapidly.
- Targets the opponent’s body, especially the tricky “chicken wing” area around their hip.
- Allows attacks on balls below net level, a rare advantage on the backhand side.
Ben Johns Backhand Roll: The Essential Mechanics
Paddle Position and Swing Path
Mastering the Ben Johns backhand roll starts with understanding your paddle angle. Aim for a slightly closed face, then swing from low to high while keeping your wrist stable. Picture your paddle brushing up the back of the ball. This motion creates a topspin arc, causing the ball to dip quickly on the other side of the net.
Key Tip: Most of the spin comes from your forearm rotation, not a big wrist flick. Keep your wrist firm and move the paddle in a smooth upward path.
Body Mechanics and Timing
Generating power starts from your legs and core. Ben Johns bends his knees and extends upward as he contacts the ball. This helps lift the paddle from below net height to above shoulder level, adding both topspin and control.
- Bend your knees: Stay low to the ground so you can drive upward through the ball.
- Contact in front: Hit the ball slightly ahead of your body for maximum spin and power.
- Finish high: Complete your swing with your paddle near your head to ensure a consistent roll.
Strategic Use of the Backhand Roll
The best players don’t overuse this shot. They pick the perfect moments to strike. According to Ben Johns, here are the top scenarios to pull the trigger:
- Slightly high dinks: If your opponent’s dink floats even a bit, seize the chance to roll it aggressively.
- Cross-court setups: Many times, the ball arrives cross-court to your backhand. Exploit that angle to redirect down the line.
- Opponents at the net: A heavy topspin roll dips abruptly, making it tough for net-huggers to return effectively.
Also note that placement is crucial. Ben Johns often aims for the right hip of right-handed opponents. This target is awkward to defend, especially if you blend it with occasional cross-court dinks. The unpredictability keeps your opponent guessing.
Step by Step Drills for Mastering the Ben Johns Backhand Roll
- Volley Dink Warm-Up
Begin with simple volley dinks to establish a consistent contact point. Focus on a soft, controlled motion. This warm-up mimics the initial look of your future backhand roll.
- Controlled Topspin Practice
Have a partner feed cross-court dinks to your backhand. Take the ball out of the air and try a gentle roll that emphasizes spin rather than power. Keep the paddle face slightly closed and swing upward.
- Disguised Attack Drill
Alternate between regular backhand dinks and the Ben Johns backhand roll. Your partner should guess which shot you’re about to hit. If they can’t predict it, you’re succeeding at disguising your roll.
- Fast-Hands Variation
Increase your pace to simulate match conditions. Speed up the feed so you can work on quick reactions. The goal is to maintain a stable wrist while accelerating upward for topspin.
Comparing the Backhand Roll and the Backhand Flick
You might hear about two different aggressive backhand shots: the roll and the flick. Both are offensive, but each has its unique quirks:
| Technique | Key Trait | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Backhand Roll | More topspin, stable wrist | Attacking slightly lower balls out of the air |
| Backhand Flick | Quicker wrist snap, more drive | Attacking higher balls in fast exchanges |
Want a deeper dive into the nuances of each shot? Check out our previous article on the backhand roll in pickleball and stay tuned for upcoming content on flick mechanics.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even advanced pickleball players struggle at first with timing and paddle angle. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Excessive wrist flick: Focus on a stable wrist and forearm rotation. Too much wrist motion leads to mishits.
- Contact too late: If the ball gets behind you, your topspin will vanish, and you’ll likely dump it into the net.
- Forcing a roll on every dink: Pick your opportunities. A well timed backhand roll is more effective than overusing it.
Pro Insights from Video Analysis
In a video tutorial, Ben Johns highlights the importance of volley dinking and notes that his backhand roll is always taken out of the air. He emphasizes reaching in for the ball and focusing on a low-to-high paddle path. By bending his knees, he positions the paddle near the ground and finishes near his head. This vertical movement adds power and spin without excessive wrist action.
He also targets what he calls the “chicken wing” area (right at an opponent’s elbow or hip). When executed correctly, this placement is tough to defend, especially if your opponent expects a cross-court dink.
Adding It to Your Game Plan
The Ben Johns backhand roll is not just a highlight reel shot. It’s a practical way to seize control of rallies. Practice it consistently and incorporate it into your standard drills. Soon, you’ll find yourself surprising opponents who assume you’ll dink every backhand.
For more advanced strategies that complement the roll, explore our guide on advanced pickleball techniques. You’ll discover how to combine the backhand roll with well placed drives, lobs, and third shot drops.
FAQ Section
Intermediate players can learn it with consistent drills. Once you have a stable backhand dink volley, you can begin layering in the roll.
Aim for your opponent’s right hip if they’re right-handed, or straight down the line to catch them off guard. Both placements create awkward returns.
Not really. The motion is driven by forearm rotation and an upward swing path. A stable wrist helps maintain consistency.
It’s possible, but it loses much of its effectiveness. Ben Johns prefers taking the ball out of the air to maintain aggression.
Ben Johns Backhand Roll and Your Next Step
By now, you understand how to set up, execute, and strategically use the Ben Johns backhand roll. Drill it often, focus on disguise, and keep your body mechanics consistent. You’ll soon transform a once defensive shot into a formidable weapon.
Ready to take the next step? Share this article with your doubles partner and practice together. Then, explore more in depth guides at PickleTip.com where we share weekly tips and game insights.
