Ben Johns Moves To Florida: A Strategic Shift Toward Stronger Competition And Sharper Play

In March, world No. 1 Ben Johns made a decisive move—relocating from Austin, Texas to the pickleball hotbed of Boca Raton, Florida. The change marks more than just a change of scenery. It’s a calculated step toward sharpening his game, expanding his training routines, and staying close to the sport’s highest-caliber talent.

“I love Florida,” Johns shared in a recent interview. “I got a house with a nice backyard, cold plunge, pool, and a sauna. I play a lot of pickleball, and I do a lot of reading.” It’s a lifestyle shift, but one deeply rooted in performance and proximity.

Source: IntoPickleball

Returning To Familiar Grounds, With A New Mission

While Johns had been based in Texas in recent years, Florida isn’t unfamiliar territory. He previously spent time training in the Sunshine State and sees this move as a natural return to an environment that once helped him ascend the sport’s ranks.

“There’s just a higher concentration of elite players here,” Johns explained. “It’s a huge advantage when you can easily set up competitive games or drill sessions with other top pros.”

Indeed, Southeast Florida is now home to some of the sport’s biggest names, including JW and Jorja Johnson, Christian Alshon, Gabe Tardio, Anna Bright, and of course, his dominant mixed doubles partner, Anna Leigh Waters.

More Games, Less Drilling—And That’s by Design

The biggest adjustment since the move? The structure of Johns' daily training. For years, he drilled almost exclusively with his brother and men’s doubles partner, Collin Johns, avoiding practice matches altogether.

“In Austin, it was 100% drilling—no games,” he admitted. “But now that I’m in Florida, surrounded by top-tier players, it’s flipped. I drill about 20% of the time and play competitive games the other 80%.”

It’s a significant shift for someone long considered one of the most disciplined technicians in the game. But for Johns, this pivot toward more match play is already proving effective.

“Certain skills are great to develop through drilling, but others really need to be tested and refined in real game situations,” he said. “The games have helped me evolve those aspects that weren’t necessarily maxed out, but needed reps under pressure.”

Staying Close To His Doubles Partner—And Finding Joy Along The Way

One of the added benefits of relocating is the chance to be closer to Anna Leigh Waters, his frequent partner on the pro circuit. While they don’t often scrimmage—saving that chemistry for tournament play—they do spend time drilling and maintaining their rhythm as a team.

“We practice together occasionally, but it’s mostly drills,” Johns noted. “It’s helpful for the partnership to be in the same area.”

Fans have even gotten a glimpse of their lighthearted moments through Anna Leigh’s Instagram, where she’s shared behind-the-scenes clips of their practices—reminders that even the top players find joy in the grind.

Balancing Intensity With Downtime

While Florida has provided a more competitive training ecosystem, Johns is careful not to let the demands of elite play consume him entirely.

“I make time for the things I enjoy, like reading a good fantasy book or playing Fortnite,” he said. “If I don’t do that, it’s easy to get complacent or stuck in a monotonous routine.”

For someone who has achieved almost everything the sport currently offers, that balance between peak performance and mental refreshment is crucial. It’s part of what allows him to return to the court with focus, motivation, and a willingness to keep growing.

A New Chapter, Same Goal: Stay On Top

Johns' move to Florida isn’t just about geography. It’s about proximity—to better partners, tougher opponents, and a higher level of play. As the game continues to evolve and the talent pool deepens, even the best in the world are looking for new ways to stay ahead.

For Johns, this transition is about sharpening the edges of his already elite skill set—and staying inspired along the way.