Why Pickleball Star Ben Johns Relocated to Florida
Ben Johns, widely regarded as the greatest pickleball player of all time, recently made a significant life and career decision: moving from Austin, Texas, to Boca Raton, Florida. His move, which took place in March 2024, was driven by multiple factors — professional growth, training opportunities, and lifestyle improvements.
A Return to the Sunshine State
Although he had been living in Texas for a few years, Johns was no stranger to Florida. Prior to his stint in Austin, he had already spent some time in the Sunshine State refining his game. Moving back felt natural — a return to a familiar and fertile training ground.
“I love Florida,” said Johns. “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.”
Florida isn’t just about sunshine and palm trees — it’s a hotspot for professional pickleball players. From better training partners to world-class facilities, it offers the perfect environment for a top athlete to thrive.
Training with the Best in the Game
One of the biggest motivations behind Ben’s move was proximity to his mixed doubles partner, Anna Leigh Waters. Together, the duo has been nearly unstoppable, winning 16 events in a row between March 2023 and February 2024, and securing 31 titles overall.
They now both live and train in South Florida, alongside other top-tier players such as:
- Anna Bright
- JW and Jorja Johnson
- Gabe Tardio
- Christian Alshon
- And Leigh Waters (Anna Leigh’s mother and former partner)
This concentration of talent has transformed Florida — particularly Boca Raton — into the epicenter of competitive pickleball training.
“In Florida, there’s a higher quantity of high-level pros, so it’s beneficial to have that because you can set up games and drill,” Johns explained.
Evolving His Training Regimen
Perhaps the most significant shift for Ben Johns since relocating is the change in how he trains. Back in Texas, Johns primarily trained with his brother Collin Johns, focusing 100% on drilling and zero gameplay.
Now in Florida, his approach has flipped.
“I now drill maybe 20% of the time and play 80% games,” said Johns. “Those games are definitely beneficial.”
This new method allows him to apply skills in real-game scenarios, providing a more balanced and adaptive training regimen. While drilling hones technical skills, gameplay sharpens competitive instincts, decision-making, and execution under pressure.
“Some skills are really great for drilling, and others are better to put into practice. I had a lot of things I really needed to work on. Playing games allows you to apply those skills.”
Staying Close to His Partner
Despite practicing together, Ben and Anna Leigh Waters don’t play too many games outside of tournaments.
“Anna Leigh and I practice together occasionally, but we mostly just drill,” Johns shared. “But it’s good for the partnership to be close by.”
The proximity enhances their chemistry and synergy on the court — a key factor in their unmatched success as a mixed doubles team.
Balancing Work and Play
While pickleball remains the core of his daily routine, Ben Johns understands the importance of balance and mental rejuvenation.
“I make time to do the things I enjoy, like reading a good fantasy book or playing Fortnite. If I don’t do that, it’s hard not to get complacent or fall into a monotonous routine,” he noted.
By incorporating relaxation and hobbies into his lifestyle, he ensures that his passion for pickleball stays fresh and undiminished.
Final Thoughts
Ben Johns’ relocation to Florida was more than just a move — it was a strategic decision to surround himself with elite talent, improve his training methods, and maintain his reign at the top of the sport. Whether it’s working out in his home sauna or sparring with the best in the world, Johns is clearly committed to staying at the pinnacle of pickleball excellence.
