Pickleball Magazine 8-5 WD | Page 90

PRO-file by ALICE TYM

Behind the Scenes with Pro

JW

JOHNSON

Age :
20
Hometown :
Boynton Beach , Florida
Marital Status :
Single
Ranking :
Top 5
Favorite Tournament :
San Clemente
You come from a tennis background . What advice would you give to the tennis players coming into pickleball ? It is an easy transition because of tennis strokes . Pickleball requires patience . You have to work the point .
Will tennis take over pickleball or vice versa ? I think pickleball will be equal to tennis .
There is a lot of buzz about pickleball and injuries . What advice would you give to new players ? Don ’ t play too much and play a lot of doubles . I stretch a little and do fitness drills like running up and down hills and running on the beach .
Did you build your game around a single shot , or did you work to have an all-around game ? I just kept playing a lot and eventually I had an all-around game .
What is your favorite shot ? The backhand flick . It is a backhand swinging volley using one hand , a shortened swing , and an acceleration of the wrist .
Do you like to travel , and where ? Yes , especially to California because of the great restaurants , nice weather , and beaches .
What is your favorite museum ? I like the pinball museum in Delray Beach .
Do you drill a lot in practice ? I prefer to play rather than drill . I like doubles more than singles . I like the fast pace , and I like to play with someone .
What is your favorite vegetable ? Brussels sprouts .
What countries would you most like to visit ? Spain and Iceland .
Are you a sunrise or sunset person ? Sunset .
What is one thing you will never do again ? Basketball . I tried it when I was young , and it wasn ’ t fun .
If you could invite four people to dinner , who would you choose ? My sister , Roger Federer , Stephen Curry , and my mom .
Does having your family at the tournaments add to the pressure ? I like having my family there . It really helps . •
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