17-year-old phenom John Lucian “Johnny G” Goins just shocked the pickleball world, winning his first PPA Tour singles title in Bristol. We dive deep into his rapid rise — from upsetting Ben Johns earlier this year to joining the elite list of teenagers to win on tour.

Johnny shares:

- How online school fuels his training schedule

- The chess strategies that make him deadly on court

- Why he plays doubles differently than singles

- His mindset for taking down the best in the game

Plus:

🏓 Bristol PPA recap – Stompgate with Christian Alshon, Anna Bright’s singles return, Matt Wright’s big run, and contract updates shaking up pro pickleball.

🎯 Hot takes on the most complete singles player on tour.

💰 Inside scoop on the new UPA prize money model.

Whether you’re here for the strategy, the drama, or just love seeing a new star born — this one’s loaded.

📲 Follow Johnny G: https://www.instagram.com/johngoinspb/ on Instagram

#Pickleball #PPA #Picklepod #JohnLucianGoins #MLP #BenJohns #AnnaBright #PickleballPodcast.

Cycling Frog is giving away their best-selling THC seltzers for free. You just pay two bucks for shipping. That’s it. Get yours here:

https://cyclingfrog.com/pages/seltzer-giveaway?utm_source=TheDink&utm_medium=TheDink&utm_campaign=TheDink

If you’ve been on your feet a lot lately, especially at tournaments, do yourself a favor and check out these shoes from G-DEFY: https://www.gravitydefyer.com/discoun...

Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299

------------------

Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify

-Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com

https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG

-Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi...

-For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam

-Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/

-Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball

#pickleball #pickleballcourts

------------------

00:00 Intro & Bristol Recap Preview

02:20 Meet John Lucian Goins

05:15 Doubles vs Singles Practice

09:50 Upsetting Ben Johns in Cape Coral

12:15 Leveling Up the Doubles Game

14:35 Bristol Mindset & Surprising Win

16:55 Why Johnny G Excels in Singles

19:50 Joining the Elite Teen PPA Winners

21:10 How Chess Improves Pickleball Strategy

Erik Tice

26:50 Sword Story & Self Defense

32:35 Bristol Men’s Doubles Surprises

39:30 Anna Bright’s Singles Return & Power Ranking

43:30 UPA Contracts Explained

48:55 Teen Gold Medal Club Stats

51:55 Anna Leigh Waters’ Historic Dominance

55:15 Stompgate with Christian Alshon

01:01:40 MLP Playoffs Schedule Quirks

01:04:25 Listener Q&A: Tyra Black vs Annalee Waters

01:08:15 Listener Q&A: Is the ATP Worth It?

01:10:35 Listener Q&A: Lifetime Ball Opinions

01:12:50 Listener Q&A: Best Padel Players in Pickleball

01:14:40 – Rapid-Fire Instagram Q&A

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chess, Strategy & Singles Gold: Inside Johnny G’s Breakthrough