Colin Johns occupies one of the most important and underappreciated roles in professional pickleball: the left-side doubles partner to the sport’s most dominant player. As Ben Johns’ brother and longtime doubles partner, Colin has been instrumental in their shared success on the PPA Tour. While Ben often receives the spotlight for his singles dominance and shot-making, Colin’s defensive consistency and court coverage are critical to their partnership’s effectiveness.
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Quick facts: Colin Johns
Category
Detail
Full name
Colin Johns
Relation
Older brother of Ben Johns
Sport
Professional pickleball
Primary events
PPA Tour
Doubles side
Left side
Playing hand
Right-handed
Early life
Colin Johns grew up in a family that became synonymous with competitive pickleball. As the older brother of Ben Johns, Colin was part of the same household environment that produced the sport’s most recognized player. While Ben’s early dominance in singles drew national attention, Colin developed into a strong doubles specialist in his own right. The brothers’ chemistry, built over years of playing together, became a foundation for their professional partnership.
Career highlights and timeline
Family foundation: Developed pickleball skills alongside brother Ben Johns from an early age.
Partnership formation: Established himself as Ben’s regular men’s doubles partner on the PPA Tour.
PPA Tour dominance: Won multiple men’s doubles titles with Ben, forming one of the most successful partnerships in tour history.
Left-side specialist: Developed a reputation as one of the best left-side doubles players in the sport, known for his defensive coverage and consistency.
2026 season: Continues to partner with Ben Johns in men’s doubles, remaining among the top-ranked teams in the world.
Playing style
Colin Johns’ game is built for the left side of the doubles court. His primary role is to control the middle, reset points during extended dink rallies, and provide defensive coverage that allows Ben to play aggressively on the right side. Colin’s patience at the kitchen line and ability to keep the ball in play during high-pressure exchanges make him an ideal complement to his brother’s attacking style.
Shot
Strength
Notes
Dink
High
Controls middle of court effectively
Reset
High
Keeps points alive during aggressive exchanges
Volley
High
Reliable at the net with quick reactions
Drive
Moderate
Uses selectively to maintain positioning
Overhead
Moderate
Solid but secondary to his defensive game
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Rivalries and partnerships
The Johns brothers’ primary rivalry in men’s doubles has been with other top PPA Tour teams. Their consistency has made them the team to beat in most men’s doubles draws. Colin’s specific role means his individual rivalries are less visible than those of right-side players, but his matchups with opposing left-side specialists are often pivotal to match outcomes.
Gear and sponsor
Colin Johns uses equipment aligned with the Johns family’s pickleball brand affiliations. He has been associated with paddles from the JOOLA line, consistent with the broader Johns family partnership with the brand. His gear choices reflect the same attention to control and consistency that defines his playing style.
What’s next
The Johns brothers’ partnership shows no signs of slowing down as of 2026. Their chemistry and complementary playing styles remain one of the most formidable combinations in men’s doubles. Expect Colin to continue anchoring the left side as they pursue additional PPA Tour titles throughout the season.
Yes. Colin Johns is Ben Johns’ older brother. Together they have formed one of the most dominant men’s doubles partnerships in professional pickleball.
What side does Colin Johns play in doubles?
Colin Johns plays the left side in doubles, covering the middle of the court. His role is primarily defensive and setup-oriented, complementing his brother Ben’s aggressive right-side game.
How many PPA Tour titles has Colin Johns won?
As of 2026, Colin Johns has won numerous PPA Tour men’s doubles titles alongside Ben Johns. Their partnership has been one of the most decorated in the sport’s history.
Does Colin Johns play mixed doubles?
Colin Johns primarily focuses on men’s doubles on the PPA Tour. His competitive appearances in mixed doubles have been less frequent than his men’s doubles schedule.
Racquet sports player and writer covering pickleball, padel, tennis, badminton, and squash. Former collegiate tennis player turned recreational pickleball enthusiast. Jackson writes beginner-friendly guides to help new players get on court faster.
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