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

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