I played against Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters (World #1 Pickleball Team)

I played against the best mixed doubles team on the planet, Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters! It was interesting to see how the best team hits their shots, utilizes spins, and strategizes.

Three takeaways I learned from facing them..

1️⃣ If you are playing against a team you know is stronger than you.. don't veer away from how you typically play. I tried to go for WAY to much on the majority of my shots, ultimately, beating myself.

2️⃣ They would punish you for hitting dead dinks. If we hit a bad dink, they would capitalize on it, and make it next to impossible to get the point back to neutral.

3️⃣ Their anticipation was on another level. Whenever we would initiate a speedup, they were all over it. It felt as if Ben was always making contact to the ball directly in the center of his paddle. No mis-hits.

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[mikeoliver]

I have been saying you are my favorite Internet Pickleball guru, but now… it’s even more so! Dude, you scored a few points on the two goats! You are legit!

[russellblanck]

Great effort. Talented, self-aware and humble! Way to rock it.

[spelunkerd]

I love the way you point out your own mistakes, the way you don't blame your partner in any way, and the way you give positive remarks to opponents. It shows class, leadership, and wisdom.

[pickleballstudent]

Love your attitude dude! You are truly in the "process mindset" of a champion!. Been watching your stuff for more than 2 years now and now you're playing Ben and Anna. Keep on at it man! Really appreciate you sharing your experience and knowledge!

[kronikzblehtcgs]

I prefer watching and following you since you helped me a lot with my game, Ben doesn’t have videos like you do and you’re always taking the time to help everyone like myself, we’ll appreciated 🙏

[stelladaigle]

Thank you for showing your vulnerability. Even losing and seeing your play and talking about it is helping a lot of people. iI mean...this is Ben here!!! You ARE GREAT!!!!

[jillcoster]

Your honesty and humility only increases your coaching ability and integrity. The 3 points you described after the game are so relatable! It is no wonder your fan base is growing. ❤

[gordclayton]

Super awesome living vicariously through you Tanner so much fun. I can’t wait for you to play them again. Good luck!

[johnnyguy]

This was so fun to see! Thanks for sharing it. Your hand speed is insane! Know you’ve got a lot of folks cheering for ya!

[joiedevivre]

I am so happy for you! Thank you for sharing this incredible experience and on your birthday, even sweeter! I love your mindset about the whole thing! Great attitude! Your take aways are so helpful for all of us when we play teams that are much better than us! Keep going! Share more of your matches! Great learning tools for us!

[mariat]

I love these breakdown videos. Please keep them coming ❤

[Mike-n-Kali]

Wow Tanner! This is absolutely incredible and you should defff be proud of those fast hands battles! I would totally be in my head in a high pressure match as well 😂

Happy birthday bro! ❤ $25 for your 25th birthday, you deserve all the praise.

Always love the way you can break it down and even show us tips that you learned from these competitive tournaments!


Kali is playing in a mixed doubles with me on her birthday day 11/2, The Florida Georgia classic

[scottmorrow]

I love the honest comments, Tanner. When you hit a foolish shot, you own it, learn from it and move on. Overall, I thought you played a solid second game and I'm loving watching your ascent.

[SandyHowell-bhqe]

So glad you got to play them and thank you for sharing the game.

[blendiniblink]

You’re awesome Tanner. How incredible and exciting that experience must have been. You’re already better for it and I know you’re going to be one of the greats. My heart would be in my throat for sure.

[robertwray]

Your analyses of the game are the best, thank you for sharing yr journey.

[johnr.seydel]

Well played and as always great, entertaining, and humble teachings. Thank you!!

[annmarie]

Cool 😎! Well deserved opportunity ! Thanks for the PB instructional coaching; very beneficial ! And btw.. Happy Birthday 🎉

[carlossubero]

Tanner, hope all is well! Congrats on your 25's, and on the same day playing the best mixed doubles there has been. Love the way you breakdown your games, and continue to learn from them. We will keep rooting for you, many blessings to you and your family!

[hawker]

So cool. Watching this put a big smile on my face as i remembered my first tournament. Adrenalin kicked in big time, squeezing the paddle too tight, hitting the ball harder than normal and attempting so many shots I would never normally do. A learning experience on controlling emotions for sure.