The Biggest Jump in Pickleball: Collin Johns on Why 5.0 to Pro Is the Real Challenge

In a sport where everyone's obsessed with climbing the rankings as fast as possible, the idea of deliberately taking a slower route feels counterintuitive. But it actually makes sense.

You've probably heard the pickleball skill ladder thrown around a thousand times.

Each level feels like a natural progression, right? But here's the thing: according to Collin Johns, a pro pickleball legend and one of the sport's elite defenders, the real wall you hit isn't between any of those rungs.

It's the jump from 5.0 to professional.

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In a recent video published to his YouTube channel, Johns breaks down exactly what that transition looks like and, more importantly, how to actually navigate it without burning out or getting discouraged.

It's a reality check wrapped in practical advice; the kind of insight that separates players who make the leap from those who plateau.

Why 5.0 to Pro Feels Like Climbing a Different Mountain

Most players think of the skill progression as a linear climb. You grind, you improve, you move up.

But Johns suggests the jump to professional play operates on a different scale entirely.

The depth of competition at the pro level isn't just incrementally harder. It's a different ecosystem. You're no longer competing against the best players in your region or even your state. You're competing against people who've dedicated their lives to this sport, who have sponsors, who travel constantly, and who've already figured out every tactical nuance of the game.

The PPA Problem: Why the Major Leagues Aren't Your Starting Point

Here's where Johns gets really practical. A lot of 5.0 players see the PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) and think, "That's where I need to be." It's the big stage, the televised events, the prestige.

But jumping straight there? That's a recipe for getting humbled.

The reason is structural:

• The top players are already paired together
• The field is established
• There's limited room for newcomers to actually compete meaningfully.

You might show up, lose early, and leave feeling like you don't belong. That's not just demoralizing; it can actually set back your development.

The Smarter Path: Start Small, Build Momentum

So what's the actual strategy? Johns recommends a more deliberate progression. If you're a 5.0 looking to make the jump to pro, start with 5.0 tournaments. Get comfortable competing at that level. Build your confidence.

Then, and this is key, move into smaller pro events before you even think about the major leagues.

This approach does a few things.

1. First, it lets you test yourself against pro-level competition without the pressure of a massive stage.
2. Second, it gives you time to figure out what you're missing, whether that's mental toughness, specific shot patterns, or just the rhythm of professional play.
3. Third, it builds a track record. When you eventually do enter a PPA event, you're not a complete unknown. You've got wins, you've got experience, and you've got momentum.

"There is a path forward for those players," Johns says. "It's just going to take more time."

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The Bigger Picture: Patience as a Competitive Advantage

What's interesting about Johns' advice is that it reframes patience as a strength rather than a weakness.

The players who burn out are often the ones who skip steps. They jump into the deep end, get overwhelmed, and either quit or develop bad habits trying to compensate.

The ones who stick around and eventually break through? They're usually the ones who built a foundation first.

This is especially relevant for tennis players transitioning to pickleball, which Johns mentions specifically. If you've got a tennis background, you might think your skills automatically translate to a competitive pickleball level. They do; to a point. But the transition to pro pickleball requires its own learning curve, and rushing it doesn't help anyone.

What This Means for Your Game

If you're a 5.0 player with pro aspirations, the takeaway is straightforward: don't skip the middle steps. Enter 5.0 tournaments. Get comfortable. Then test yourself in smaller pro events. Build your resume. Learn what you need to learn. The PPA will still be there when you're ready.

It's not the fastest path, but it's the one most likely to actually work. And in a sport where sustainability matters as much as raw talent, that's worth something.

Feature image via Instagram