Pickleball Tips - 4.0 To Pro, A Pocket-Sized Pickleball Podcast

Today Mircea Morariu and Michael O'Neal tackle YOUR pickleball questions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today wedelve into advanced dinking strategies to elevate your pickleball game. First we talk about recognizing and exploiting patterns on the court. What it means to be up, down, and neutral within a point, the significance of dinking technique, and effective drilling methods for skill improvement. Listeners are offered tactical advice on maintaining control during rallies and targeted drills to enhance their dinking game, all aimed at honing both technical skill and strategic mindset. 01:19 Advanced Dinking Strategy 03:43 Analyzing Pro Players' Patterns 05:44 Up, Down, and Neutral Points 08:07 Recognizing and Exploiting Weaknesses 17:54 Drilling Techniques for Dinking Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott has just taken Bronze in Split Age at the Minto US Open of Pickleball in Naples Fl. While he's down there, we thought it would be a great time to tackle how to prepare for tournaments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How are your warmups? Are you warming up your body, as well as your shots? The pros do. You should be. Here's an insider guide to warming your body up, and what shots to warm up with to dominate those peons you call your friends. Here's the beginner jump rope workout mentioned in the show: https://youtu.be/1BZM2Vre5oc CRBN Pickleball Makers of the best pickleball paddles on the planet. Use Promo Code "402P" at checkout for 10% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are chatting backhands! The "tooey" has been my preferred shot these days, but many pickleballers don't know a thing about a backhand. This show will demystify! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of 4.0 to Pro, hosts Michael O'Neal and Mircea Morariu discuss essential strategies to enhance your game. They cover topics such as communication with your doubles partner, targeting specific areas of the court, and adjusting mid-game based on your opponents' strengths and weaknesses. Key insights include the importance of constantly discussing strategies with your partner, the effectiveness of third shot drives against powerful paddles, and the concept of following the path of the ball for optimal court positioning. Featuring expert tips from former top-ranked senior pro player Mircea Morariu, this episode provides valuable advice for players aiming to elevate their pickleball skills. 00:00 Introduction and Host Greetings 00:30 Pickleball Experiences and Challenges 01:09 Highlighting Pro Players and Their Achievements 02:25 Strategic Advancement to the Non-Volley Zone 03:56 Targeting and Communication Strategies 18:12 Positioning on the Court 24:37 Mid-Game Adjustments and Communication 29:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(Replay Episode 9) Today we can't drive 55! Sammy Hagar references aside, we are talking ground strokes / drives in pickleball, and when, where, and how we should be hitting them. Do we go for the "hero shot", or stick with the conservative "60% drive"? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss "The Cradle Drop", which is a shot every pickleball player should have in their consistent arsenal. We walk through the mechanics of the shot, as well as a couple ways to drill it. It's called the "Cradle Drop" because you cradle your off hand on the paddle as you are rotating to hit the shot. This is a controlled backhand with underspin that you will use a LOT in your pickleball career. Follow http://instagram.com/brainsdocpickleball, and thanks to Mircia for stepping in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone! In this episode of 402p, we dive into a bit of a grab bag with my co-host, Scott Fliegelman. We kick things off with some fun banter and listener engagement, share some exciting personal stories, and then jump into a detailed discussion about evolving pickleball strategies (I talk about a crazy backhand "shield" shot I saw on court ) and techniques. Plus, we answer some questions from our listeners. Tune in for tips on improving reflex speed, dealing with short drops, and mastering the high topspin serve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we give a few bullets on how to make the jump from 3.5 to 4.0. (Stay tuned for more detailed show notes) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We covered dinking on the last episode, now we get into the fun part! Talking the who, what, when, why, and how to attack (instigate) from the kitchen, and how to defend ourselves against those attacks. Get your own "Diego" training dummy to put on the court. (along with your spinshot ball machine, it's a great combo!) https://amzn.to/3lFQO7S CRBN Pickleball Makers of the best pickleball paddles on the planet. Use Promo Code "402P" at checkout for 10% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we answer listener questions about difficult shot execution, verbal cues on the court, and changing grip mid point. Then, how to make the jump from 3.5 to 4.0. Finally, what's the best drill to do when you only have a couple minutes and you want the most bang for your buck? 00:00 Introduction and Host Greetings 00:23 Episode Theme and Guest Introduction 02:41 Listener Questions and Expert Advice 07:25 Communication Strategies in Pickleball 14:46 Visualization Techniques for Better Play 19:35 Improving from 3.5 to 4.0 Skill Level 26:21 Grip Adjustments and Paddle Positioning 30:52 Bang for the Buck Drill Sessions 35:21 Conclusion and Call to Action Jack Munro Drill Sesh: https://youtu.be/9RAwrigvra8?si=6Lsu9X8f5UoHbnpA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show we are stepping into the kitchen and talking dinking. How should we dink? What are our targets? How can we set ourselves up for success in the kitchen with some strategic dinks? What techniques do the pros use? All of this and more in this ep! CRBN Pickleball Makers of the best pickleball paddles on the planet. Use Promo Code "402P" at checkout for 10% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we delve into the nuances of playing pickleball with a referee present. We talk about the additional pressure and dynamics a referee brings to a game. Topics covered include the significance of making prompt and proper outcalls, protocols around serve routines, and foot faults, as well as the importance of establishing a rapport with the referee. Practical advice is given on how to handle incorrect scores and the procedures for challenging line calls. Whether you're moving up the ranks or just looking to refine your game, this episode is packed with advice to help you play your best when there’s a ref on the court. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:20 Discussing the APP NYC Event 00:56 The Role of Referees in Professional Pickleball 02:56 Strategies for Playing with a Referee 03:58 Pre-Match Decisions and Strategies 05:00 Warm-Up and Match Preparation 11:24 Handling Line Calls and Disputes 13:03 Serving Rules and Protocols 17:18 Foot Faults and Common Referee Calls 20:08 Stacking and Positioning Clarifications 21:31 Out Calls and Replay Rules 27:44 Advanced Referee Rules and Tips 28:26 Conclusion and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

**NOTE: Since this episode has published, the Gen 3 paddles from Gearbox, Joola, and others have hit the market. So, much of what we talked about can be extrapolated to these new paddles. Pickleball Paddle technology has taken huge leaps and bounds in the last 3 years or so. Shots that were previously impossible are now commonplace due to the gritty carbon fiber surfaces that higher end paddles come with. So, how do pros choose their paddles? How do they set them up? What does lead tape do, and where should we put it? All of this and more in this episode. CRBN Pickleball Makers of the best pickleball paddles on the planet. Use Promo Code "402P" at checkout for 10% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we delve into the critical importance of your FEET in pickleball. We kick off with a shoutout to Michael from Jilly Bee's (Jill Braverman) podcast and celebrate their show ranking #23 globally in trending new shows. They emphasize the need for appropriate footwear, the intricacies of footwork for different shots, and drills to improve stability and efficiency on the court. Michael shares his unique warm-up routine involving jump ropes to keep his lower body agile and strong, while Scott recommends a neuro ball for foot health. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your game or simply avoid injuries, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you take care of your most important pickleball asset – your feet! 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Shoutouts 01:58 The Importance of Footwork in Pickleball 04:46 Choosing the Right Footwear 07:13 Footwork Techniques and Drills 14:46 Advanced Strategies: Split Steps and Shot Selection 26:23 Strengthening Your Feet for Pickleball 28:55 Conclusion and Final Tips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Senior Pro Scott Fliegelman (@boulderpickleball) and 4-point-something Michael O'Neal (@solohour) talk about how to get better at pickleball every time you play. We talk about what to do when you're solo, what to do with three players, how to choose a coach, great drills, and how to play above and below your current level. CRBN Pickleball Makers of the best pickleball paddles on the planet. Use Promo Code "402P" at checkout for 10% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Michael shares his experience from the APP tournament at Flushing Meadows in New York City. Michael recounts playing in various events, including the Humana Cup and senior pro singles and doubles, reflecting on his growth and strategy adjustments, including (spoiler alert) his first senior pro win! The episode also covers drills like the instigator drill, the importance of adapting playing styles, and advice on finding the right paddle, including feedback on the Selkirk Labs 006. Listeners are encouraged to share their experiences and questions for future episodes. 00:00 Welcome to 4.0 to Pro: The Pickleball Podcast 00:09 Recording Under Unique Circumstances 00:52 Recapping the APP Event in New York City 01:27 Tournament Experiences and Strategies 04:17 The Transition from Semi-Pro to Pro 06:15 Q&A: Adapting to Your Partner's Play Style 11:21 Drills and Techniques for Improving Your Game 20:24 Exploring Paddle Options and Strategies 24:27 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of '4.0 to Pro' delves into the often-overlooked aspect of pickleball - off-ball movement. Hosts Michael O'Neal and Scott Fliegelman discuss the importance of movement when not in direct play, sharing insights from their experiences and coaching. They cover strategies like poaching, baiting, and fake switching to disrupt opponents and gain an advantage. The episode also highlights the significance of understanding your position and the opponent's likely moves, enabling players to make anticipatory moves. 00:00 Welcome to 4.0 to Pro 00:07 Recap of Recent Pickleball Events and Personal Updates 01:21 10% off of CRBN Paddles by using (402p) at checkout. 01:36 Diving Deep into Off Ball Movement in Pickleball 03:37 The Art of the Poach: Strategies and Stories 09:50 Understanding Off Ball Movement: Pro Tips and Tactics 18:25 The Shake and Broil Strategy Explained 19:57 Super Secret Pro Tip: Faking the Switch 22:35 Closing Thoughts and Call for Reviews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(Replay Episode 4) Today we are chatting serve return! There are a few techniques we can learn to give us a huge advantage in our serve game...and a few of them start before you even step on the court or begin your game. CRBN Pickleball Makers of the best pickleball paddles on the planet. Use Promo Code "402P" at checkout for 10% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices