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

61: Attacking in Pickleball: When to Speed Up (and When Not To) — 4.0 to Pro

In this episode of 4.0 to Pro, Michael O’Neal and Mircea Morariu break down one of the most important strategic decisions in modern pickleball: when to attack. As paddles become more powerful and the game continues evolving into a more offensive style of play, knowing when to speed up — and when to stay patient — can be the difference between winning and losing at higher levels. Michael shares early impressions of a new “CRBN Barrage” paddle and how modern paddle technology is changing resets, counters, and energy output. From there, the conversation shifts into practical strategy for attacking intelligently in today’s faster game. The hosts outline key principles for successful speed-ups and instigation, including balance, control, partner positioning, and anticipating counters. They also discuss how the pro game has evolved since the late 2010s, why control still beats power at higher levels, and how to use early attacks as “data points” to understand opponents’ tendencies. The episode wraps with discussion of the instigator drill, partner coordination during attacks, and strategic adjustments when you’re losing the soft game battle. If you’re trying to move from 4.0 to 4.5 and beyond, this episode will help you attack more confidently — and more intelligently. Key Takeaways * Modern pickleball is increasingly offense-driven * Location > Spin > Power at higher levels * Only attack from a stable, balanced base * Attack when the ball is in your control * Your partner must be ready for the counter * Anticipate the next shot before you attack * Use early attacks as information gathering * Identify and target body positioning weaknesses * The instigator drill is one of the best ways to train attack recognition * If you’re losing dink rallies, shorten the point Upcoming Event Michael O’Neal and Mircea Morariu will be in Mesa, Arizona (March 7–8). Visit PickleHelp.com if you’re interested in a clinic or VIP session. 4.0 to Pro is your pocket-size pickleball podcast — one shot or strategy every episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

60: Cold Court, Hot Ball: Adjust Your Game for Winter Pickleball

with Michael O’Neal & Mircea Morariu Winter pickleball isn’t just “pickleball but colder.” The ball plays faster and harder, touch shots behave differently, and the injury risk spikes if you warm up like it’s July. In this episode, Michael O’Neal and Mircea Morariu break down the practical adjustments that help you stay loose, keep the ball in, and win more points when temperatures drop. * Why staying warm directly reduces mistakes and injury risk * Hands are everything: glove vs no glove, grip tweaks, and maintaining dexterity * Layering that works for movement: * base layer (compression or Under Armour style) * insulation (fleece) * optional shell for wind * the underrated puffy vest for pickleball * Hats and headbands for heat retention * Why your warm-up should be 2–3x longer in cold weather * Off-court warmups: bike, jumping jacks, jump rope * On-court dynamic warmups: lateral shuffles, staying low * Keeping blood flowing between points (the “bounce” habit used by top pros) * Why cold weather injuries are more common—especially over age 40 * Plastic stiffens → ball feels harder * Less dwell time → less spin and control * Ball flies faster with less resistance * Bounce becomes less predictable * Expect balls to crack more (especially outdoor balls like Dura and Franklin X-40) * Shorten your backswing * More compact strokes * Choke up on the paddle for better touch * Expect weird timing on volleys, dinks, and resets * Use safer, more consistent drop mechanics * Drives often beat drops in cold weather * Pressure creates more popups than usual * Attack knees, thighs, body more than perfect feet * Shorter points favor aggressive modern players * Reduce sidelines by 15–20% — aim bigger, safer targets * Consider standing slightly off the kitchen line for reaction time * Hot paddles become even hotter in the cold * Softer control paddles can be easier to manage * Consider keeping a “winter paddle” in your bag * Hand warmers (QB-style) can be a real advantage * Stop trying to play “summer pickleball” in winter * Expect your touch to feel off * Simplify everything * Play higher margin shots * Give yourself grace — conditions matter * Cold weather still dehydrates you * Lower blood volume = higher injury risk * Hydration keeps tissues elastic and responsive * Expect balls to crack more → bring extras * Warm up longer, stay warm between points * Shorten your swing, reduce power * Less spin, more popups * Drives and pressure outperform patient grinding * Improve margins, aim safer * Keep hands warm * Hydrate like it’s summer * Shorter points usually win Cold weather favors players who: * simplify * stay aggressive * warm up properly * and adapt instead of fighting conditions Winter pickleball isn’t worse — it’s just different. And if you adjust, it can absolutely become an edge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

59: If You Want To Get Better At Pickleball This Year, Start HERE

Tripod: https://amzn.to/4q4JnD3 Jump Rope: https://amzn.to/4pu8Jtd Jump Rope Workout: https://youtu.be/1BZM2Vre5oc?si=RXud8Vl3zIxzYA1S 4.0 to Pro - 2026 Goal-Setting Punch List Use this checklist to train with intention and make real progress this year. SET ONE CLEAR RATING GOAL * Choose a ½ point or 1 full point max for 2026 * Example: solid 4.0 → 4.5 * Focus on process, not daily rating obsession COMMIT TO A DEDICATED DRILL DAY * Pick one non-negotiable day per week for drilling only * No rec games on this day * 60–90 minutes is enough if consistent * Each session should include one technical skill * Each session should include one decision-making pattern FILM PRACTICE AND MATCHES * Film drill sessions * Film competitive games * Review for footwork * Review for paddle prep * Review for shot selection under pressure * Do not look for highlights PLAN TOURNAMENTS EARLY * Review the tournament calendar now * Choose a few local or regional tournaments * Choose at least one major tournament as a big target * Use tournaments as feedback, not judgment * After tournaments, ask what broke down first ADD PORTABLE FITNESS * Keep fitness simple and repeatable * Put a jump rope in your bag * Use it for foot speed and cardio * 5–10 minutes before or after sessions INCLUDE BASIC ATHLETIC WORK * Focus on balance * Focus on core stability * Focus on hip mobility * Short daily work beats long, rare workouts PRIORITIZE FOOTWORK * Footwork affects shot quality * Footwork affects decision time * Footwork affects injury prevention * Work on split-step timing * Work on recovery positioning TRACK THE RIGHT THINGS * Track drill days completed * Track tournaments played * Track film sessions reviewed * Weekly question: Did I do the boring work SHIFT YOUR IDENTITY * Stop thinking like a rec player who enters tournaments * Start thinking like a competitive player who trains * Expect plateaus and losses * Confidence comes from preparation FINAL CHALLENGE * Set your rating goal today * Lock in your drill day this week * Enter at least one tournament now * Put a jump rope in your bag * Start filming even if it feels uncomfortable Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

58: Right Side Play (Revisited)

Today we crank out another episode about playing the right side. If you want the "definitive" right side playbook, venture into episode 36 first and then come back to this bad boy. Today we talk about a few "plays", strategies, and scenarios for the right side player to be aware of. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! - Michael and Mircea Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

57: How to Use Rec Play to Actually Get Better at Pickleball

In this episode, Michael O’Neal (Long Beach, CA) and Mircea “MEER-cha” Morariu (Boca Raton, FL) are finally back together after a long break from podcasting and from regular pickleball play. This week, the guys dive deep into one of the most overlooked—and most transformative—concepts in pickleball improvement: Whether you're a 3.0 trying to climb or a 4.5 tuning the edges of your game, how you approach your recreational games determines how quickly you level up. Michael and Mircea break down: Mircea shares his linebacker-footwork story and why athletic transfer is often the missing link for adult players. * Pick one skill per game: e.g., inside-out forehand speed-ups, defense, or drops only * Work on recognizing paddle angles and predicting opponents’ shots * Identify “safe spots” vs. “danger zones” on each opponent * How to collaborate with a partner—even in rec play with strangers You can still grow—even if you're stuck in chaos-ball games with bangers or beginners. Mircea explains how to turn those games into valuable defensive reps or tactical experiments. Lobs, ripping at beginners, avoiding the better player, poaching every ball—Michael and Mircea break down the “read the room” factor and why winning a rec game should never come at the expense of being a good human. Michael explains how simplifying your drops and eliminating spin can help you get your rhythm back fast. * Every rec game is a training opportunity—if you decide it is. * Footwork is the foundation. Fix it and you gain an entire level. * Communicate with your partner. Even one word—drive, drop, middle—changes the whole point. * Make them hit. Trust your defense. Stop trying to hit perfect drops. * And above all… don’t be a jerk. Thanks to everyone who reached out wondering where we’ve been. It means everything to know the show is part of your weekly pickleball journey. If you enjoy the pod, please leave a quick rating or review on Apple Podcasts—it helps more players find the show. See you on the courts. Until next time, have yourselves a wonderful day. ⭐ Intentional Rec Play🔹 Why your brain thinks you can still hit every shot after time off… and why your body disagrees🔹 The #1 most common limiter for developing players: bad footwork🔹 How to structure your games with purpose🔹 What to do when the level mismatch is huge🔹 The ethics of rec play🔹 The “Colin Johns Drop” and other practical drills you can apply immediately🎯 Key Takeaways🙏 Thanks for Listening Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]