Pickleball Tips - 4.0 To Pro, A Bite-Sized Pickleball Podcast: Recent Episodes
Michael O'Neal & Scott Fliegelman
Welcome to 4.0 to pro, the pickleball podcast that focuses on a single shot, tip, or strategy to improve your pickleball game with every single bite-sized episode. Our goal is to make you better every single time you hear our voices! We are covering in-depth pickleball tips and strategies like serving, returning, drives, 3rd-shot options, dinking, faster hands, and much more! Subscribe to become a better pickleball player! And now your hosts, four point…something, Michael O’Neal, and USA Pickleball Nationals silver medalist, senior pro Scott Fliegelman. For more tips, find us on Instagram at @4.0_to_Pro. If you have a Pickleball question, submit it at http://picklehelp.com. Now get out there and DOMINATE…. but don’t forget to have fun!
Video Tutorial: https://youtu.be/pU0KbFqn-pM?si=eW1jsXrV88xStT2x
The "1 Inch Punch" Dink Technique will help you become more consistent with your forehand dinks!
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Lefties.
We all know at least one. These tricky sunofaguns have quite an advantage on the pickleball court. 90% of the population is right-handed, so they are quite used to playing against us, and have all of the shots and strategy. But what to do if we have a lefty partner, or are playing against a lefty on the other side? This episode talks through all of the strategies necessary to play winning pickleball with, and against a leftie.
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Today YOU star in this episode! We've snagged a bunch of questions and give you the answers you need to be a bit more bad-arse on the court. Enjoy!
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Today we talk about how positioning and movement, sometimes against commonly taught ideas, can give you more time, more consistency, and slow the game down.
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We are on a roll! Roll volleys, that is. This is that tricky shot that keeps your opponents back or identifies you as a rabble rouser in the middle of a point. Let's learn how and when to do it effectively in this ep!
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The 4th Shot.
Sure...the 3rd gets all the limelight, and the 5th is completely strategic.
But what of the venerable 4th? The 4th gets no respect! Today we talk about exactly what to do when you have to field a GREAT 3rd, a not so great third, and a bad third!
Then we dig into how to counter the Shake & Bake with a great 4th.
It's a good'n.
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Today's show features Scott, in Dallas for the 3rd NPL (Senior Pro) event of the season, giving some advice to Michael about what happened before, during, and after his most recent tournament. We also chat about how to assess our game, and the best way to give feedback to a partner on the court so that it doesn't feel combative, but unifying.
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Do you know the ultimate "goal" or "strategy" for your 5th shot? In this episode we'll clarify EXACTLY what you should be doing with your 5th shot, and why!
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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Between us, Scott and I have about 70+ years of being sponsored athletes or influencers. In this episode, we break down the secrets to sponsorship, including how to identify, contact, and work with potential sponsors.
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Dudes and dudettes. A bit of comedy relief in this episode, along with a somewhat advanced technique to put balls away...soundly.
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Spin Shot Ball Machines
The most technically advanced pickleball machine on the market!
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The great thing about pickleball is that just about everyone can play it. The not so great thing about pickleball is that there's a lot of information given to new players that hinders their progression to become 4.0+. On today's show we dispel 5 of those myths...and even have one more for a bonus.
CRBN Pickleball
Makers of the best pickleball paddles on the planet. Use Promo Code "402P" at checkout for 10% off.
Spin Shot Ball Machines
The most technically advanced pickleball machine on the market!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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This is a great example of 'low hanging fruit' that we should be mindful of, every time we step on the court.
CRBN Pickleball
Makers of the best pickleball paddles on the planet. Use Promo Code "402P" at checkout for 10% off.
Spin Shot Ball Machines
The most technically advanced pickleball machine on the market!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Guys, we've got a bunch of fantastic questions from you, gentle listener. Dig in!
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The Transition Zone (That Space Between the baseline and the NVZ, or Kitchen) can be the trickiest part of pickleball. If you're stuck there, and the opponents are smashing balls at your feet...what do you do? Tune in to find out!
CRBN Pickleball
Makers of the best pickleball paddles on the planet. Use Promo Code "402P" at checkout for 10% off.
Spin Shot Ball Machines
The most technically advanced pickleball machine on the market!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/4.0_to_Pro
Stacking remains a mystery for a lot of pickleball players, but can be a huge advantage when you account for the strengths of your team, and put those strengths in the maximized position. On this ep, we talk about the various kinds of stacking you can employ, when to do them, and how to play against them.
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We've all done it.
We've hit a ball that was CLEARLY going out, and two shots later we lose the point/game/match, knowing that it was literally our fault.
The question is...can we get better at letting "out" balls go out?
We sure can...have a listen.
and remember.... AtTNH!
CRBN Pickleball
Makers of the best pickleball paddles on the planet. Use Promo Code "402P" at checkout for 10% off.
Spin Shot Ball Machines
The most technically advanced pickleball machine on the market!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/4.0_to_Pro
In this episode of the "4.0 to Pro" pickleball podcast, hosts Michael O'Neal and Scott Fliegelman discuss the benefits of recording and analyzing your pickleball game on video. They emphasize the importance of using any camera available, such as a phone, to capture footage for self-review. The hosts provide tips on camera setup, including using a tripod and phone mount, and suggest various angles to consider when recording, depending on your goals.
They discuss how video analysis can help identify areas for improvement, such as swing path, body movement, and strategy. Michael shares his personal experience of recording his drill session and discovering flaws in his swing path. He explains how making adjustments based on video analysis instantly improved his performance. Scott adds that video analysis can also help identify issues with split step timing, body positioning, and other aspects of the game.
The hosts recommend analyzing both drills and live game footage to gain insights into specific areas of improvement. They discuss different learning styles, emphasizing the benefits for visual learners when watching themselves on video. Scott suggests watching from a side-court position, focusing on one half of the court, and listening for ball contact on the other side. This approach allows players to observe their footwork, movement off the ball, and overall court positioning.
In summary, this episode highlights the power of recording and reviewing your pickleball game on video to gain a more critical understanding of your technique, strategy, and overall performance.
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CRBN Pickleball
Makers of the best pickleball paddles on the planet. Use Promo Code "402P" at checkout for 10% off.
Spin Shot Ball Machines
The most technically advanced pickleball machine on the market!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/4.0_to_Pro
In today's episode, we'll be diving into the importance of offensive and defensive volleys in Pickleball. (and another one you might not have heard of) Volleys are a crucial part of the game, and mastering them can take your Pickleball skills to the next level.
Understanding the Difference between Offensive and Defensive Volleys:
- Offensive volleys are used when you want to put pressure on your opponent and end the point quickly. These volleys are usually hit with pace and placement, and require good footwork and anticipation.
- Defensive volleys, on the other hand, are used when you're under pressure and need to keep the ball in play. These volleys are usually hit with less pace, and require good reflexes and touch.
Benefits of Offensive Volleys:
- Offensive volleys put your opponent on the defensive and can help you take control of the point.
- They allow you to dictate the pace of the game and put pressure on your opponent to make a mistake.
- Offensive volleys can also be used to hit winners, which can be demoralizing for your opponent.
Tips for Mastering Offensive Volleys:
- Anticipate where the ball is going to go and get into position early.
- Keep your paddle up and be ready to react quickly.
- Use your body weight to generate power and follow through with your shot.
- Practice hitting different types of offensive volleys, such as cross-court and down-the-line shots.
Benefits of Defensive Volleys:
- Defensive volleys allow you to stay in the point and wait for your opponent to make a mistake.
- They can also help you neutralize your opponent's offensive shots and take control of the point.
- Good defensive volleys can frustrate your opponent and force them to take more risks, which can lead to errors.
Tips for Mastering Defensive Volleys:
- Keep your paddle up and be ready to react quickly.
- Focus on getting the ball back over the net and into play, rather than trying to hit winners.
- Use soft hands and touch to keep the ball in play.
- Practice hitting defensive volleys from different positions on the court, such as when you're at the net or when you're pushed back to the baseline.
Conclusion:
Offensive and defensive volleys are essential parts of Pickleball, and mastering them can make a big difference in your game. By understanding the differences between the two and practicing different types of volleys, you can take your Pickleball skills to the next level and become a more well-rounded player.
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Today, we talkin' lobs.
Because of the advent of the Toray Carbon Face, we can hit a lot more topspin on the ball these days, which unlocks the ability to hit nice "topspinny" lobs over our opponents head. Some of us aren't great at executing them, or handling them. This show will hopefully start to correct that.
CRBN Pickleball
Makers of the best pickleball paddles on the planet. Use Promo Code "402P" at checkout for 10% off.
Spin Shot Ball Machines
The most technically advanced pickleball machine on the market!
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Arguably the mostfun aspect of pickleball are the firefights! On today's show, Michael O'Neal and Scott Fliegelman go over the nuanced aspects of how a pro approaches firefights/hands battles.
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CRBN Pro Ben Newell (@ben_newell_pb) joins us for this BONUS episode to talk about the strategies he and his partner Philip Locklear used to beat Ben Johns and Collin Johns at the PPA Newport Shootout on April 23 in Southern California.
We cover some realnuts and bolts of pro strategy, so tune into this one!
Here's the match if you haven't seen it.
Pickleball GOAT Ben Johns LOSES in the 2nd round for 2nd time this weekend PPA Newport Beach 0-2!
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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.
We chat about:
How to prepare your body and mind.
What's in your tournament bag, and what bag should you have?
How many changes of clothes a pro brings to a tournament
How to warm up properly during tournament day
How to hydrate properly days in advance
What to eat before, during and after the tournament day, especially if you're playing multiple disciplines.
How to move your ego aside to deliver a harder product to beat for your opponents
Lots, lots more!
Thanks for tuning in. We'd love a rating and review on Apple (http://402p.com/apple) and/or Spotify. (http://402p.com/spotify). They are super helpful for us, thanks!
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CRBN Pickleball
Makers of the best pickleball paddles on the planet. Use Promo Code "402P" at checkout for 10% off.
Spin Shot Ball Machines
The most technically advanced pickleball machine on the market!
Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/4.0_to_Pro
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.
CRBN Pickleball
Makers of the best pickleball paddles on the planet. Use Promo Code "402P" at checkout for 10% off.
Spin Shot Ball Machines
The most technically advanced pickleball machine on the market!
Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/4.0_to_Pro
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!
CRBN Pickleball
Makers of the best pickleball paddles on the planet. Use Promo Code "402P" at checkout for 10% off.
Spin Shot Ball Machines
The most technically advanced pickleball machine on the market!
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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"?
Spin Shot Ball Machines
The most technically advanced pickleball machine on the market!
CRBN Pickleball
Makers of the best pickleball paddles on the planet. Use Promo Code "402P" at checkout for 10% off.
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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.
Spin Shot Ball Machines
The most technically advanced pickleball machine on the market!
Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/4.0_to_Pro
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!
Spin Shot Ball Machines
The most technically advanced pickleball machine on the market!
CRBN Pickleball
Makers of the best pickleball paddles on the planet. Use Promo Code "402P" at checkout for 10% off.
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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.
Spin Shot Ball Machines
The most technically advanced pickleball machine on the market!
Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/4.0_to_Pro
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.
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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.
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Today we talk serves! There are multiple things to consider when serving in Pickleball. Alignment, location, serve choice, and much more. In this episode we learn how the pros serve and what they consider before every point.
CRBN Pickleball
Makers of the best pickleball paddles on the planet. Use Promo Code "402P" at checkout for 10% off.
Spin Shot Ball Machines
The most technically advanced pickleball machine on the market!
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Today we are talking 3rd shots! There used to be 1 choice for our 3rd shots....the traditional drop! Because of paddle technology and the evolution of the game, we now have at least 4 options on how to handle our 3rd. Have you mastered all 4?
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In this inaugural episode of 4.02P, Michael and Scott cover the basics of overall good pickleball strategy, including return of serve, serving, 3rd shots, and getting to the NVZ (otherwise known as the kitchen!)
Please subscribe on whatever podcast platform you prefer, submit any pickleball questions at http://picklehelp.com and follow us on http://instagram.com/4.0_to_Pro.
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