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

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