

Pickleball Tips - 4.0 To Pro, A Pocket-Sized Pickleball Podcast
Michael O'Neal & Mircea Morariu
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 pocket-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! . 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!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 8, 2025 • 45min
29: How To Do NOTHING And Win 2 or 3 More Points Per Pickleball Game
Support The Show!
http://402p.com/support
To inquire about advertising on the podcast and/or live clinics and camps,
reach us at http://picklehelp.com or @4.0_to_Pro and @brainsdoc.
Follow Michael on IG @solohour
Get 10% off at CRBN Pickleball by using the promo code "402p"
Welcome to another episode of 4.0 to Pro. Today, we're diving into how to let out balls go out. From pre-game preparation to on-court tactics and effective drilling techniques, we've got you covered. Let's break it down!
Pre-Game Checklist: Reading the Room
Before you step onto the court, it's crucial to assess your environment:
Wind direction and strength
Ball type being used
Temperature and altitude
Indoor vs. outdoor court
Opponent's paddle choice and technique (observe during warm-up)
Preparation is Key
Set yourself up for success with these preparatory steps:
Know your court positioning (transition zone, kitchen)
Master the split step
Maintain a stable base and ready posture
Keep your paddle in the optimal position (fight low, not high)
What to Watch For During Play
Keep an eye out for these key elements:
Low to high shots
Opponents in transition
Kitchen play and counters
Grip types and paddle angles
Backswing and overall swing mechanics
Player positioning, especially in transition zones
Ball trajectory and height
Tactical Tips
Use the sideline as an extra defender for cross-court shots
Focus on fighting low shots
Be selective about which shots to contest
Adjust your play based on opponent tendencies
Effective Drilling Techniques
Improve your skills with these drill ideas:
Speed-up and counter drills face-to-face
Practice speed-ups off the bounce
Let some shots go out (don't chase everything)
Engage in intentional recreational play
Remember, sometimes taking one for the team early in the game can pay off later!
That's all for today's episode. Practice these tips, and you'll see improvement in no time. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share if you found this helpful. See you on the courts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 8, 2025 • 37min
28: Should You STACK More Than You Are in Pickleball?
Please consider supporting us and the show on Patreon! http://402p.com/support
If you'd like your CRBN TruFoam Paddle, use promo code "402p" at checkout at CRBNPickleball.com
To inquire about advertising on the podcast and/or live clinics and camps,
reach us at http://picklehelp.com or @4.0_to_Pro and @brainsdoc.
Follow Michael on IG @solohour
Get 10% off at CRBN Pickleball by using the promo code "402p"
Today we're on about STACKING in pickleball. How and why you should be doing it more than you probably are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 8, 2025 • 15min
CRBN TruFoam Paddle - Should You Get It?? Michael's Hands-On Experience
Use Promo code "402p" at Checkout for 10% off CRBN Products at http://crbnpickleball.comHi guys. Michael here. Thought I'd bang out a quick episode and talk to you about my experiences with the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1 and 2.You can win a CRBN 3 Trufoam here: http://402p.com/contest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 8, 2025 • 36min
27: LOBS LOBS LOBS! How to Use Them & Defend Them!
Dive into the world of lobs in pickleball, a vital offensive and defensive technique. Learn how to effectively execute lobs while mastering counter-strategies against skilled opponents. The hosts share personal experiences, garnering mixed feelings about this shot. They also highlight the importance of community engagement and strategic decision-making on the court. Tips on timing, positioning, and teamwork will enhance your gameplay, making you a formidable player in every match!

Jul 8, 2025 • 37min
26: Pickleball Tournament MASTERCLASS, Part 2
Win the CRBN 3 TruFoam Paddle: http://402p.com/contest
Ultima Electrolytes (Mircea's Fave) https://amzn.to/4jqSFq5
Jump Rope Workout: https://youtu.be/1BZM2Vre5oc?si=FPwfv5qenLppX9Zz
To inquire about advertising on the podcast and/or live clinics and camps,
reach us at http://picklehelp.com or @4.0_to_Pro and @brainsdoc.
Follow Michael on IG @solohour
Get 10% off at CRBN Pickleball by using the promo code "402p"
How to prep for a tournament, part deux! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 8, 2025 • 42min
24: The DINK Myth Revisited
Dive into the art of dinking, a strategic gem in pickleball that can elevate your game. Discover essential techniques, from body positioning to shot execution, that make dinking a powerful tool. The hosts share insights on communication and teamwork, crucial for gaining an edge in mixed doubles. Get ready to perfect your dinks with dynamic drills designed to sharpen footwork and stamina. Plus, they rally for listener support in the face of award snubs, emphasizing community advocacy in the pickleball scene!

Jul 8, 2025 • 24min
25: Pickleball Tournament MASTERCLASS, Part 1
This is part 1 of a 2-parter. How to prep mentally and physically for a pickleball tournament!
To inquire about advertising on the podcast and/or live clinics and camps,
reach us at http://picklehelp.com or @4.0_to_Pro and @brainsdoc.
Follow Michael on IG @solohour
Get 10% off at CRBN Pickleball by using the promo code "402p" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 8, 2025 • 24min
23: My Left Foot
Discover the art of targeting in pickleball, especially focusing on the left foot to gain a competitive edge. Learn effective serving techniques and the importance of player movement for strategic plays. Delve into advanced mixed doubles strategies that emphasize communication and shot selection. Each segment is packed with practical tips and tactics designed to elevate your game and improve teamwork. Get ready to refine your skills and enhance your performance on the court!

Jul 8, 2025 • 32min
21: Self-Evaluation - Recognizing And Fixing The Weaknesses In Your Pickleball Game!
To inquire about advertising on the podcast and/or live clinics and camps,
reach us at http://picklehelp.com or @4.0_to_Pro and @brainsdoc.
Follow Michael on IG @solohour
Get 10% off at CRBN Pickleball by using the promo code "402p"
Self-Evaluation and Improvement Strategies for Pickleball Players
In this episode of '4.0 to Pro', Michael O'Neal and Mircea Morariu discuss the importance of self-evaluation and improvement strategies in pickleball. They delve into their personal experiences with altitude adjustments in gameplay, the significance of identifying weaknesses, and the psychological aspect of coaching oneself and others. The episode emphasizes the value of video recording, asking friends for feedback, and professional coaching to recognize and improve weaknesses. We also announce upcoming 4.0 to Pro clinics for early 2025. This episode is a must-listen for those looking to elevate their pickleball game.
00:00 Welcome to 4.0 to Pro Pickleball Podcast
00:40 Altitude Challenges in Pickleball
02:03 Self-Evaluation and Recognizing Weaknesses
03:52 Mindset and Reframing in Pickleball
05:24 Effective Communication with Partners
10:36 Four Ways to Identify Weaknesses
15:18 The Importance of Film Study
18:47 Asking Friends for Feedback
23:41 The Role of Coaching in Improvement
26:25 Upcoming 4.0 to Pro Clinics
28:30 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 8, 2025 • 25min
22: Spouse Targeting, Teaching Kiddos, and People With Small...Appendages. Pickleball Q&A!
Enjoy today's Q&A episode, brought to you by...YOU.
To inquire about advertising on the podcast and/or live clinics and camps,
reach us at http://picklehelp.com or @4.0_to_Pro and @brainsdoc.
Follow Michael on IG @solohour
Get 10% off at CRBN Pickleball by using the promo code "402p" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices