Episodes

  • 65: This CONTROVERSIAL Shot Is Trending in Pickleball! Here's How To Defend It!

    65: This CONTROVERSIAL Shot Is Trending in Pickleball! Here's How To Defend It!
    May 9 2024
    Today Michael O'Neal and Scott Fliegelman discuss the evolving strategy of the FIFTH shot drive in pickleball, moving away from traditional play, towards more aggressive tactics facilitated by advancements in paddle technology. They explore how these changes are affecting the game, including how to effectively use and defend against powerful drives. The discussion also covers the impact of new paddle technologies, like the Gen 3 paddles, contributing to harder hits with less effort and more spin, significantly changing gameplay strategies. Furthermore, they touch on personal experiences and techniques to adapt to and counter this emerging play style, emphasizing the need for recalibration in response to the evolution of pickleball equipment and tactics. The episode also includes a mention of a community support initiative for a fellow player diagnosed with cancer, illustrating the close-knit nature of the pickleball community. 00:00 Welcome to 4.0 to Pro: The Pickleball Podcast 00:36 Shoutout to Montis Pickleball & Personal Updates 01:29 Supporting a Friend in Need: Brent YY's Battle 02:19 Observations from the Court: The Evolution of Pickleball 05:29 The Impact of New Paddle Technology on the Game 07:19 Mastering and Defending Against the New Power Drive 13:57 Defensive Strategies Against High-Power Shots 23:45 Concluding Thoughts and a Call to Action Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    27 mins
  • Replay: 2: Mastering The 3rd Shot In Pickleball

    Replay: 2: Mastering The 3rd Shot In Pickleball
    May 7 2024
    This is a replay of episode 2 for those that may have missed it! Have a listen to refresh your 3rds! 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? CRBN Pickleball Makers of the best pickleball paddles on the planet. Use Promo Code "402P" at checkout for 10% off. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    27 mins
  • 64: Try THIS For More Consistency on 3rd Shot DROPS!

    64: Try THIS For More Consistency on 3rd Shot DROPS!
    May 3 2024
    Today we're exploring something we've noticed about Colin Johns and Andrei Daescu's pickleball game. Their drops are WAY higher and flatter than most 4.0 to Pro's. Today we talk the in's and out's of that particular shot, and how you can integrate it with limited penalty and a LOT of upside! Hey, why not grab a t-shirt at http://makeemhit.com? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    22 mins
  • REPLAY: 1: How To Play Winning Pickleball Like A Pro

    REPLAY: 1: How To Play Winning Pickleball Like A Pro
    May 1 2024
    REPLAY: 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. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    19 mins
  • 63: Mastering The Left Side in Pickleball

    63: Mastering The Left Side in Pickleball
    Apr 29 2024
    Last week we did right side...today it's left! This episode of the '4.0 to Pro' pickleball podcast, hosted by Michael O' Neal and Scott Fliegelman, delves into strategies and techniques for playing on the left side of the pickleball court. After covering right side play in a previous episode, they switch focus to the left side, discussing responsibilities, shot selection, and partner dynamics. The hosts emphasize the importance of consistent backhand dinks, footwork, and off-ball movement to create pressure and opportunities for points. They also discuss fitness and cross-training to enhance game performance. The episode includes discussions on specific shots like the instigator shot, shake and bake, and introducing the concept of shake and broil for advanced teamwork on the court. The conversation wraps up with advice on improving partner communication and the effectiveness of being more vocal during games. 00:00 Welcome to the Pocket-Sized Pickleball Podcast! 00:26 Diving Into Left Side Play Strategies 01:10 Promo Codes and Pickleball Apparel Chat 03:22 Evolution of Pickleball and Player Dynamics 07:18 Deep Dive: Left Side Player's Role and Techniques 22:23 Advanced Strategies and Partner Dynamics 27:30 Wrapping Up and Next Steps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • 62. The DEFINITIVE Right Side Player Playbook in Pickleball!

    62. The DEFINITIVE Right Side Player Playbook in Pickleball!
    Apr 24 2024
    Today we chat about Scott Fliegelman's experiences at the U.S. Open in Naples and the NPL draft list announcement, where Fliegelman was the number one pick for the Denver Iconics. Then we discuss various aspects of right-side play, including pre-match alignments, defensive strategies, understanding the 'respect the X' concept, and effectively using the court's dimensions to one's advantage. The episode also provides advice on returning serves, dealing with shake and bake strategies, and the importance of communication and roles clarification between partners. Additionally, the episode touches on upcoming events, personal achievements, and observations from pro matches, illustrating the evolving nature of pickleball tactics at different levels of play. 00:00 Welcome to the Pocket Size Pickleball Podcast! 00:09 Recapping the U.S. Open Experience 01:28 Pickleball Drafts and Upcoming Events 03:13 The Right Side Player: Roles and Strategies 04:49 Advanced Pickleball Techniques and Observations 06:38 Right Side Player Dynamics and Game Plan 31:24 Closing Thoughts and Future Strategies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • 61: Chattering on Court, Great Wall Drills, Poaching Basics, and More! The "Lost" Q&A

    61: Chattering on Court, Great Wall Drills, Poaching Basics, and More! The "Lost" Q&A
    Apr 14 2024
    Today we talk about coach Scott Fliegelman's experiences and anticipation for the U.S. Open in Naples, Florida, his role as a color commentator for the Split Age Mixed Pro event, and his strategy and hopes for moving up from a bronze medalist position. Michael and Scott discuss the impact of paddle power on the game, sharing insights on selecting paddles for competitive play and the transition to more powerful paddles. They stress the importance of communication in doubles, emphasizing the need to call shots and work as a team to reduce confusion. The episode also covers the effectiveness of wall drills for improving volley games and reactions. Listener questions are addressed throughout, focusing on partner selection, stacking tactics for maximizing strengths, and strategies for poaching shots in doubles play. 00:00 Welcome to the 4.0 to Pro Podcast! 00:11 Scott's Adventures at the U.S. Open 00:35 Color Commentary and Tournament Insights 02:00 Evolving Game: Then and Now 03:34 Listener Q&A: Partner Selection and Gameplay Strategy 12:17 Powerful Paddles: Game Changer or Not? 18:15 Managing Emotions on the Court 21:32 Wall Drills and Improving Your Game Solo 24:48 Effective Communication in Doubles Play 28:54 Poaching Strategy in Doubles 30:47 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • 60: Defending The "New School 3rd", Playing with Weaker Players, and MORE of Your Questions!

    60: Defending The "New School 3rd", Playing with Weaker Players, and MORE of Your Questions!
    Apr 6 2024
    Today we discuss topics such as defending against a third shot 'drip', the concept of playing with different skill levels and how it impacts growth, the idea of using heavier paddles for singles, and practical advice for improving balance and shot precision. We also share personal anecdotes and experiences to illustrate key points, including the importance of consistency, court position, and adjusting one's game when playing with weaker partners. Additionally, we touch on evaluating player ratings across different age groups and the nuances of tweaking one's game for advanced play. 00:00 Welcome to the Pickleball Q&A Show! 00:44 Exclusive Promo Code for Pickleball Gear 02:06 Diving into Listener Questions: Strategies and Shots 02:34 Defending the Third Shot Drip: Expert Advice 06:03 Playing with a Weaker Partner: Strategies for Success 10:16 Improving Your Game: Tips and Techniques 11:43 The Forehand and Backhand: Techniques and Tweaks 16:42 Rating Players Across Different Ages 20:44 Playing Against Different Skill Levels: Strategies 29:25 Singles vs. Doubles: Paddle Choices and Play Styles 33:16 Closing Thoughts and Goodbyes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins