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

By Michael O'Neal & Mircea MorariuSports

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

July 2169: Embracing The Suck. What It's Like To Learn A New Shot As A Top-Tier Pro
In this episode, Michael and Mircea dig into one of the biggest offensive upgrades in modern pickleball: the two-handed backhand dink. Mircea, a former tennis and squash player, shares what it's like to relearn a shot as a high-level competitor, while Michael reflects on his own journey picking up the "twoie" back in 2023. Together they break down technique, drilling strategy, and how the shot shows up differently depending on where you are on the court.
Why the two-hander matters: How the two-handed backhand dink has gone from a rare, cutting-edge shot to the default among younger and female players, and why it opens up so much more offense than the traditional one-handed slice dink.

Starting from scratch: Mircea talks about the mental hurdle of deconstructing a shot he'd already found success with, and the discomfort of being a beginner again at a high level of play.

The wall drill: Both hosts recommend starting with 30 to 45 minutes hitting left-handed dinks against a wall to build footwork and spin before ever adding the second hand.

Footwork over everything: Why leg drive and getting under the ball matters more than arm mechanics when learning the shot.

Paddle angle debate: Michael and Mircea compare notes on paddle tip position (angled up vs. dipped down) for different types of dinks and speed-ups.

Shot placement on speed-ups: Guidance on where to target speed-ups (down the line, into the body, or cross-court into the hip/belly button) and why cross-middle speed-ups are usually a mistake.

Timeline for improvement: Expect two to four weeks minimum of discomfort, with real integration into games often taking two to three months or longer.

Pro-level examples: References to Anna Leigh Waters, Anna Bright, Hayden Patrick Quinn, Jack Sock, JW, and Ben, illustrating different ways the two-hander is used (or intentionally not used) at the highest levels.

Senior pro trends: Why more women are bringing the two-hander into senior pro play, and how it's slowly gaining ground among men on that circuit.

Don't neglect your strengths: A reminder to keep drilling bread-and-butter shots (like the one-handed slice dink) even while building a new weapon, since the one-hander still matters for reach, resets, and defense.

Right-side situations: How the two-handed backhand shows up less often at the net when playing the right side, but becomes more relevant in the transition zone and on third-shot drops.
Michael gives a shoutout to CRBN Pickleball's new backpack and his Barrage elongated paddle. Listeners can use code 402P at checkout for 10% off at carbonpickleball.com.
Committing to a two-handed backhand dink is a long-term project, not a quick fix. Drill it deliberately (wall work, tossed feeds, transition zone reps), keep using it in real games even while uncomfortable, and don't abandon the shots that already work while you build the new one.
Key TopicsGear MentionTakeaway

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35 min
June 23 68: Stop Thinking About the Third Shot. START Thinking About the Fifth.
Most players are asking the wrong question. "Should I drop or drive?" treats the third shot as a single moment — but it's actually the opening move in a sequence. In this episode, Michael and Mircea break down how advancing players shift from shot-by-shot thinking to combo thinking, and why that mental shift is what separates Pros from 4.0 players.
What we cover:
The four stages of pickleball thinking — from beginner ("get it in") to pro ("create a sequence") — and how to identify where your game actually is right now.
When to drive vs. drop on the third, including how wind, nerves, your skill set on a given day, and your opponent's tendencies should all influence that choice.
Why your partner's position matters as much as the shot itself, and how a single heads-up communication before the point can prevent your partner from becoming the target.
The most common third-fifth combinations: drive-to-easy-drop, great-drop-to-pounce, and the methodical drop-drop for players who want to slowly work their way up.
Why driving middle off the third removes angles and creates confusion, and how to find that imaginary window between your opponents' outstretched paddles.
The red-yellow-green framework for third shot quality, and why targeting yellow (not perfect) is the right call on big points.
A practical homework assignment: record one match and count only your third and fifth shot errors. The number will surprise you.
Key quote from this episode: "The players who control the fifth ball usually control the rally."
Drill to try: Rally scoring games. When a missed third costs your opponents a point, you'll find ways to get it in fast.
Sponsor mention: CRBN Pickleball — use code 4O2P at crbnpickleball.com for 10% off!

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38 min
June 02 67: Pounce on It: How to Recognize, Attack, and Finish Floaters!
It's the shot we all play for: that big, fluffy, juicy floater hanging in the air, begging to be put away. So why do so many players blow it? In this episode, Michael O'Neal and Mircea Morariu dig into one of pickleball's most mismanaged opportunities, the floater, and break down exactly what goes wrong and how to fix it.
From collapsing on the space (or as Mircea prefers, pouncing) to limiting your backswing, keeping your arm in your peripheral vision, and aiming at that safe elliptical target in the middle of the court rather than hero-ing it down the line, this episode is packed with technique, drills, and hard-won lessons. Including Michael's very painful memory of a floater that cost him a tournament game at 10-10. Yeah. That one.
If you've ever ripped a floater into the net, watched it sail four feet wide, or worse, let it bounce when you had every chance to finish the point, this episode is for you.
Gear up with a paddle worthy of your floaters. Head to CRBNpickleball.com and use promo code 4O2P for 10% off your order.

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26 min
May 2566: Stacking Revisited - Why You Should Stack More in Pickleball, at ALL levels.
What We Cover This Episode
Stacking comes up constantly in rec play, and most players either resist it, misunderstand it, or simply never try it. Michael and Mircea break down why you should at minimum stack on serve, how to think about court positioning based on skill sets, and why ego is quietly costing recreational players games every single day.
Key Takeaways
Why players resist stacking (and why those reasons don't hold up)
"My backhand is just as good as my forehand" is almost never true

Common objections: too complicated, not fast enough to switch, messes up the return

The cost of staying wrong-sided is almost always higher than the discomfort of learning
The lefty-righty problem
A lefty on the left creates two backhands in the middle, one of the most exploitable situations in doubles

Middle, middle, middle. Every single ball. It's a cash register at most rec levels

The fix is simple: lefties on the right, forehands in the middle
The one scenario where there is no excuse not to stack
On serve, stacking requires zero movement complexity. You just stand on the correct side before the point starts. There is no reason not to do this
How to think about which side each player should be on
Ask your partner which side they prefer before you start

Match the stronger or more dynamic player to the left side so they can dictate angles and control the middle

Hide weak forehands by keeping that player on the right, where their partner can cover the middle

Exception: if a player's backhand is a weapon, you may want that weapon sitting in the middle instead
Conor Garnett and the pro game
Conor typically plays the left side, in part because at the pro level, precise dinking can avoid his backhand entirely, making it more valuable to protect from the outside

His pairing with Roscoe Bellamy works because Roscoe's reach clogs the middle and takes pressure off that dynamic
Mircea's partnership with Jose DeRisi
Mircea plays right, Jose plays left, based on complementary strengths

Mircea's defense and forehand options suit the right side; Jose's skills are better expressed from the left

They adjust situationally, including half stacking when an opponent has a big serve
Using stacking to break momentum
Lost four to six points in a row? Switch sides, even temporarily

The change in look alone tends to break runs, regardless of the tactical reason
Half stacking explained
Stack only on serve, not on return

A good entry point if full stacking feels overwhelming

The returner controls whether to call off the switch, not the player at the kitchen
How to start if you've never stacked
Pick a preferred side. If you start there, stay. If you start on the other side, scoot over

You do not need pro-level athleticism, fancy signals, or perfect execution

You need: commitment, communication, and repetition

Practice it in rec play before bringing it into a tournament
Reference Episodes
Episode 28: "Should You Stack More Than You Are in Pickleball?" covers the full mechanics, including regular stacking, half stacking, three-quarter stacking, where to return, and court movement patterns.
Sponsor
CRBN Pickleball. Use code 4O2P at crbnpickleball.com for a 10% discount.
Thanks for letting us into your earballs. Go enjoy some pickleball.

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30 min
May 19 65: Back on Court: Pro Event Takeaways, DUPR Frustrations, and Three Quick Fixes
Michael O’Neal (@solohour) and Mircea Morariu (@brainsdoc) return to the 4.0 to Pro pickleball podcast, recap Michael’s visit to the PPA finals in San Clemente and what stands out in person about open pros’ hand speed, defense, resets, and dinking pressure, and announce plans to publish more regularly. They discuss CRBN's Barrage paddle (promo code 402P at checkout at crbnpickleball.com) and its power and durability, then dig into DUPR volatility, including ratings dropping after close losses or even wins, the impact of low reliability opponents, and suggestions like weighting later-round matches and the need to “play up” to raise rating. They share tournament stories (including a walk-off ATP and a disastrous windy match) and highlight key improvement areas: stop and hit with a split step, communicate with partners, and let out balls go, plus a drill to understand how little pace keeps balls in. They close with thoughts on sticking to one’s strengths despite the game’s increasing aggression and what each is currently working on (Mircea’s two-handed backhand; Michael refining defensive resets).
Peace and love, peace and love. :P
M&M

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43 min
March 1964: Watch Yourself Win: How Video Analysis Instantly Improves Your Pickleball Game
If you’re serious about getting better at pickleball, one of the fastest ways to improve isn’t drilling more—it’s watching yourself play.
In this episode, Michael O’Neal (http://instagram.com/solohour) and Mircea Morariu (http://instagram.com/brainsdoc) break down how video analysis can dramatically accelerate your progress. From simple positioning mistakes to advanced pattern recognition, seeing your game on film reveals what you think you’re doing versus what’s actually happening.
They share how pros—and top coaches—use film study to sharpen strategy, improve teamwork, and eliminate costly habits. Whether you’re a 3.5 or pushing 5.0, this is one of the lowest-effort, highest-impact tools you can add to your game.
Key Topics Covered:
Why Video Doesn’t Lie:
Most players think they’re in the right position, split stepping, and hitting balanced shots—until they watch themselves.

What to Watch First:
Start with serve/return positioning, then track your movement to the kitchen and whether you’re arriving in sync with your partner.

Court Positioning > Footwork (But Both Matter):
Being in the right place often matters more than perfect mechanics—and video makes positioning mistakes obvious.

Stop Moving Through the Ball:
Many unforced errors come from hitting while off-balance. Watch how often you’re still vs. moving at contact.

Partner Awareness & Team Dynamics:
Are you advancing together? Covering the middle? Speeding up balls your partner isn’t ready for? Film exposes breakdowns instantly.

Winning vs. Losing Patterns:
Identify repeatable outcomes—who you target, where you hit thirds, and what consistently wins or loses points.

Shot Selection & Communication:
Driving vs. dropping, attacking at the right time, and making sure your partner knows what’s coming.

Advanced Insight: Pattern Recognition
At higher levels, small tendencies (like predictable counters) become opportunities you can exploit over and over.

How to Watch Film Effectively:
Watch full matches first, then rewatch focusing on:
Yourself

Your partner

Your opponents

Pro Tip:
Watch elite players (like Anna Leigh Waters) and focus only on their footwork—you’ll learn more than watching the ball.
Bottom Line:
You can’t fix what you can’t see. Film gives you instant feedback on positioning, balance, teamwork, and patterns—and it’s one of the quickest ways to level up your game.
Want help analyzing your game?
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @4.0_to_Pro

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31 min
March 1063: Tournament Prep PART 2!
Michael and Mircea record live from the Pickle Brawl — a charity Pro-Am event at Dink & Dine Pickle Park in Mesa, raising awareness and funds for fentanyl addiction treatment. This is Part 2 of their tournament prep series.
Event Highlights
Played alongside NBA Hall of Famer Rick Barry (age 82!) — still incredibly competitive

Met outstanding junior players aged 12–17 — the future of pickleball is very bright

Honored veterans in attendance — thank you for your service
Playing with a Ref
Refs focus on two things: calling the score and calling foot faults. You'd be amazed how often rec players are in the kitchen. Pro tip: film yourself at the kitchen line and watch it back — you probably foot fault more than you think.
Tournament Prep Checklist
Know the ball (Franklin vs. Lifetime plays very differently — practice with it first)

Know the scoring format: standard 2-to-11, rally scoring, or win-by-1 (NPL/CSP style)

Know timeout rules: traditional = 2, NPL = 1

Verify paddle approval: USAP vs. UPA — this caught Mircea off guard at this very event!

Side selection: pick the better end at the start so you have it for a potential Game 3
Mental Game
Everyone gets nervous — embrace it. Michael's reset: tap the paddle on the fence between points to physically "wipe" the last point away. When things get tight, focus on your footwork. Moving your feet loosens you up mentally and physically. Anna Leigh Waters is the gold standard here.
Common Mistakes
Changing equipment last minute

Arriving late and skipping warmup

Going too aggressive too early

Letting nerves take you out of your wheelhouse

Poor hydration and nutrition (dehydration = injury risk)

Abandoning what worked in Game 1
Strategy Reminders
Start simple: returns down the middle, thirds toward the moving player. Consistency beats spectacular every time. If you're down big, just get 2–3 points on the board — momentum is real.
🎒 Sponsor: CRBN Pickleball
Michael and Mircea have been loving the CRBN Barrage 4 — great sweet spot, pop, control, and spin.
Use code 4O2P at checkout for 10% off → crbnpickleball.com
📬 Registered for your first tournament? Write in — we'd love to help you prep!
picklehelp.com

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48 min
March 02 62: Tournament Prep 101 (Part 1)
Michael O'Neal and Mircea Morariu kick off a “Tournament Prep 101” series for rec players thinking about entering their first pickleball tournament. They explain why tournament play feels so different from rec: unfamiliar opponents, more pressure, and weaknesses getting targeted early and often. While it can be humbling, they argue tournaments accelerate improvement by revealing exactly what breaks down under stress and forcing you to execute when it matters.
They cover how to choose the right event (start local when possible, play your true level, understand the format and scoring—especially rally scoring), and why conditions matter more than people expect (cold vs heat ball behavior, altitude changes, and indoor visual challenges). They also stress not to experiment on tournament day: use the paddle that got you there, bring a properly matched backup, know the ball being used, and make sure your equipment is tournament-approved.
Finally, they get practical with preparation: what to pack (grips/tape, eyewear options, snacks, electrolytes, extra clothes/socks, recovery tools), how to warm up properly (no “I’ll be ready by game three”), and what to do between matches to stay loose and focused. Part 2 will cover tournament logistics, playing with refs, strategic tournament mindset, and common mistakes to avoid.

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49 min
February 0961: 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.

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46 min
February 0260: 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.

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27 min

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

From the publisher's feed

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…