You don’t need psychic powers to know what shot’s coming next — you just need to learn how to read paddle angles. In this episode, Michael and Mircea break down the basics of anticipating your opponent’s next move before they even make contact. You’ll learn: How paddle face, wrist position, and body alignment reveal shot intent. The subtle “tells” during dink rallies that scream attack incoming. Why focusing on the paddle — not the ball — can instantly upgrade your reaction time. Simple drills to start reading opponents (and disguising your own shots). It’s the ultimate 101 lesson in seeing the game differently — and a surefire way to feel one step ahead on every rally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on 4.0 to Pro, Michael and Mircea go sky high—literally—with an entire episode dedicated to one of pickleball’s most chaotic, misunderstood, and deliciously evil weapons: the lob. We break down when to use it, why it works, and how to make your opponents question all their life choices. From defensive desperation lobs to perfectly disguised offensive flicks, we’ll teach you how to add height, strategy, and a bit of mischief to your game. Plus: 🏓 The psychology of the lob — why just the threat changes how people play 🔥 When (and why) to lob over the strong-side poacher 💨 Wind, spin, and paddle angle: how to stop sailing it long 🤝 Partner strategy — who stays, who goes, and how not to take a ball to the face 😈 The lob-drop-lob combo that ruins friendships but wins games Stick around for stories from our recent Pickler Universe camp, the joy of post-game drinks in street clothes, and the eternal debate: should both partners retreat on a lob, or should one stay to cover? If you’ve ever been lobbed into oblivion—or secretly love being that person—this episode is your permission slip to start sending balls to the moon. 🎧 Listen now and go lob responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we cover LOTS of current topics from positioning to grip to communication. It was a juicy Q&A from our live camp in Texas! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A watch of the PPA Cincinnati Tour resulted in pointing out how utterly patient the pros are as they make their way to the NVZ. Have a look and a listen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There's a bit of a secret sauce that the pros do, and we are lifting the kimono on this episode so you guys can instantly get better. This is the most low hanging fruit in Pickleball! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we discuss the phase II level of XC attacks in pickleball, brought to you by our own Mircea Morariu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we visit the VERY controversial, but timely topic of cross court speedups. For years, these have been SPECIFICALLY called out as dangerous for your partner, but the advent of paddle technology combined with the trend of "creating offense" as much as possible has brought the conversation to the forefront. Enjoy this quite pocket-sized episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This show is dedicated to Albin Morariu. Link to PDF of drill sesh: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zwcD95E8xiCM8EN0F75dnNIOpR_Xpb-V/view?usp=sharing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we refresh on all things returns. They served...now you gotta hit it. Let's show you the best way to do that. :) 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" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A LONG overdue Q&A episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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" Today we chat all things pickleball coach! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today Michael's new tournament partner surprised him with a really great strategy, and we chat about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Support The Show! http://402p.com/support Get EARLY ACCESS to the CRBN TrueFoam 4 Paddle here: (don't forget the "402p" promo code! http://crbnpickleball .com/tfg4 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" ----------------------- In this episode of '4.0 to Pro,' host Michael O'Neal, broadcasting solo from Long Beach, California, delves into the mechanics of the two-handed backhand and two-handed roll dink in pickleball. Michael provides step-by-step instructions, from practicing against a wall to integrating the shot into match play, emphasizing the importance of body mechanics and paddle position. He also updates listeners on recent podcast changes and shares his experience with the new CRBN Tru Foam 4 paddle. Tips, drills, and personal anecdotes make this episode essential for players looking to add powerful shots to their game. 00:00 Welcome to 4.0 to Pro Pickleball Podcast 00:43 Housekeeping and Podcast Updates 02:02 New Carbon True Foam Paddle Review 03:51 Introduction to Two-Handed Backhand Dinks 04:49 Mastering the Two-Handed Backhand Technique 07:53 Advanced Drills and Practice Tips 10:10 Integrating the Two-Handed Backhand into Your Game 17:50 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 20:34 Conclusion and Contact Information Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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" Strategy. It's a lonely word. But it shouldn't be. It' s arguably the most important aspect of your game as you ascend above the 4.5 level. But, in this episode, we'll show you how to introduce strategy into your game from 3.0 and above! Get 10% off at CRBNPickleball.com by using the promo code "402p" at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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" Today we're digging into playing WITH and AGAINST lefties. Should you stack? What are the three most important things when playing with a lefty? What should you look for when playing against a lefty? Where to target? All this and more on today's ep! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
http://402p.com/warmup to get your Yobow Bakpak+ 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" Today we talk paddle weighting ! It can be a bit of a "dark art", but we do our best to demystify the confusion about it and put you well on your way to dialing in your paddle to best suit your game! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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" Since Mircea has just gotten to Aspen for the summer, we thought it would be a great time to talk about adjusting to adverse playing conditions in pickleball. Today we talk altitude, wind, indoor, sun, cold, and hot, and how to adjust to them! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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" Our first show in front of a live audience! So much fun with our 4.0 to Pro campers! A bunch of great questions and such a great vibe with a live audience at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kids. Last episode we covered right side play. This one we focus on the roles and responsibilities of the left side player. Our suggestion is that you send this podcast to everyone you regularly play with so you are better as a team on the court! http://402p.com/warmup for the Yobow BakPak+ 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" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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" Today we're talking right side play...what your responsibilities are, and how to be the best supporting cast you can! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices