The difference between a 3.5 and a 4.0 player is not who hits more winners; it is who makes fewer errors. A 3.5 player attacks everything and tries to win the point now. A 4.0 player is patient, extends the rally, and waits for the opponent to make a mistake. To jump levels, you must stop trying to “bang” your way through the transition zone and learn the one shot that defines advanced play: The Reset.
Graduating from 3.5 to 4.0 in pickleball is one of the most difficult journeys the recreational player can make. If you’re a seasoned 3.5 pickleball player looking to break into the 4.0 level, improving your skills takes focus and dedication. Based on advice from advanced players and my own experience, here are some pickleball tips for 3.5 players to graduate to a 4.0 level.