Pickleball Strategy for 4.0 Players: Players stuck at the 3.5 to 4.0 skill level in pickleball were recently given a comprehensive performance guide by professional coaches Eli and Jordan. Through detailed demonstrations and step-by-step corrections, the two coaches explained the most common mistakes holding players back—and how to fix them. Their focus was on improving returns, movement, shot control, and strategic decision-making, all aimed at helping players break through to the next level.
From how to manage fast serves to smarter fourth shots, the video lesson served as a practical training tool for intermediate players wanting to grow their game.
Fixing the Return Against Powerful Serves
Coach Eli explained that many players use a backswing that’s too long when facing strong serves, which causes mistimed returns.
“Often they’re serving it really tough and we’re pulling our hand really far back. As you can see, it’s behind my back or even on the backhand side,” he noted.
He advised returning with a compact motion, using the opponent’s power to send the ball deep—especially into the middle of the court. Jordan added that players must also create space and give themselves time by stepping back and returning higher.
“I need to give myself space and room to hit the ball,” Jordan explained. “I really want to make sure that I give myself enough time on the return.”
Improving Movement and the Transition to the Net
The coaches emphasized how crucial the pause—or split step—is when moving from the baseline to the kitchen line. Eli showed how late or missed pauses leave players out of control and unable to defend wide shots.
“We’re kind of in the air when Jordan’s about to hit the ball and now we have no ability to push back and forth,” Eli said.
Jordan echoed that pausing early helps with balance and control: “It gives you some time to actually react to the shot.”
He demonstrated how being low and wide during the split step helps players stay stable. He also highlighted that swinging hard on low balls leads to easy mistakes.
“What’s really important here… I want to be really soft with my hands,” Jordan said. “I have a lighter grip and I’m really letting that ball come to me.”
Managing Hard Hitters (“Bangers”)
The coaches addressed how to deal with opponents who play fast and aggressive. Eli pointed out that players often fall back and lose control under pressure.
“Let that ball come to you and push it back,” he said.
He also noted that contacting the ball too far in front can lead to errors or pop-ups. Instead, players should keep their paddle close to the body and wait for the ball.
“If we catch it a little closer to our chest, we’re able to just push that ball back and keep it consistent,” Eli advised.
Jordan emphasized that players should not automatically go soft against bangers: “They’re trying to slow it down… and they’re making a lot of errors.”
Instead, players were encouraged to hit strong counters at their opponents’ feet. “Make sure that you’re countering back… push it aggressively at their feet,” Jordan said.
Smarter Fourth Shots After a Good Drop
Eli advised against trying to “win the point” on the fourth shot after a good third shot drop, especially if the ball lands low in the kitchen.
“When that ball hits the kitchen, you are no longer on offense,” he explained.
Instead, players should aim for the feet or sides to make opponents move rather than hitting directly through them. Jordan stressed that creating space with the feet is key, especially against topspin drops.
“If I can’t take it out of the air, I’m going to be creating space,” he said. “This helps me see where they are… and target where I’m going to hit that ball.”
Attacking From the Kitchen Line
Eli highlighted the importance of keeping the same contact point when dinking and attacking. This keeps opponents guessing.
“If we can get that contact point to be the same… it makes it difficult for your opponents to read,” he said. He identified the ideal contact point as just in front of the right leg.
“Your feet are the vehicle to hit whatever shot you want,” he added.
Jordan warned that attacking from below the knees rarely ends well. “If I’m attacking from here, they’re going to get that next counter,” he said.
Instead of forcing an attack from low positions, players were urged to dink or reset the ball.
“When I have that low contact, I can reach out and be really soft,” Jordan said. “Or I can pull back, move my feet… and then I can dink that ball again.”
What It Means for Players
This coaching breakdown by Eli and Jordan offered targeted solutions to help intermediate players escape the plateau between the 3.5 and 4.0 levels. By correcting backswing size, improving court positioning, responding smartly to bangers, and making better attacking decisions, players can start to see faster improvement and more control in tough games.
The video serves as both a lesson and a strategy guide, helping players build strong habits, eliminate common errors, and approach their matches with confidence.
News in Brief: Pickleball Strategy for 4.0 Players
Coaches Eli and Jordan shared essential tips to help 3.5–4.0 pickleball players level up. Their lesson covered compact returns, smart footwork, early pauses, and how to counter hard hitters. The session emphasized practical fixes to common mistakes and encouraged more thoughtful, controlled play in competitive games.
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