What is Considered an Advanced Pickleball Player?

An advanced pickleball player is someone who anticipates their opponents’ next move with precision, ensuring optimal court position at all times. They play offensively, using well-placed serves and returns to gain the maximum advantage over their rivals. 

A strong understanding of strategy is key, as they consistently adapt and vary their shots to stay competitive in every game. These players work seamlessly with their partner, fluidly switching roles and maintaining dominance at the non-volley zone. 

What is considered an advanced pickleball player? The Answer

Controlling the line, they focus on keeping their opponents back, driving them away from ideal positions. Their defensive skills are just as refined, with the ability to block aggressive volleys with confidence. 

Strong footwork allows them to move laterally, backward, and forward with ease, ensuring they remain in control no matter how fast-paced the rally becomes.

Advanced pickleball player Skill Level Ratings – 4.0

A truly advanced pickleball player at the 4.0 level possesses a deep understanding of the rating system, showcasing consistent control over their shots while executing a strong pickleball strategy with precision.

Their ability to anticipate an opponent’s moves allows them to react effectively, whether playing offensively or defensively in a variety of challenging situations.

To advance beyond 4.0+, mastering at least five essential drills with a partner is key to further improve their overall skills, ensuring a competitive edge on the court.

Key points in Advance Pickleball player Skill Level

• Shows consistent, dependable strokes with excellent directional control and depth on both forehand short and backhand shots.
• Delivers reliable serves, lobs, overheads, and approach volleys to maintain pressure on opponents.
• Uses spin with success, adding unpredictability to their gameplay.
• Can force errors when serving, putting opponents at a disadvantage.
• Understands that rallies can be lost due to impatience and plays with discipline.
• Utilizes dink and drop shots effectively to control the pace of the game.
• Implements 3rd shot strategies, including fast-paced ground strokes and well-timed lobs.
• Excels in aggressive net play, maintaining dominance at the front of the court.
• Demonstrates strong teamwork in doubles, moving in sync with a partner.
• Clearly understands the rules and plays strategically to maximize their strengths.

5 Important Shots to Become an Advanced Pickleball Player

If you aim to progress as a 4.0+ pickleball player, mastering these five essential shots will enhance your skills and elevate your game to an advanced level. Additionally, discover step-by-step practice exercises that you can do with a partner to refine each of these techniques

Short 1. Mastering the Return of Serve in Pickleball

One thing that 4.0+ pickleball players have in common is their ability to return the ball with purpose. The best serve short is often an underrated shot, but a strong return can provide a significant advantage in a rally.

The third shot, which is how an opponent responds, is one of the most difficult to master, making a well-placed return even more valuable.

A better and harder return forces the opponent to struggle reaching the kitchen line, giving the returning player more control over the point.

To improve the return a serve, players should aim for the backhand or away from the paddle side to create discomfort. If the opponent is right-handed, targeting their inside foot makes them determine whether to run around the ball or hit a backhand.

A proper swing path for the return is not a low-to-high motion like a drive, but rather a flat shot to ensure depth. Avoid excessive topspin, as the goal is to let the ball penetrate deep into the court, not to dip over the net.

Many lower level players have poor footwork and stay flat footed after the return, while advanced players are already running their way forward, setting up for the next play.

Step by Step Practice Exercise

• Stand near the baseline, stay balanced, and be ready for the serve.
• Hit a deep return, targeting your opponent’s weaker backhand side.
• Keep the motion smooth and avoid excessive topspin.
• Don’t stay back; start advancing toward the kitchen line immediately.
• Focus on accurate, well-placed returns rather than power.

Short 2. Transitioning from Baseline to Kitchen

Many 4.0 players and below struggle with transitioning from the baseline to the kitchen because they either lack a proper split step or they hit a good shot but don’t move forward.

An advanced player understands the importance of staying balanced, managing their momentum, and having a controlled approach when advancing.

The key is knowing when to move based on the body language of their opponents. A player should always look at their opponents’ positioning and read whether they can take advantage of the next ball.

If the paddle tip is down and below the net, this is a green light to proceed, the opponent is hitting up, allowing a chance to move in.

However, if the opponent’s paddle is at net height or above, that’s a yellow light, meaning they should step in cautiously and be ready to react. If the opponent holds their paddle in an overhead position, that’s a red light, signaling to stay back and wait for another opportunity.

Many players make the common mistake in pickleball of continuously running through their shots without a proper stop. Instead, they should incorporate a split step pausing for a minute to adjust their positioning, make a decision, and transition efficiently into the zone without losing control.

Step by Step Practice Exercise

• Begin at the baseline, getting into position.
• Your partner should be stationed at the kitchen line, across from you.
• They’ll send you a controlled, cooperative feed to work with.
• Your goal is to hit a strong, well placed drop shot.
• Keep an eye on your partner’s motion, they should be swinging low to high, causing the ball to lift.
• Once you see that pop-up, move quickly to the net and get ready for the next play.

Short 3. The Art of the Reset Shot During Transition

One crucial shot that a 4.0+ pickleball player must master is the ability to hit a reset while in transition. This move is important for regaining control when under pressure, allowing players to slow down the pace of the game.

A well executed reset requires an open paddle face, a low stance, and precise timing to softly block the ball into the kitchen. During intense rallies, there will be times when a player needs to stop, execute a split step, and read the opponent’s positioning before advancing.

A common mistake is to crash forward too aggressively, but a skilled player knows when to stay low, set their feet, and let high balls go out instead of making unnecessary returns. Learning to control this transition is a defining skill at an advanced level.

Step by Step Practice Exercise

• Your partner will be stationed at the kitchen line, ready to engage.
• They’ll focus on speeding up their shots and applying pressure right at your feet off the bounce.
• Your task is to stay composed and work on resetting or blocking the ball back into the kitchen.

Short 4. Understanding the Crucial Fourth Shot in Pickleball

A well-executed 4th shot is key to keeping opponents back and maintaining control of the kitchen. The goal is to take away their opportunity to move forward and secure the best spot on the kitchen line, increasing the chance to win the rally.

One of the most effective ways to apply pressure is by volleying the ball out of the air, rather than waiting for it to bounce. This forces opponents to react quickly and reduces their time to advance.

While it may not be able to be done on every shot, an aggressive topspin return can still push them into the transition zone, making it the hardest path for them to approach the net.

Step by Step Practice Exercise

• You are positioned in the kitchen (Non-Volley Zone).
• Your partner starts at the baseline.
• You initiate the rally with a cooperative feed, simulating a return of serve.
• Your partner’s goal is to work their way up to the net.
• Your goal is to hit aggressive fourth shots to keep them back.
• You only allow them to advance when they hit a strong enough shot that forces you to let them move forward.

Short 5. Strategic Attacks from the Kitchen Line

To advance as a 4.0 or above player in pickleball, mastering the attack from the kitchen line is essential. A well-timed dink that bounces deeper can create the perfect opportunity to speed-up the game and apply pressure on the opponent.

If the ball bounces, it’s important to recognize when to lean in and take it out of the air, but without using a big backswing.

Many players pick the right ball but hit it too hard, losing control. Instead, a calculated 60 percent speed increase can force a pop-up, allowing for an easy winner to put away the point.

The key is to work with a partner and develop an offensive mindset without rushing shots.

Step by Step Practice Exercise

• A well-placed dink that bounces deeper can set up the perfect attack.
• Lean in and strike before the ball bounces, but avoid a big backswing.
• Instead of hitting too hard, use a controlled 60% speed increase to force a pop-up.
• Pick the right ball to attack and maintain control over your shot.
• Work with a partner, apply pressure, and stay patient without rushing.

How long does it take to become a 4.0 pickleball player?

Reaching a 4.0 rating in pickleball requires a blend of dedication, practice, and innate talent, but the journey varies for different skill levels in pickleball players.

Some improve quickly by playing effectively and learning from experiences shared in the community, while others take longer based on their background, frequency of play, and overall approach to the game.

Those with prior racquet experience or an athletic past in football, ping pong, or tennis often progress faster due to better hand-eye coordination and agility. While some reach this level in just a few months, others take years of consistent training.

One player noted that playing twice a week for about nine months, along with occasional drilling, helped him improve significantly and transition into an intermediate pickleball player.

He highlighted that facing stronger competition rather than just logging hours made a real difference in his growth.

In Conclusion

An advanced pickleball player stands out with a combination of strategic thinking, precise different shorts in pickleball, and adaptability on the court.

They understand the importance of positioning, using both offensive and defensive techniques to outplay their opponents.

Their ability to anticipate moves, control the pace, and dominate the non-volley zone makes them a formidable competitor.

With a deep knowledge of the rating system and essential key things, they continuously refine their skills, ensuring they stay ahead in every rally.