Good 4.0 Pickleball at any age – the Project 4.0 Way

What is Project 4.0 – an Introduction

It is common for players to wonder just what it takes to play well-rounded pickleball. Generally speaking, a 4.0-level of pickleball is what we would call a well-rounded, effective pickleball game. In this article we will explore what it means to play 4.0 pickleball at any age and tell you more about how to get there.

4.0-level play is about understanding and performing pickleball. This means knowing the optimal strategies that win lots of games. And it includes being able to execute the shots that are needed to carry out the strategies.

Project 4.0 is all about you learning these strategies and shots, up to and including playing at a Benchmark 4.0 level of pickleball. Like anything in life worth pursuing, Project 4.0 is, as included in the name itself, a project. It is about you:

• Gaining the knowledge that is necessary to play Benchmark 4.0 Pickleball
• Training your new knowledge – your game is not going to train itself
• Rinsing and repeating until you have achieved Benchmark 4.0 Pickleball

Project 4.0 is a step-by-step approach and there are no shortcuts. Not if you want to make meaningful change in your game and, in fact, play at a Benchmark 4.0 Level. Let’s dive into what it means to be a 4.0 pickleball player.

What it means to play 4.0 Pickleball – at any age

We use the term “Benchmark 4.0 Pickleball” to refer to the level of play we are seeking in Project 4.0. Benchmark 4.0 means consistently playing a well-rounded complete pickleball game. Here are some more details for what it means to play Benchmark 4.0 pickleball:

• Mechanically, you are reasonably proficient with your shots. You can stay in a rally longer than most players before you miss a shot. Repeatable and consistent pickleball shots is the key metric here. Note that a lot of shot variety or complexity (like spins) is not required. Consistency is the key.
• Benchmark 4.0 does not mean that you do not miss shots. You just miss them less than most players and many of your mechanical errors are forced, either because of the quality of your opponent’s shot at you or because you were trying to do something and missed your spot.
• Strategically, you understand how the game is constructed – what we refer to as pickleball’s “framework.” This understanding allows you to select optimal shots and strategies based on the game you are currently playing. You do not play ball-over-net pickleball and are intentional in your game. Players who have not reached your level of play are usually unable to respond to your strategic decisions. Many of them do not understand what you are doing and why you are doing it.
• Though you will still make strategic mistakes – we all do – you will be able to recognize them. You are also able to adapt in real time to changes in the makeup of a game.

A Benchmark 4.0 Player can play pickleball with anyone

A Benchmark 4.0 Player is someone who can step onto any court and play pickleball. This ability includes the highest-level players in your community. This is not to say that as a Benchmark 4.0 Player, you will win every game. That would be silly.

What it does mean is that you can play and feel comfortable on any court. You understand and play pickleball at a level where no game is beyond your reach.

How do you become a 4.0+ Player?

Becoming a Benchmark 4.0 Player will require work. If it were easy, then all players would simply become amazing 4.0 players. The fact that most players find achieving Benchmark 4.0 play challenging is a testament to the work that is required to get there.

The Mechanics of Playing 4.0 Pickleball

To play awesome 4.0 pickleball, you will need repeatable and consistent shots that you can hit from different spots on the court. You do not need particularly complex shots – spins or hard drives – in order to play Benchmark 4.0 Pickleball. You only need to have a sufficient range of shots to implement your strategies.

For example, you will need a reliable punch volley you can use to keep your opponents back and maintain your advantage. By comparison, you do not need a roll volley to play amazing 4.0-level pickleball.

The key here is not to get overcomplicated in your mechanics. Not only is complication not necessary, reaching for these shots can hamper your progress and even cause you to regress. Sticking to a fundamentally sound mechanical action plan – the shots you need to get the job done without needless add-ons – will get you where you want to go.

The Strategies of Playing 4.0 Pickleball

To play awesome 4.0 pickleball, you will need a reasonable understanding of the framework of pickleball – how the game is built. Without this understanding, you will be playing pickleball in the dark as you will not know why you are doing what you are doing. Long term growth as a player is only achievable if built on a sound pickleball doubles strategic foundation.

For example, if you are hitting third shot drops to a specific spot on the court because that is just how you do it – i.e. you do not really understand why – then you will not be able to adjust your third shot drop target in a game to avoid a threat or take advantage of an opportunity that presents itself. This inability to see the game in real time will limit your play.

Think of pickleball as a constantly evolving puzzle to solve. The better you understand the structure of the game, the better able you will be to make strategic decisions that give you the best chance to succeed. That is how you play a Benchmark 4.0 Pickleball Game.

The Athletics of Playing 4.0 Pickleball

Players usually think in terms of shots and strategies, forgetting the all-important third pillar of their pickleball growth: the Athletic Pillar. This pillar represents your body-mind connection. To play your best, you will need a body that can get the job done and a mind that is able to stay focused on the game at hand.

One of the beauties of pickleball is that it is not limited by age considerations. For example, if you are thinking, “I am 50+ can I still become a 4.0+ player?” the answer is, unequivocally “yes.” If you come at your journey to 4.0 with an open mind and a decent work ethic, you can get there no matter your age or prior sports background (no tennis experience required to play awesome 4.0 pickleball).

No matter what your pickleball aspirations may be, I would be remiss not to recommend checking out The Pickleball Therapy podcast. The weekly episodes are designed to provide valuable information to strengthen your pickleball mind. You can find the podcast here (this is a YouTube link – you can also find the podcast anywhere podcasts are offered, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify).

Where do You Get the Knowledge You Need?

The most obvious statement in the world, but one that needs saying in this context: To become a Benchmark 4.0 Player, you need access to pickleball knowledge that you do not already possess. Where can you get it?

A bit of log rolling here, but the only program that has everything you need to play Benchmark 4.0 Pickleball is called The Pickleball System. The Pickleball System is the only pickleball improvement course built around the proven FOSS (Framework-Objectives-Strategies-Shots) Approach. If you are aware of any other program that comes close, send me an email and let me know – with a link to the program please as we would be interested in knowing of its existence. Please write “Complete Pickleball Improvement Course” in the Subject Line to make sure I see it.

If you want to find out more about The Pickleball System, click here.

Other than TPS, there are two paths you can follow:

Knowledgeable Local Coach

First, you can find a knowledgeable local coach to work with. This can be tricky as there are a flood of persons calling themselves pickleball coaches these days. It can be challenging to find a good coach from among this sea of “coaches.” To be clear, there are good coaches out there – it can just be hard to find one.

If you want to read more about finding the information that is right for you, click here.

Do-It-Yourself

The other option is the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach. There is nothing technically wrong with the DIY path. It is just a bit bumpier and more twisted than the straight path that TPS or a good coach can provide. There is also the risk that you take a wrong turn somewhere as the DIY approach lacks any kind of GPS guidance to it.

If you want to follow the DIY approach, allow me to make two suggestions:

1. Follow YouTube channels with a proven track record of helping players. For instance, at the In2Pickle channel on YouTube I will share with you actionable “no BS” content. You can be on the lookout for videos specifically designed for Project 4.0. These videos will share with you tips that are specific to becoming a Benchmark 4.0 Player. You can subscribe to the channel here so you are notified when new videos drop. Primetime Pickleball, The Pickleball Kitchen and, of course, our Better Pickleball channel are three other channels that regularly upload videos with useful and well-thought out information.

2. Join our Better Pickleball email list. Get our weekly newsletter keeping you in the loop on the latest blogs, podcasts, videos, and more. Just the act of joining the email list is a step along your path to 4.0-play as we will send you a copy of our Respect the X Strategy Guide. Respect the X is a powerful strategic concept you can start to use to help your team determine who takes the shot when the ball is in the middle of the court (trouble zone for sure).

Conclusion

You do not need to become a Benchmark 4.0 pickleball player to enjoy the sport. If, however, you desire to become a good 4.0 player, know that you can get there regardless of age and background. All you need is the right information and a willingness to put in the work.

No matter what path you choose – TPS, local coach, or DIY – enjoy the journey. Pickleball offers a lifetime of learning, as long as you are willing to be a part of it. We are always here for you if we can help.

See you next time.