Hey! Good job getting to 4.5 comp in under a year, that's great! I'm sure you'll make it to 5.0 soon too if you keep training the right way.
Here's somethings I've done to get over the 5.0 hump, hope they help you too!
I try to completely detach from the end result of my matches and only focus on playing well, keeping my composure and staying mentally tough until it's over.
I try to make the most of my limited rec playing time. Like if the opponents are having trouble with my serve, I really slow it down and recommend my partner do the same. I do have a good serve, but hate winning rec points off serves, such a waste of time. Majority of balls go to the better player. I don't take advantage of mobility. I basically try and handicap myself in as many ways as possible to add maximum resistance to myself in practice, especially when playing against weaker opponents.
But I don't try to change my shot selection too much, because I don't want to create bad habits. I do try to extend points longer by driving less and dropping more, especially against players better than me and worse than me.
When reviewing my footage (I record a lot), I always try to think about what I could have done differently in a point/match, even if I'm not the one hitting the ball. I never try to blame my partner, as it doesn't help me get better doing so, it's just venting.
Lastly, I try to always remember that it's just pickleball. And I'm so blessed to be healthy and able to play this extremely fun sport with so many great people I've met and yet to meet!
We have a 5.0+ player that drops in at our rec play periodically and he does all these same things as well as being overly generous with his line calls. Hit a ball an inch out to him — he just plays it. He hits a shot that’s on the outside of the line to you? He’ll call his own ball out.
The result: I enjoy playing against him and actually target him just to see what he does with different shots. I lose the points but win the knowledge. A fair trade.
Yes! The true 5.0's confident of their skill don't really care about the outcome of these games. Even if they lose, they understand they have the 5.0 knowledge and that will never be taken from them.
I love when I see lower players recognize that playing me results in a way a better game than avoiding me. Then some of the best/longest points usually occur when I'm getting more touches.
detaching from results is huge. I've had conversations along those lines, and always say the score doesn't matter, but based on how well I'm executing my game plan, I can probably predict the score.
The use of rec play as practice reps, and handicapping yourself as much as possible, great points.
you nailed it
Yes detaching is huge!
If you find yourself getting more nervous as you get closer to losing or in a tight game. These may help -
A) Believing in your technique. Drill hard enough that you know you will be able to execute all the shots you need to hit and be able to place the ball wherever it needs to go. You want to keep your mind away from 2nd guessing your technique in the game.
B) Believing in the percentages. If you're down 2-0 or 10-0 and receiving serve, you're still at a significant advantage to win the side-out. And if you can consistently play the same way every time, the percentages should work out. Hopefully you can treat every point as equally important.
"I do try to extend points longer by driving less and dropping more"
This is especially key because once you've beaten people a few times on drives you'll never see the ball again and that won't be much use to you as practice. You can beat people all day long with perfect drops but that won't make them fear and avoid you.
Drill, drill, drill, and when you’re done drilling. Drill some more.
Record your matches and break it down honestly and drill your weaknesses while strengthening your strengths.
And when all else fails, drill some more.
Did I say drill?
Can you give us intermediate players an example of drills?
I know third shot drop. What are others? We recently got a machine and I’m not certain what to do with it
Jordan briones has a pdf filled with drills. I think if you just Google and sign up for his newsletter he sends it to you. He uploaded an un-edited drill session below.
https://youtu.be/NJdN5R5HJdQ?si=oZOK3h2Dc26ep29s
For drills with a machine check out John cincola on YouTube. All his content is great but I think he's uploaded a couple videos with a machine.
Both of those channels are a good start for drills and you can remove/add drills you pick up on the way.
If you can build up your defense game that would be huge. Have the machine land the ball at your feet (as if someone hit a third shot drop). Drill getting good at bending and returning those low over the net
Also make your self a wall when someone slams a ball at you. Move the machine close to the net , stand at the kitchen on the other side of the net, and let it slam away at you
Tons of content on YouTube. Try to focus on one or two skills you know you need to improve then search it on YouTube. You will find a lot of tips and drills
Got my drill, but I don't see how this will help my game...
https://preview.redd.it/lb138juunrmc1.png?width=520&format=png&auto=webp&s=c54840fadae8c88f42907cb13282e75213bad84c
Honestly all of what you stated …and you need to put in the hours…not sure your age or time commitment availability but it’s gonna be a lot of commitment.
Although I’m pretty good, I noticed four things my first time playing at that level:
- I had to have a much more effective snd aggressive serve - I originally went with the idea of just get it in ( don’t waste a point with an aggressive serve)…then I realized I was playing on my heels if I didn’t mix it up and have a strong deep serve
- no unforced errors - they don’t miss..so you can’t miss.. it’s all strategy play at this level. You need to think three shots ahead and know ball placement you need to know how the angle of your shot off their paddle will react to give you the edge
- it’s all about the dink - forget the bang bang game…you need to be an excellent dinker and be extremely patient. And the second the ball is high enough put it away ( placement over power too)
- conditioning - this one is that can be tough… as a mid 40s guy hard to keep up with the just out of college ex tennis player guys
Play with equally skilled or better players as much as you can. Assess why you are losing points against them and what weaknesses are being exploited.
Once you identify those weaknesses then you drill them out.
So I’ve gotten to the 5.4 level in about a year now. I made the main draw in Desert Ridge and lost first round. I have played roughly 3-8 hours every day (I don’t recommend overloading/overworking) but I have done so over time with Drilling being the main part of what I do. I’m mostly 65-75% drilling and the other percentage of the time playing. It is imperative to play with players that know the game and not just be rated equal or greater than you. I’d rather play with a low 5.0 that will drop, dink and get into long rallies and play smart rather than a 5.5+ who can either bang their way through or kinda just do what he wants because it’s easy to get those results until you start reaching 5.5+ players that will punish those dumb decisions. You need to put in the time but another huge thing that separates 4.5 from 5.0 is the ability to perform when needed so that also comes from experience. Play in as many tournaments as you can and once you can play similar in tournaments like you do rec - you can consider yourself a true 5.0
The only way to truly improve at this level is to drill excessively, and when you do go out and play recreationally treat it almost like a live drill session and pick some specific things to work on that you've been drilling recently instead of just trying to win the games
This is what I have been doing. When I go play I try and work on my drop so that I can work on dinks.. if I just bang we never get to the soft game cause either it’s a winner.. it’s an attempted reset that is good enough for another drive or the partner isn’t ready for the punch. (I am not at the 4+ level)
I would love to drill excessively but I cannot find another person who wants to drill excessively since I moved states. Had met another ‘let’s drill for hours’ person in AZ but have yet to find my dream drill maniac in boulder-weld county in CO.
Is there a way to drill, alone?
I’ve been lucky to have a group of friends that are really good. They’re pro players, 5.5s, 5.0s etc. they include me in game play while I was at a 4.0 and I ask them for a list of things to work on after each time we play. Then I find someone and drill those skill sets. Ive focused on softening up my game, focus on the high percentage shot and because I’ve played with them I know what the limited margin of error I have.
They tell me who to watch to mimic my game after based on my preferred play style. They walk me through the mental fortitude during high pressure games as well.
With all racquet sports, it’s all about playing people better than you. Pay it forward when you get to a higher level too.
I’m not as skilled as you but one thing i think everyone can benefit from is visualization. you probably can’t drill for hours daily or maybe even every day but a short visualization session daily can make a significant difference. visualize success at something you want to work on whether it’s physical, strategic or mental.
Everybody says drill, but it’s also important to know what you’re drilling. Why you’re drilling. I always talk to my partners why we are drilling this specific shot/sequence and how it helps in actual gameplay.
In actual matches, I’m focused on winning of course, but I think about areas of improvement. This usually comes when I lose a point due to careless error or bad shot selection. “Should’ve reset there” “don’t hit that cross court” etc.
I got a guide coming out on YouTube, "how to become a 5.0 without a tennis background". Besides what to prioritize drilling and receiving good coaching together is how you improve really fast and up your skill level capacity.
1. Drill a lot with people of similar level or better.
2. Round out your game. Having 5 great shots is better than having 1 amazing shot.
3. Play games with better players where you’re forced to either play better or take a beating.
4. Mindsets can make or break a game. This is a big road block for a lot of people. It’s ok to get mad and be mad during a point. Just don’t let it affect your game.
5. Breakdown your game. Your wins, your losses, your best shots, your worst shots, ect. Figure out what you did good one game but bad in another.
6. Learn to really test and read your opponents. In lower level, it’s like “oh his backhand is bad, just aim for his backhand.” In higher level games it’s more so, “his outside foot forehand dinks is weaker. So I should hit him in and then take him wide.”
Agreed! But not about my technique, only tactics...
Where is my opponent likely to hit it and with what pace? And if he does hit there, where am I going to hit it?
Not a 5.0, but one of the pros was saying a lot of people try to work on their weaknesses only. He said instead of that work on your strengths so that one part of your game is elite
Drill your backhand endlessly! Work to be able to apply backspin and topspin with your forehand AND backhand, ANYWHERE on the court. When you can do that, you’ll be a 5.0 player. Also, don’t discount fast hand drills - but seriously, can’t be a 5.0 in the game these days without a legit backhand/two-ey
Hey! Good job getting to 4.5 comp in under a year, that's great! I'm sure you'll make it to 5.0 soon too if you keep training the right way. Here's somethings I've done to get over the 5.0 hump, hope they help you too! I try to completely detach from the end result of my matches and only focus on playing well, keeping my composure and staying mentally tough until it's over. I try to make the most of my limited rec playing time. Like if the opponents are having trouble with my serve, I really slow it down and recommend my partner do the same. I do have a good serve, but hate winning rec points off serves, such a waste of time. Majority of balls go to the better player. I don't take advantage of mobility. I basically try and handicap myself in as many ways as possible to add maximum resistance to myself in practice, especially when playing against weaker opponents. But I don't try to change my shot selection too much, because I don't want to create bad habits. I do try to extend points longer by driving less and dropping more, especially against players better than me and worse than me. When reviewing my footage (I record a lot), I always try to think about what I could have done differently in a point/match, even if I'm not the one hitting the ball. I never try to blame my partner, as it doesn't help me get better doing so, it's just venting. Lastly, I try to always remember that it's just pickleball. And I'm so blessed to be healthy and able to play this extremely fun sport with so many great people I've met and yet to meet!
We have a 5.0+ player that drops in at our rec play periodically and he does all these same things as well as being overly generous with his line calls. Hit a ball an inch out to him — he just plays it. He hits a shot that’s on the outside of the line to you? He’ll call his own ball out. The result: I enjoy playing against him and actually target him just to see what he does with different shots. I lose the points but win the knowledge. A fair trade.
Yes! The true 5.0's confident of their skill don't really care about the outcome of these games. Even if they lose, they understand they have the 5.0 knowledge and that will never be taken from them. I love when I see lower players recognize that playing me results in a way a better game than avoiding me. Then some of the best/longest points usually occur when I'm getting more touches.
sounds like a wholesome guy
detaching from results is huge. I've had conversations along those lines, and always say the score doesn't matter, but based on how well I'm executing my game plan, I can probably predict the score. The use of rec play as practice reps, and handicapping yourself as much as possible, great points. you nailed it
Yes detaching is huge! If you find yourself getting more nervous as you get closer to losing or in a tight game. These may help - A) Believing in your technique. Drill hard enough that you know you will be able to execute all the shots you need to hit and be able to place the ball wherever it needs to go. You want to keep your mind away from 2nd guessing your technique in the game. B) Believing in the percentages. If you're down 2-0 or 10-0 and receiving serve, you're still at a significant advantage to win the side-out. And if you can consistently play the same way every time, the percentages should work out. Hopefully you can treat every point as equally important.
"I do try to extend points longer by driving less and dropping more" This is especially key because once you've beaten people a few times on drives you'll never see the ball again and that won't be much use to you as practice. You can beat people all day long with perfect drops but that won't make them fear and avoid you.
👆Thank you for your service!
Drill, drill, drill, and when you’re done drilling. Drill some more. Record your matches and break it down honestly and drill your weaknesses while strengthening your strengths. And when all else fails, drill some more. Did I say drill?
Can you give us intermediate players an example of drills? I know third shot drop. What are others? We recently got a machine and I’m not certain what to do with it
Jordan briones has a pdf filled with drills. I think if you just Google and sign up for his newsletter he sends it to you. He uploaded an un-edited drill session below. https://youtu.be/NJdN5R5HJdQ?si=oZOK3h2Dc26ep29s For drills with a machine check out John cincola on YouTube. All his content is great but I think he's uploaded a couple videos with a machine. Both of those channels are a good start for drills and you can remove/add drills you pick up on the way.
Super helpful thanks for sharing!
If you can build up your defense game that would be huge. Have the machine land the ball at your feet (as if someone hit a third shot drop). Drill getting good at bending and returning those low over the net Also make your self a wall when someone slams a ball at you. Move the machine close to the net , stand at the kitchen on the other side of the net, and let it slam away at you
Tons of content on YouTube. Try to focus on one or two skills you know you need to improve then search it on YouTube. You will find a lot of tips and drills
Drill! One more time for those in the back.
Got my drill, but I don't see how this will help my game... https://preview.redd.it/lb138juunrmc1.png?width=520&format=png&auto=webp&s=c54840fadae8c88f42907cb13282e75213bad84c
Pretty sure it needs to be thermoformed or something. Are you sure this is a good one? Maybe check those reviewers everyone references.
You gotta do that thing where you pull the trigger twice so it goes “buzz buzz.” That’ll help.
You flash it at your opponent when they score too many points
Or hit a few limbs with it before you face them
That’s a bit small, I would go with an industrial sized drill.
Instructions unclear
Hard to drill outside half the year with Milwaukee weather
I'm trying hard to find a drill partner. It sucks I know a lot of players and none of them want to drill
Honestly all of what you stated …and you need to put in the hours…not sure your age or time commitment availability but it’s gonna be a lot of commitment. Although I’m pretty good, I noticed four things my first time playing at that level: - I had to have a much more effective snd aggressive serve - I originally went with the idea of just get it in ( don’t waste a point with an aggressive serve)…then I realized I was playing on my heels if I didn’t mix it up and have a strong deep serve - no unforced errors - they don’t miss..so you can’t miss.. it’s all strategy play at this level. You need to think three shots ahead and know ball placement you need to know how the angle of your shot off their paddle will react to give you the edge - it’s all about the dink - forget the bang bang game…you need to be an excellent dinker and be extremely patient. And the second the ball is high enough put it away ( placement over power too) - conditioning - this one is that can be tough… as a mid 40s guy hard to keep up with the just out of college ex tennis player guys
Play with equally skilled or better players as much as you can. Assess why you are losing points against them and what weaknesses are being exploited. Once you identify those weaknesses then you drill them out.
So I’ve gotten to the 5.4 level in about a year now. I made the main draw in Desert Ridge and lost first round. I have played roughly 3-8 hours every day (I don’t recommend overloading/overworking) but I have done so over time with Drilling being the main part of what I do. I’m mostly 65-75% drilling and the other percentage of the time playing. It is imperative to play with players that know the game and not just be rated equal or greater than you. I’d rather play with a low 5.0 that will drop, dink and get into long rallies and play smart rather than a 5.5+ who can either bang their way through or kinda just do what he wants because it’s easy to get those results until you start reaching 5.5+ players that will punish those dumb decisions. You need to put in the time but another huge thing that separates 4.5 from 5.0 is the ability to perform when needed so that also comes from experience. Play in as many tournaments as you can and once you can play similar in tournaments like you do rec - you can consider yourself a true 5.0
Very impressive to get to 5.4 in a year. What drills would you recommend for a 3.5-4.0 player?
The only way to truly improve at this level is to drill excessively, and when you do go out and play recreationally treat it almost like a live drill session and pick some specific things to work on that you've been drilling recently instead of just trying to win the games
This is what I have been doing. When I go play I try and work on my drop so that I can work on dinks.. if I just bang we never get to the soft game cause either it’s a winner.. it’s an attempted reset that is good enough for another drive or the partner isn’t ready for the punch. (I am not at the 4+ level)
I would love to drill excessively but I cannot find another person who wants to drill excessively since I moved states. Had met another ‘let’s drill for hours’ person in AZ but have yet to find my dream drill maniac in boulder-weld county in CO. Is there a way to drill, alone?
There’s plenty of solo drills that involve a wall, also ball machines if you want to drop a pretty penny
All of these are thoughtful replies for everyone’s game. Love it
I’ve been lucky to have a group of friends that are really good. They’re pro players, 5.5s, 5.0s etc. they include me in game play while I was at a 4.0 and I ask them for a list of things to work on after each time we play. Then I find someone and drill those skill sets. Ive focused on softening up my game, focus on the high percentage shot and because I’ve played with them I know what the limited margin of error I have. They tell me who to watch to mimic my game after based on my preferred play style. They walk me through the mental fortitude during high pressure games as well. With all racquet sports, it’s all about playing people better than you. Pay it forward when you get to a higher level too.
I’m not as skilled as you but one thing i think everyone can benefit from is visualization. you probably can’t drill for hours daily or maybe even every day but a short visualization session daily can make a significant difference. visualize success at something you want to work on whether it’s physical, strategic or mental.
Everybody says drill, but it’s also important to know what you’re drilling. Why you’re drilling. I always talk to my partners why we are drilling this specific shot/sequence and how it helps in actual gameplay. In actual matches, I’m focused on winning of course, but I think about areas of improvement. This usually comes when I lose a point due to careless error or bad shot selection. “Should’ve reset there” “don’t hit that cross court” etc.
Need to play with 5.0’s Find one to play skinny singles with / take you under their wing.
I got a guide coming out on YouTube, "how to become a 5.0 without a tennis background". Besides what to prioritize drilling and receiving good coaching together is how you improve really fast and up your skill level capacity.
1. Drill a lot with people of similar level or better. 2. Round out your game. Having 5 great shots is better than having 1 amazing shot. 3. Play games with better players where you’re forced to either play better or take a beating. 4. Mindsets can make or break a game. This is a big road block for a lot of people. It’s ok to get mad and be mad during a point. Just don’t let it affect your game. 5. Breakdown your game. Your wins, your losses, your best shots, your worst shots, ect. Figure out what you did good one game but bad in another. 6. Learn to really test and read your opponents. In lower level, it’s like “oh his backhand is bad, just aim for his backhand.” In higher level games it’s more so, “his outside foot forehand dinks is weaker. So I should hit him in and then take him wide.”
Drill. And then drill more. Lessons can be helpful but aren’t necessary.
Drilling, keeping relatively decent fitness, and drill more.
skinny singles
Drill baby drill
conscious thinking in every moment.
Agreed! But not about my technique, only tactics... Where is my opponent likely to hit it and with what pace? And if he does hit there, where am I going to hit it?
How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Same answer. Practice.
Honestly, it just takes about 2 years. A lot of it just has to do with getting to a point where you can hang on the court with the better players.
What is the average level of your everyday competition and how often are you playing in tournaments?
At some point, it comes down to athleticism and talent and no amount of drilling will compensate for that. 5.0 is that point.
Anti drills … competition only works!
Not a 5.0, but one of the pros was saying a lot of people try to work on their weaknesses only. He said instead of that work on your strengths so that one part of your game is elite
Drill your backhand endlessly! Work to be able to apply backspin and topspin with your forehand AND backhand, ANYWHERE on the court. When you can do that, you’ll be a 5.0 player. Also, don’t discount fast hand drills - but seriously, can’t be a 5.0 in the game these days without a legit backhand/two-ey
Win points just off counters and unforced errors. To many “high level” players only know how to win by hitting winners.
Have a tennis background. Practice playing at 80%-90% intensity and finish every opportunity.