Apparently, 4.0 is the new black.
Spend enough time at rec play and sooner or later you’ll hear it: “I’m a 4.0.” Or, for those who enjoy unnecessary precision, “I’m more like a 3.9.”
But what does that actually mean?
This week, Tracie’s joined by Lisa Palcic, author of The Complete Illustrated Guide to Pickleball, IPTPA Ratings Director, and one of the people who actually helped create the IPTPA rating system.
And Lisa has some potentially sobering news for the self-appointed 4.0 crowd.
A true 4.0 isn’t simply someone who hits hard, has fast hands, or wins against the same six people every Tuesday because they put their scores into the DUPR APP which then assigns them a skill rating based on that tiny pool of play.
There are actual skills involved. Lots of them. All of which are professionally tested if you choose to sign up for an IPTPA rating clinic.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why 80–85% of pickleball players are actually between beginner and 3.5
What a legitimate 4.0 should be able to execute about 80% of the time
Note that this means a true 4.0 should only have about a 20% error rate.
Why your serve and return should have a purpose beyond “please stay in”
What good 4.0 players do differently with speed-ups, resets, spin and transition-zone shots
Why court positioning, partner communication and pickleball IQ matter just as much as hitting the ball
Here’s one of Lisa’s questions to ask yourself that really stuck with me:
If a point lasts 10 shots (when a point does have more shots it is actually a sign of higher-level play), how many of those shots did you plan and execute intentionally and how many were basically, “Oh! Ball! Do something!”
There’s a rather large difference between reactivity and intentionality.
Here's one way to test whether you do truly play at a 4.0 level, regardless of the (often lower) DUPR score you may have accumulated over time. Register for a legitimate tournament in the 4.0 Division, with at least five other teams, in which at least some of the players have a 4.0 DUPR. If you hold your own (not necessarily winning, but getting high competitive scores), that's as good a yardstick as any that you’re in the 4.0 “club.”
The point of this episode isn’t to make anyone feel like an imposter for calling themselves 4.0. It’s to affirm to some that they are definitely playing high level pickleball and to encourage those who want to become a 4.0 to know it is an attainable goal.
The big takeaway:
If 4.0 is your goal, terrific. But you probably won’t get there simply by playing more games. You need to drill, learn the right skills, understand why you’re hitting particular shots and become more intentional about how you play.
Because wanting to be a 4.0 is admirable.
Announcing that you already are one is considerably easier.
Share this with the people in your group who call themselves 4.0 and may (or may not) want to read it. Tell them to SUBSCRIBE.
Short, practical insights for recreational players who want answers.
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