How to know if you've reached the 4.0 level in pickleball

Frank Hines

Contributor

Last Edited

Aug 20 2025

1. Serves & returns

Players at the 4.0 level typically hit serves with a good amount of pace and keep the ball deep in the court.

The same is true with returns. A true 4.0 level player can get a return back consistently and does so with some power and depth to it.

These players rarely miss serves or returns. At this point, it’s become routine.

2. Third shots & volleys

It’s common for 4.0 pickleball players to mix up their third shot between drops and drives. But don't be fooled -- this level of player does not have it all dialed in. There are still some inconsistencies in this area of their game, but they have a developed an understanding of what to do on this shot and are still working on perfecting it.

Volleys are very much improved from the 3.5 level. Upon reaching the 4.0 level, a player should be able to volley different shots and hit them at different speeds. But they are still working on consistency and control, specifically with blocking and resetting.

Read next: The science behind why pickleball players overestimate their skill level

3. Dinks

4.0 players have the ability to control the ball at the kitchen moderately well. They can control the height and depth of the ball. Moving into this level means a player is beginning to understand when to attack balls at the kitchen line and how to be patient during a dink rally.

4. Forehand & backhand

These two skillsets are constantly evolving as players climb the ranks in pickleball. As for the 4.0 level, they have a fairly consistent forehand, but they still struggle with timing and shot selection. They are able to hit the ball with pace and typically keep it low, but are not able to do it on command all the time.

The backhand is a different story. This is one the player is still developing. It’s certainly better than at lower levels, but the skillset is not refined. A 4.0 will hit a backhand shot well sometimes, and other times not so well.

Read next: How to know if you've reached the 3.5+ level in pickleball

5. Strategy

At the 4.0 level, players are typically getting pretty serious. They seek out more competitive games and are even looking to start playing in more organized tournaments. With this comes a more developed sense of strategy.

They are beginning to understand how to identify their opponents' weaknesses and develop a game plan to exploit them. They understand how to move as a team and cover different areas on the court based on their partner's shot and position.

A 4.0 player will have a good understanding of stacking and when using it can work to their advantage. Additionally, anticipation of opponents' shots and poaching are added element to this players game. They are developing the ability to see what’s happening on the court before it happens.

From 4.0 to 4.5

The jump from 3.5 to 4.0 is a big one. It’s a milestone for a lot of players, but the jump from 4.0 to 4.5 is a little different. While still significant, it’s a little harder to recognize. A 4.5 level player typically possesses all the same skills of a 4.0 player; they are just able to execute them on a much more consistent basis.

Drops, drives, resets, and basically anything at the kitchen line is fine tuned at the 4.5 level. While that stuff is good at 4.0, it’s better at 4.5.

Summary

Becoming a 4.0 is a big deal. It should be celebrated. Just remember: it’s truly a development level. These players do a lot of stuff really well, it’s just the consistency is not quite there yet. At this level the focus is on honing in your skills while also developing a better sense of the game. These players have the ability, now it’s just about mastering it.

So when can you start calling yourself a 4.0? Well once you whoop up on all your friends of course …

Seriously though, a good way to test your ability is to enter a tournament or league and see how you stack up. Tournaments are a perfect way to get a good sense of how you stack up against other people. It’s a true testament of where you are right now as a pickleball player.

Frank Hines loves the game of pickleball and sharing that passion with as many people as possible. He found the game over two years ago and hasn't let up since. Follow Frank on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.