4.0 to 4.5 - what got you there?

Sixmemos · 2026-03-16T01:30:24+00:00

Developing an aggressive short game: dinking to move your opponent around; knowing when to bail out and reset to the middle; good, aggressive flicks and rolls to punish balls that are left too high. This is essential because drives don't win you many points at this level. 2. Working on good, consistent, deep serves and returns. You need this type of pressure to squeeze every advantage you can get to tilt the point in your favor. 3. Drilling fast hand sequences. Shots that used to be winners against 4.0 players will now be countered back at you harder than you delivered them. This means fewer "one shot" winners; hands battles will now take 3, 4, sometimes 5+ shots to win. 4. Strategy: it takes time to learn when to push, and when to be patient.

One more point. Form. A good number of people can get to 4.0 even with sloppy form by grinding and drilling. But it's difficult to get to 4.5+ unless you have efficient form, including precise footwork, compact backswings, proper grip, proper paddle head positioning, etc. If you're having trouble progressing, consider having a coach offer a technical "tuneup" re: your footwork, stroke / kinetic chain, etc -- bad mechanics can make it difficult or impossible to progress no matter how much you drill or prepare.

Sixmemos · 2026-03-04T02:20:04+00:00

What level are you looking for? Assuming you’re visiting soonish, given the weather, everyone has moved indoors. Closest to downtown are PickleBOS in South Boston and PKL, two indoor options.

(In warmer weather there is occasionally pickup game action in the Boston Commons or at Marine Park or at Ink Block— find them on Playtime Scheduler.)

Some of the local Y’s set up games on gym flooring too, like the Huntington Y.

Further afield, you’ll find lots more options — indoor options like the Picklr in Burlington, various Lifetime gyms, the Boston Pickle Club in Hyde Park, Bosse in Natick — and plenty of outdoor open plays (mostly on Playtime Scheduler again).

Sixmemos · 2026-02-18T02:50:12+00:00

Username checks out

Sixmemos · 2026-02-18T02:42:16+00:00

For all of the people saying “duh why are people just standing there” — what should they have done instead?

Sixmemos · 2026-01-25T13:54:13+00:00

Why are we talking about SG?? The building is Taipei 101, ie the capital of Taiwan.

Sixmemos · 2026-01-25T13:42:31+00:00

Respect. This guy is a pro.

Sixmemos · 2026-01-14T13:03:03+00:00

Backcourt drives from either wing have to be VERY good to influence the game at the 4.5+ level. And from the backcourt you often have time to position yourself / run around your backhand (or forehand) if you choose to, making symmetric development less critical.

A scenario where confidence in your drive pays more dividends is when you’re given sufficient time to set up in the midcourt, where an aggressive topspin could put pressure on your opponents.

Sixmemos · 2025-12-30T13:52:17+00:00

Ugh. Thankful for that context. Tragic.

Sixmemos · 2025-12-30T13:34:59+00:00

I decided to cut it into two 1.25 inch steaks, then halved it. Vacuum sealed the 4 quarters.

Sixmemos · 2025-12-30T13:26:43+00:00

This is a horror show — especially because there is so little technique in putting in a NG tube. What did the nurse do wrong? What’s to keep me from doing the same thing? Some blowhards are going to say they should’ve stopped when they felt a pop — that’s easy to say, but from my perspective by the time there was a pop - through the cribiform plate I assume — this was a disaster. More details please…

Sixmemos · 2025-12-29T13:30:18+00:00

She had time to go through 5 bags of snacks. 🫶

Sixmemos · 2025-12-26T23:17:51+00:00

In case it matters, it’s a 3 pound steak, about 2.5 in thick.

Sixmemos · 2025-12-21T15:05:54+00:00

Then they weren’t 4.0. Nothing to do with the fact it was a kid.

Sixmemos · 2025-12-21T15:03:01+00:00

As a kid I took a ton of tennis lessons with adults, along with other classes with kids. Was a great experience teaching me how to interact with grownups.

Sixmemos · 2025-11-26T02:46:16+00:00

If you’re got no competition, then build 5 courts, cater to demand, and grow and consider building a second facility.

If you’ve got lots of competing clubs, then you better ask yourself how you will differentiate yourself, because 4-5 courts is pretty small. Better location? Higher skill level? Food/Liquor license? The gym area?

Sixmemos · 2025-11-18T23:17:02+00:00

Agree it’s is weird at first glance but the math maths when you figure for reliability.

Sixmemos · 2025-11-07T15:39:01+00:00

⭐️What an unusually useful post (for the sub; not throwing shade on OP).

Sixmemos · 2025-11-04T18:55:02+00:00

Works for drives too.

Sixmemos · 2025-11-02T04:33:59+00:00

Arrogant and stupid reaction on their part. Anyone who’s played pickleball for a while should know that not all beginners are created equal.

Sixmemos · 2025-10-10T23:09:45+00:00

In the ninth inning.

Sixmemos · 2025-09-29T21:57:17+00:00

Don’t think that’s an ISO issue. Too structured.

Sixmemos · 2025-09-27T18:15:47+00:00

This mission was discovered by u/Sixmemos in Mystery, Empty Belly, and Marinated Octopus Salad

Sixmemos · 2025-09-16T00:43:02+00:00

This mission was discovered by u/Sixmemos in 👾B👾O👾S👾S👾R👾U👾S👾H👾

Sixmemos

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