Hey there, its your coach, Jordan Briones 

When you watch high level pickleball, it almost looks effortless. The game seems slower for them, the ball control sharper, and the decisions automatic.

But here’s the truth: it’s not magic. It’s habits.

5 Habits That Show You How to Get from 4.0 to 5.0 in Pickleball

Today, I want to share five habits I’ve seen in every 5.0+ player I’ve coached or played against and if you make them part of your game, you’ll immediately notice a difference.

Habit #1 – Balance in the Transition Zone

Picture this: you’ve just hit your return or a third shot and you’re moving toward the kitchen. The ball comes your way, but you’re still stepping as you make contact.

This is where most players lose control.

Great players? They stop early. Wide stance. Split step. Ready to move in either direction.
They know that hitting in balance gives them control, and control wins points. Even in the scramble of transition, they make balance a priority.

Habit #2 – Forward Momentum on Returns

Your return sets the tone for the rally. Hit it short, and your opponent’s third shot becomes an attack.

That’s why strong players always hit their returns while moving forward. Whether it’s a slice, topspin, or lob return, their body momentum carries them toward the kitchen.

Many amateurs stand too close to the baseline, get jammed by deep serves, or hit from a static position. The fix is simple,  give yourself space, move through the shot, and you’ll be halfway to the kitchen before your opponent even hits their third ball.

Habit #3 – Counter First Mentality

At the kitchen, great players aren’t just ready for a dink. They’re expecting a speed up.

They’re not surprised when the ball comes fast. They’re waiting for it. And when it does, they counter with authority.

Too many players think defense first and block by default. That just invites more attacks. Instead, develop the mindset of “I’m going to attack first if I can,” and you’ll flip the pressure back onto your opponents.

Habit #4 – The Paddle Magnet

One of my favorite things to watch is how quickly high level players reset to their ready position.

Hit a forehand? Paddle comes right back to center. Backhand dink? Same thing.

Lower level players often let the paddle dangle after a shot. That extra half second delay in getting ready makes all the difference when the next ball comes fast. Treat your ready position like it’s magnetic, your paddle should snap back there every time.

Habit #5 – Place Over Pace

This one’s big.

Most players, when they see a ball they can attack, think, “How hard can I hit this?”
Top players think, “Where’s the best spot to put this ball?”

They’ve already chosen their target before they swing. Maybe it’s at the opponent’s feet, maybe it’s to the backhand hip, maybe it’s into the open space.

Pace can win points, but smart placement wins rallies against strong players.

Takeaway

These habits aren’t flashy. They don’t require trick shots or impossible athleticism.

But they do require awareness and intentional practice. If you start working on your balance, forward momentum, counter mindset, paddle readiness, and shot placement, you’ll start looking and feeling like a higher level player.

And if you really want to sharpen your attacking skills, I’ve put together a free Attack Masterclass. You can grab it at AttackMasterclass.com.

See you on the courts,

Jordan Briones
Briones Pickleball Academy