A huge percentage of pickleball players fall somewhere between the 3.5 and 4.0 levels. But what actually separates the higher end of that range from the lower end? Here are a few factors:
 

Serves and 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.
 

Volleys: Volleys at the 4.0 level 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.
 

Dinks: 4.0 players have the ability to control the ball at the kitchen moderately well. Moving into this level means a player is beginning to understand when to attack at the kitchen line and when to be patient.