Pickleball Cheat Code

<p><em>The show for competitive pickleball players who want to level up their game.</em></p><p><br />Hosted by touring pro and top online coach Tanner Tomassi alongside high-level coach and aspiring pro Brodie Smith, <em>Pickleball Cheat Code</em> is your weekly deep dive into what actually wins matches. </p><p><br /></p><p>Whether you’re a 4.0 grinding for gold or a 5.0 chasing a pro dream, this podcast is your shortcut to smarter decisions, better patterns, and more wins. No fluff. No beginner basics. Just real talk from two players who are in the trenches—competing, learning, and leveling up right alongside you. </p><p><br /></p><p>New episodes every week on YouTube, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.</p>

Develop Your Game the Right Way

If you want to level up your game, you need to level up in the right order. In this episode, Brodie and Tanner break down the essential building blocks for improving at every stage—from 3.0 all the way to 5.0+. They talk about why so many players chase flashy, advanced shots before mastering the fundamentals, and how consistency, margins, and proper technique should guide your progression. They also dive into game intelligence, situational drilling, and the skills that actually matter as you ...

11-26
25:00

The Response Cheat Sheet: How to Break Opponent Patterns

Every player has a pattern—and every pattern can be broken. In this episode, Brodie and Tanner share their “Response Cheat Sheet” for disrupting opponents’ comfort zones. From aggressive bangers to lobbers, mid-court mayhem players, and steady dinking machines, they break down the most common archetypes you’ll see on court and exactly how to counter each one. You’ll learn how to use topspin against slicers, when to punish mid-court floaters, how to throw skilled dinkers off balance, and why c...

11-19
23:48

Read Opponents Like a Pro

Great players don’t just react—they predict. In this episode, Brodie and Tanner break down how to read your opponents like a pro. They cover how to memorize tendencies, anticipate the next shot, and use deception to control rallies before they even happen. From holding your dink to fake poaching, this episode is packed with tactical insight that’ll sharpen your anticipation and make you feel one step ahead in every match. 📕 Don't miss the pre-order bonuses for Tanner's book! tannerpickleball....

11-12
30:28

Stop Fighting Your Partner

Mixed doubles isn’t just gender doubles with different partners—it’s a completely different game. In this episode, Brodie and Tanner break down the dynamics that make mixed doubles so tricky (and so fun). They cover the importance of chemistry, balancing aggression with consistency, and creating openings by targeting the right opponents. You’ll also learn how role clarity—like who takes middle balls and when to make space—can turn tension into teamwork. Whether you’re the power player or the ...

11-05
26:24

Stop Playing Scared

If you’re playing not to lose—you’re already losing. In this episode, Brodie and Tanner talk about how to stop playing scared and start turning defense into offense. They cover how to recognize momentum shifts, use court positioning to your advantage, and turn defensive situations into attacking opportunities. Plus, they break down why anticipation, balance, and mindful drilling are the keys to staying confident under pressure and capitalizing on every rally. 🤑 Get 10% off any CRBN product at...

10-29
30:12

Skinny Singles is a Cheat Code

Skinny singles isn’t just a drill—it’s one of the best cheat codes for improving your doubles game. In this episode, Brodie and Tanner break down why every serious player should be using skinny singles to sharpen their angles, consistency, and discipline. They cover how it helps simplify decision-making, improve drops and drives, and force smarter court positioning. Whether you’re training solo or with a partner, this episode will show you how to turn skinny singles into your secret weapon fo...

10-22
23:33

Pickleball Q&A: Your Questions Answered

You asked—we answered. In this special Q&A episode, Brodie and Tanner tackle your most-requested pickleball questions straight from the PCC voicemail line. From when to speed up during a dink rally, to how to master your third shot drop against fast drives, to the strategy behind body bags (and whether you should go for them at all), this one’s packed with real questions and practical cheat codes. 🤑 Get 10% off any CRBN product at crbnpickleball.com (including the Trufoam Waves). Use cod...

10-15
23:12

Mastering the Right Side in Pickleball

The right side doesn’t get as much glory—but it wins just as many matches. In this episode, Brodie and Tanner break down what it takes to be an elite right side player, from mastering consistency and cross-court dinks to knowing when to slide, roll, or counter. They cover how height, reach, and controlled aggression help you dominate the mid-court, and why mental toughness and reliability make the right side a cornerstone of great doubles teams. 🤑 Get 10% off any CRBN product at crbnpicklebal...

10-08
27:04

CRBN TruFoam Waves Review

Thinking about trying the CRBN TruFoam Waves paddle but not sure if it’s worth the hype? In this bonus episode, Brodie gives a full, unfiltered breakdown of the new Waves—what makes it different from the original TruFoam Genesis, who it’s best suited for, and why it might (or might not) fit your game. From its redesigned “wave” core that boosts both feel and plow-through power, to the insane dwell time that lets the ball sit on the face longer for more control, this one’s for players who want...

10-06
08:47

Left Side Secrets Every Player Should Know

The left side isn’t just a spot on the court—it’s where games are won or lost. In this episode, Brodie and Tanner break down why the left side player is often the “quarterback” of the team, what makes a great left-side specialist, and how to transition successfully if you’ve been playing the right. From mobility and consistency in dinking to leadership and creativity in setting up points, this episode gives you the blueprint for becoming a dominant left side player. 🤑 Get 10% off any CR...

10-01
23:04

Footwork: The Most Important Skill in Pickleball

If you want to level up your pickleball game, start with your feet. In this episode, Brodie and Tanner break down why footwork is the most important skill in pickleball, how the “sexy foot drag” keeps you balanced and in control, and which drills will actually make you quicker and more stable on court. Plus, Tanner shares about a recent controversial line call at APP Chicago and why integrity and sportsmanship matter just as much as your skills. 🤑 Get 10% off any CRBN product at crbnpickleb...

09-24
32:17

Playing with a Weaker Partner

Playing with a weaker partner doesn’t mean you have to play weaker pickleball. In this episode of Pickleball Cheat Code, Brodie and Tanner share the strategies, communication tips, and mindset shifts that let you lift your partner’s performance while still playing your best game. They cover when to take control, how to boost your partner’s confidence, and the subtle tactics that can turn an uneven pairing into a winning team. 🤑 Get 10% off any CRBN product at crbnpickleball.com (including the...

09-17
21:54

Handling Bangers

Bangers can throw you off your game fast—unless you know how to handle them. In this episode, Brodie and Tanner break down the strategies and positioning that take the sting out of big drives. They cover the “rope rule” for smart court positioning, paddle angles for effective blocks, and why staying loose is key to controlling fast shots. Plus, they share tips on returning serves to disrupt rhythm, exploiting weaknesses, and knowing when to respect the drive instead of forcing a risky counter...

09-10
23:06

Think Like a Pro: The Mental Game of Pickleball

The difference between winning and losing often comes down to what’s happening between your ears. In this episode, Brodie and Tanner break down the mental side of pickleball—from controlling your ego to stress testing an opponent’s weaknesses. They cover how a higher pickleball IQ leads to better decisions, why tracking your shot stats matters, and how visualizing your game can improve accuracy. Plus, they share strategies for controlling tempo, staying patient, and winning long rallies. 🤑 Ge...

09-03
24:58

From Tennis to Pickleball: Transition Tips

Making the jump from tennis to pickleball isn’t just about swapping rackets—it’s a full shift in strategy, technique, and mindset. In this episode, Brodie sits down with pro player Thomas Wilson to talk about the key adjustments tennis players need to make when stepping onto a pickleball court. From mastering the kitchen game and developing offense on both sides, to aggressive dinks, footwork, and grip pressure, Thomas shares what it really takes to thrive in the sport. Whether you’re a tenni...

08-27
37:15

To Stack or Not to Stack

Stacking isn’t just for pros—it’s a strategic tool any competitive player can use to maximize strengths, hide weaknesses, and control the court. In this episode, Brodie and Tanner break down when to stack, when to half stack, and when you’re better off playing straight up. They cover the advantages for left-handed players, how mid-point switching can throw opponents off, and why mixed doubles positioning changes the game. Plus, they share the key traits each court side demands so you can set ...

08-20
32:59

Getting Aggressive on Court

Sometimes the best defense is a good offense. In this episode of Pickleball Cheat Code, Brodie and Tanner break down how to get aggressive on court without losing control. They cover when to speed up, how to poach effectively, and why your footwork might be the difference between a winning drive and a gift-wrapped pop-up for your opponents. You’ll learn how to apply pressure with purpose—whether through flicks, rolls, or well-timed positioning—and why controlled aggression will win you ...

08-13
31:10

Developing Your Backhand

Your backhand doesn’t have to be a weakness. In this episode, Brodie and Tanner break down exactly how to build a strong, confident backhand—from mechanics and drills to pro-level strategy. Tanner shares the technical shift that transformed his backhand, and they look at what makes players like Ben Johns and Connor Garnett so dangerous from their non-dominant side. 🤑 Get 10% off any CRBN product at crbnpickleball.com (including the Trufoam Waves). Use code PCC ❓Got questions? Send us a vo...

08-06
32:48

Cheat Codes to Increase Your DUPR

Want a higher DUPR? Brodie and Tanner break down their top 5 cheat codes to improve your rating—from smart tournament strategy to who you’re drilling with. Whether you're chasing pro status or just trying to crack 4.5, this episode has the insights you need to climb. Plus: what the latest DUPR algorithm changes mean for players, and why Brodie nearly passed out at the Montreal Open. 🤑 Get 10% off any CRBN product at crbnpickleball.com (including the Trufoam Waves). Use code PCC ❓Got q...

07-30
25:16

Behind the TruFoam Genesis 4 (and how to win one)

The TruFoam Genesis 4 is finally here—and today, we’re telling the full story behind the most anticipated CRBN release yet. From early fails to final launch, we’re walking through the design process with CRBN co-founders Kyle Goguen and Garrett Gosselin. We’ll cover who the TFG4 is perfect for (and who it’s not), what kind of feedback shaped the final build, and how to think about paddle selection like a pro. Plus: we’re giving one away. 💥 HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY Want a chance to win ...

07-23
30:12

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