Ever watch the pros play and wonder how they make it look so effortless? It turns out, they have a playbook of simple, high-impact adjustments that aren’t about raw talent—they’re about smarter technique and positioning. Coach Tanner Tomassi has shared six of these “cheat codes” that any player can adopt. Pick one to practice this week, and start unlocking a new level of your game.
Pro pickleball isn’t just about athleticism; it’s built on simple, repeatable strategies that elevate play. Here are six “cheat codes” the best players use:
- Control the Rally with Crosscourt Dinks: Start exchanges at the kitchen with your first three dinks crosscourt, not straight ahead, to dictate pace and create safer angles.
- Adjust Your Grip Pressure: Use a loose grip ($3/10$) for soft shots like dinks to absorb pace, and tighten up for drives—a small change with big results.
- Use the “Two-Step Zone” on Partner’s Drops: When your partner hits a drop shot, take two steps forward as they swing. This positions you to attack a good drop or retreat if it floats.
- Neutralize Dead Dinks: When a slow, setup ball is in front of your opponent, align your chest with the ball before they swing. This minimizes the court you must cover on their likely speed-up.
- Step Forward, Not Back, on Drives: On groundstrokes, your first step should be into the court. Stepping back kills power and leaves you deep, while stepping forward builds momentum and positioning.
- Unlock Your Backhand Flick with Positioning: If you can only flick crosscourt, try shifting one step to the side before swinging. This opens up down-the-line and middle options instantly.
The key takeaway? These aren’t complex maneuvers—they’re intentional tweaks to grip, footwork, and court positioning. Integrate them one at a time, and you’ll soon be playing with the savvy of a pro.
Blog post based on Coach Tanner Tomassi’s “cheat codes,” provided in both English and French.
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