Top Cheat Codes to Increase Your DUPR (Without Losing Your Mind)

If you want to level up your DUPR—or whatever rating system you’re chasing—it’s not just about grinding more matches. It’s about training smarter, choosing your partners wisely, and actually understanding the why behind your decisions on court.

In this episode of Pickleball Cheat Code, Brodie Smith and APP gold medalist Tanner Tomassi swap their top five “cheat codes” for raising your rating. From how to approach tournaments to partner chemistry and mindset, it’s a mix of hard truths, underrated tactics, and insights the pros live by.

If you're serious about climbing the ladder (without becoming a rating-obsessed robot), this is your playbook.

1. Play More Tournaments (Even When You’re Not Ready)

Don’t wait until everything is perfect. The fastest way to gain experience and improve is to compete more often—even if it means losing early. And whatever you do, don’t sandbag. Playing up sharpens your game faster.

2. Study the Pros with Purpose

Watching pro matches passively won’t help. Focus on specific players and situations related to your own struggles.

  • Need composure? Watch MLP.

  • Need technique? Watch Ben Johns.

  • Want clean footwork and form? Study Tyson McGuffin.

Tanner’s tip: Watch players who play simply—not just the flashy ones.

3. Choose Partners You Trust

You’re only as good as your weakest link. A partner who’s erratic or way below your level can tank your performance and your rating. Pick someone consistent, communicative, and ideally at or above your level.

4. Train with People Who Challenge You

Drilling with consistent players sharpens your control. Scrimmaging with chaotic players prepares you for unpredictability. The best players do both. Surround yourself with higher-level partners to raise your ceiling.

5. Hit Serves and Returns Heavy

Too many rec players lob in soft returns. Go deep and aggressive. It builds pressure, creates pop-ups, and gets you free points. Bonus: Playing singles helps you train this mindset fast.

Need to dial in your serves and returns? There’s a PCC episode for that! 

6. Consistency is King

Make your opponents beat you—don’t beat yourself. People lose games trying to be flashy at the end. Build a reputation as the person who never gives the point away.

7. Drill More. No Excuses.

Want better results? Track your drill hours weekly. Set up a group chat with 5–6 players who want to grind. Make it easy to schedule and repeat. It works.

Need drilling tips? Check out the PCC guide to drilling smarter, not harder. 

8. Develop Chemistry

Partner familiarity leads to instinctive coverage and communication. Even a slightly lower-rated partner can outperform higher-rated duos if they’ve trained together consistently.

Want more insight? Tanner breaks down how having good partner chemistry helped him win APP Gold in episode 14. 

9. Care Less About Your Rating

Ironically, obsessing over your rating can hurt your rating. It makes you play tight, avoid tough matches, and miss learning opportunities. Focus on getting better—and the rating will follow.

10. Understand the Why

Great players don’t just react—they anticipate. Know why you choose to drive or drop. Know why a certain ball goes out or into the net. Self-awareness shortens your learning curve and improves shot selection in real time.

Bonus Tips:

  • Film your matches (yes, even if it’s annoying)

  • Find a great coach or mentor (if you’re a Pickleball Cheat Code fan, you’re in the right place!) 

  • If you’re 3.5 or lower, focus only on not missing

  • Remember: Ratings are generalizations, not gospel

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Pickleball Cheat Code on Spotify or Apple Podcasts for even more cheat codes.

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