You don’t always get to pick your dream partner—but that doesn’t mean you can’t win.

 In this Pickleball Cheat Code episode, Brodie Smith and Tanner Tomassi break down the mindset, positioning, and tactics that let you carry a weaker partner without blowing up the team dynamic.

1. Simplify Your Partner’s Job

Make the game as easy as possible for your partner.

• Have them dink straight ahead instead of cross-court. This keeps them from being pinned in the corner.
  

• Position them on the sideline with a simple target to aim at.
  

• Remove decision overload—one direction, one job.
  

Pro Tip: The less your partner has to cover, the fewer errors they’ll make.

2. Take More Court—But With Purpose

As the stronger player, you need to be a presence.

• Step over the center line to bait opponents into going behind you.
  

• Be ready to poach or attack balls aimed at your partner.
  

• Reset the point safely if they manage to go behind you.
  

3. Manage Midcourt and Baseline Like a Pro

Don’t just dominate at the kitchen—control the point early.

• On thirds, move a couple of steps inside and toward the middle so you’re a bigger target.
  

• Accept that your partner’s shot will likely be attacked—be in position to help.
  

• Have your weaker partner hit backhands only while you cover forehands if possible.
  

4. Set the Tone With Positive Communication

How you talk to your partner matters.

• Frame roles as “dominant” and “reset” instead of “strong” and “weak.”
  

• Offer positive energy even after errors.
  

• Take full ownership of the team’s performance—don’t blame your partner.
  

Pro Insight: Over-positivity calms nerves and boosts consistency.

5. Controlled Aggression Beats Hero Ball

Going for highlight shots off one or two balls is a trap.

• Apply pressure with aggressive court positioning, not reckless shot-making.
  

• Use heavy topspin roll drops and deep returns to control tempo.
  

• Crash the net off strong serves and returns to limit attacks on your partner.
  

6. Mix In Chaos and Creativity

Predictability makes your team easy to target.

• Occasionally switch or stack to your preferred side.
  

• Use flashes, poaches, or surprise speedups to keep opponents off-balance.
  

• Don’t worry if it fails once in a while—the unpredictability itself is valuable.
  

7. Develop Singles Skills to Shine in Doubles

Strong singles players handle “covering more court” better.

• Practice split steps, footwork, and shake-and-bake timing.
  

• Train for speedups and quick transitions—you’ll need them when covering for a weaker partner.
  

Final Word: Lead With Strategy, Not Ego

Playing with a weaker partner isn’t about doing everything yourself—it’s about setting them up to succeed while positioning yourself to take control of the big points. Stay positive, simplify their role, and use smart aggression to keep the match on your terms.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Pickleball Cheat Code on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to hear all of Brodie and Tanner’s tips.