How Chemistry, Confidence, and Chaos Won Gold at APP Newport
You can drill all day, master every shot, and still come up short if you're not dialed in where it counts: the mental game, partner chemistry, and the ability to bring the chaos when it matters most.
That’s the takeaway from pro player Tanner Tomassi’s latest appearance on Pickleball Cheat Code, where he and cohost Brodie Smith break down the keys to winning gold at the APP Newport tournament. Tanner and partner Richard Livornese didn’t just win—they out-strategized, out-hustled, and out-hyped their way to the top of the podium.
Here’s how they did it—and what you can steal for your own game.
Why Partner Chemistry Beats Pure Skill
You can have all the shots in the world, but if you and your partner aren’t locked in together, you’re at a disadvantage. Tanner and Richard weren’t just clicking—they’d been drilling daily for weeks leading up to the tournament.
What made the difference?
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They knew each other’s tendencies.
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They trusted each other to call out mistakes.
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Their game plan was dialed before they stepped on court.
Pro Tip: Pick a partner you can grow with, not just one who plays hot for a weekend. Build chemistry through reps—and honest feedback.
Beat Big Teams With Smarter Dinks and Lobs
In the semis, Tanner and Richard took down a team known for aggressive drives and intimidating size—Eric Lang and Max Manthou.
How? By using their size against them.
Tanner explains that when an opponent is crashing the kitchen and taking everything out of the air, you have two tools: the lob and the body bag. Both shots create space and get big players moving in ways they don’t want to.
“My whole goal is to get them off the line—whether that’s a foot or two feet. The way I do that is with the lob and the bag.” – Tanner
Try This:
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If your opponent is leaning in and dictating the pace at the net, mix in a surprise lob or a flick at their torso.
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Disguise it—make them question whether your next dink is really a dink.
How to Handle High-Pressure Matches Like a Pro
The finals were a mental battle. After splitting the first two games against Kyle Koszuta and Patrick Kawka, Tanner and Richard went down 5-1 in the third. Most teams fold in that spot. Instead, they ripped off 10 straight points.
What changed?
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They leaned into their nerves—and assumed their opponents felt them too.
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They drove their third shots more often to apply pressure instead of playing it safe with drops.
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They stuck to one rule: If we lose, we lose going for it.
Tournament Mentality Hack:
If you’re nervous, your opponent probably is too. Use that as fuel to be the aggressor early—drive, flick, lob, and make them react.
Energy Is a Weapon. Use It.
Some players find calm in silence. Tanner and Richard? They find flow in fire.
During the semis, they had a bench full of friends barking between points—literally. That energy helped them stay present, stay hyped, and drown out doubt.
Even when the bark squad flew home before the finals, the duo brought their own heat. Shouting, chest bumps, paddle tosses—the works.
“Getting fired up puts you in a flow state where you're not overthinking. You're just performing.” – Tanner
Pro Tip: Find your version of “getting loud.” Whether it’s barking, fist pumps, or shouting “Let’s go!”—don’t be afraid to bring the noise and reset your mindset.
Final Word: Confidence Wins Tournaments
Tanner’s biggest takeaway? The skill was always there. What changed was the belief.
Whether you’re going for your first local medal or chasing gold on a pro tour, the edge comes from:
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A partner you trust
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A strategy tailored to your opponents
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A mindset that embraces pressure
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And the courage to go for it
When it’s crunch time, don't shrink—drive with intent, lob with disguise, and celebrate like a champion.
Want more pro-level breakdowns like this? Check out the full episode of Pickleball Cheat Code on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. You’ll find real match strategies, mental game hacks, and plenty of chaos to keep your game sharp.