Tanner Tomassi Pickleball Skills Guide: Tanner Tomassi, a professional pickleball player with a DUPR rating of 6.0, shared seven essential skills players need to reach a 5.0 level. In a recent video, he explained techniques to improve footwork, court coverage, shot selection, and consistency, helping players elevate their game efficiently.
Tomassi emphasized that mastering these skills comes from practice and understanding critical game moments. He broke down each skill clearly, using demonstrations to show correct and incorrect techniques. “As the ball comes off your paddle, I want you to split step and be completely still when your ball is traveling through the air and crosses the plane of the net,” he said.
Perfect Split Step on the Third Shot Drop
Tomassi’s first tip focuses on the third shot drop and approaching the kitchen line. Many players split step too late, waiting for the opponent to hit. He advises splitting as soon as the ball leaves your paddle to be fully ready when it crosses the net.
Protecting Your Partner After a Weak Return
The second skill teaches players to cover for partners after a weak return. Tomassi said, “If your partner hits a bad return of serve, you need to protect them, snag that ball, and then come back to your side.” Handling drives while moving is vital for maintaining control.
Creating 2-on-1 Pressure at the Kitchen
The third skill focuses on teamwork at the kitchen line. Tomassi instructs players to step over the center line to shrink the court and apply pressure after hitting an aggressive dink. “Here’s an example of the wrong way. This is so common amongst 4.0 level players,” he explained.
Handling Sliced Returns of Serve
Skill four teaches players to manage sliced shots. Tomassi said, “You need to have a lower contact point on the ball,” and aim slightly higher than usual to account for backspin. This method improves accuracy and confidence during volleys and drops.
2025 Step-Back Dead Dink Strategy
Tomassi introduced a modern 2025 technique. Players back up after hitting a dead dink to read opponents’ shots better. “Now I can reset and we’re back to neutral,” he explained, giving players more time to respond and attack effectively.
Stop Getting Beat Down the Sideline
Skill six emphasizes proper positioning. Tomassi advises stepping in front of balls heading down the sideline to block opponents’ shots. “Here’s a live example of a game scenario…we’re like a brick wall here,” he said, showing improved court coverage and teamwork.
Where to Aim Drops and Resets for Consistency
The final skill focuses on aiming drops and resets for reliability. Tomassi recommends targeting slightly left or right of the middle to exploit opponents’ backhands. “That sweet spot right there,” he said, noting it increases consistency while keeping shots low and safe.
These seven skills aim to help intermediate players improve quickly. Tomassi’s guidance combines practical drills, strategic positioning, and modern techniques to give players a clear path to reaching 5.0 in pickleball.
News in Brief: Tanner Tomassi Pickleball Skills Guide
Tanner Tomassi, a top pickleball player with a 6.0 DUPR rating, shared seven key skills to reach 5.0 level. Tips include perfect split steps, protecting partners, creating court pressure, handling slices, using the step-back dead dink, covering sideline shots, and aiming drops for consistency. These skills improve teamwork and precision.
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