How to Break 4.5

Getting to the Kitchen

If there's one thing that wins pickleball matches, it's getting to the kitchen—and most players are making it harder than it needs to be. In this episode, Brodie and Tanner break down why getting to the non-volley zone is the single most important objective in pickleball, and why so many players overcomplicate the path to get there. They dig into why footwork is the foundation of everything, why driving is overrated for players focused on improvement, and how aggressive drops can put serious pressure on opponents. They also cover the difference between a controlled transition and a rushed one, when to be passive versus aggressive with your drops, and what the analytics actually say about who wins. The team that gets to the kitchen more wins—full stop. 🤑 Get 10% off any  CRBN product at crbnpickleball.com [https://crbnpickleball.com?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=general] (including the Trufoam Waves). Use code PCC ❓Got questions? Send us a voicemail: memo.fm/pcc [https://memo.fm/pcc]  🌐  More info & listen anywhere: https://www.pickleballcheatcode.com [http://www.pickleballcheatcode.com/]

Pickleball in Asia!

Pickleball is going global—and what's happening in Asia right now might surprise you. In this episode, Brodie and Tanner share firsthand observations from their trip to Asia, breaking down why Vietnam has emerged as the most developed pickleball country in Southeast Asia. They talk about how a strong tennis culture has shaped incredibly athletic, fast-handed players, why South East Asia singles play rivals anything you'd see in the U.S., and where doubles still has room to grow. They also get into the cultural differences shaping who plays the game, how rating systems differ across the world, and what international players can teach us about our own training. If you think pickleball is just an American thing, this episode will change your perspective. 🤑 Get 10% off any  CRBN product at crbnpickleball.com [https://crbnpickleball.com?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=general] (including the Trufoam Waves). Use code PCC ❓Got questions? Send us a voicemail: memo.fm/pcc [https://memo.fm/pcc]  🌐  More info & listen anywhere: https://www.pickleballcheatcode.com [http://www.pickleballcheatcode.com/]

Level Up With These Shots!

Pickleball is evolving fast, and the players who level up are the ones who master the shots that actually move the needle. In this episode, Brodie and Tanner break down the specific shots that separate good players from great ones—from forehand rolls and backhand dinks to the often-overlooked shovel drop. They talk about taking dinks out of the air to apply pressure, understanding when to be aggressive versus when to stay patient, and how proper footwork and the kinetic chain power high-level shot execution. Brodie also shares how filming practice sessions helped transform his backhand and accelerate improvement. If you want to upgrade your game efficiently, this episode shows you exactly where to focus. 🤑 Get 10% off any  CRBN product at crbnpickleball.com [https://crbnpickleball.com?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=general] (including the Trufoam Waves). Use code PCC ❓Got questions? Send us a voicemail: memo.fm/pcc [https://memo.fm/pcc]  🌐  More info & listen anywhere: https://www.pickleballcheatcode.com [http://www.pickleballcheatcode.com/]

How to Break 4.5

Breaking past the 4.5 level is one of the hardest jumps in pickleball—and most players get stuck here for a reason. In this episode, Brodie and Tanner break down what actually separates 4.5 players from those who move beyond it. They explain why being proactive instead of reactive is critical, how to recognize positional advantages in real time, and why smart speed-ups (not reckless ones) unlock the next level. They also dive into footwork, anticipation, and assuming pressure before it happens—because at 4.5+, hesitation gets punished. If you’ve plateaued and aren’t sure why, this episode gives you a clear blueprint for breaking through. 🤑 Get 10% off any  CRBN product at crbnpickleball.com [https://crbnpickleball.com?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=general] (including the Trufoam Waves). Use code PCC ❓Got questions? Send us a voicemail: memo.fm/pcc [https://memo.fm/pcc]  🌐  More info & listen anywhere: https://www.pickleballcheatcode.com [http://www.pickleballcheatcode.com/]

Think Like a Pro: Advanced Pickleball Strategy with Zane Navratil

In this episode, Brodie sits down with Zane Navratil to dive deep into advanced strategy, mindset, and decision-making in competitive pickleball. They discuss how mental models, pattern recognition, and understanding probabilities can elevate your game—and why extreme ownership, calmness, and intentional practice matter just as much as your mechanics. Zane shares insights on deception, risk vs. reward, and how to train in a way that prepares you for real pressure on the court. If you’re trying to play smarter, not just harder, this episode will give you the tools to level up your strategic thinking and approach to the sport. The books Zane mentions in this episode are: The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey and Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin. 🤑 Get 10% off any  CRBN product at crbnpickleball.com [https://crbnpickleball.com?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=general] (including the Trufoam Waves). Use code PCC ❓Got questions? Send us a voicemail: memo.fm/pcc [https://memo.fm/pcc]  🌐  More info & listen anywhere: https://www.pickleballcheatcode.com [http://www.pickleballcheatcode.com/]