Dinking 101

I have a friend who always says “Everyone can hit hard in pickleball”.

I totally agree with this.

Hitting the ball hard in pickleball is easy to do and it’s fun.

But that’s the trap.

How to stop yourself from just hitting the ball hard and changing the pace of the rally?

It's those who can and choose to dink, move the ball around, and demonstrate ball and body control that truly know the game.

Let's talk dinking...

Image credit: Sarah Ansboury Pickleball

Dinking really is a crucial skill in pickleball.

For those of you reading who are just getting into pickleball, this type of shot involves hitting the ball softly and with precision over the net, keeping it low and in the non-volley zone (the kitchen).

You’ll want to try and get the ball to descend as it’s crossing the net and aim for the other teams’ non-volley line or their feet. Here are some of my tips to improve your dinking game in pickleball: 

Grip and Ready Position:

Hold your paddle with a relaxed grip (3/10 in pressure)

Stand with your knees slightly bent, weight on the balls of your feet, and your paddle in front of you at an eleven o’clock position

Use a Continental Grip:

Try using the Continental grip is often recommended for dinking as it allows you to easily adjust the angle of your paddle

Focus on Soft Contact:

Use a gentle, controlled stroke to make soft contact with the ball, with the movement coming from the shoulder

Let the ball come to your paddle, don't reach out aggressively and use your wrist to flick the ball

Image credit: Quora

Watch the Ball:

Keep your eye on the ball throughout the entire dinking exchange to ensure precise contact

Maintain a Low Net Clearance:

Try to keep the ball as low as possible over the net while still clearing it

A good target is to aim for a net clearance of 12-24 inches (30-61 cm)

Vary Your Shots:

Mix up your dinks by hitting them to your opponent's forehand, backhand, and the middle

Change the pace and angle of your shots to keep your opponent guessing

Control the Angle:

Angle your paddle face downward to control the trajectory of the ball

Work on Your Footwork:

Move your feet and body to get into the best position to make each dink

Avoid reaching too far for the ball, as this can lead to errors

Practice with a Partner:

Dinking is all about consistency, so practice with a partner to develop a rhythm

Start by dinking from the non-volley zone (kitchen) and gradually move back as your skills improve

Stay Patient:

Avoid getting impatient and trying to force a winner

Dinking is about waiting for the right opportunity to attack

Communication with Your Partner:

In doubles play, communicate with your partner about who will take which dinks to avoid confusion and ensure good coverage of the court

Understand Your Opponent:

Pay attention to your opponent's strengths and weaknesses and adjust your dinking strategy accordingly

Stay Relaxed:

Tension in your arms and body can lead to mistakes. Stay relaxed to maintain better control

Mental Focus:

Dinking is as much a mental game as it is physical. Stay focused, be patient, and stay in control of your shots

Final Thoughts...

Remember that dinking is an essential part of the pickleball game, especially in doubles play, and it's often the key to setting up a winning shot. Practice regularly and develop your dinking skills to become a more well-rounded and effective player.

This article was taken from our 'Control the Kitchen' Newsletter, if you're interested in receiving more content like this, please feel free to sign up using the subscribe section located at the bottom left of this page (or underneath the article if you're on mobile), thanks!