Nov 16 in Questions
What is a dink in pickleball?
I've noticed a lot of confusion about the infamous "dink" in pickleball, especially among newcomers. So, let's break it down and serve up some knowledge!
TL;DR: A dink is a soft, controlled shot that lands in the opponent's kitchen, designed to keep the ball low and make it hard to attack.
Here's the full scoop on the pickleball dink:
1. Definition: A dink is a soft, arcing shot that lands in the opponent's non-volley zone (kitchen).
2. Technique:
- Hit the ball with a gentle, upward motion
- Aim to clear the net by just a few inches
- Let the ball drop below net height before hitting it
3. Purpose:
- Keep the ball low and hard to attack
- Force opponents to hit up on the ball
- Set up opportunities for put-away shots
4. When to use it:
- When you're at the kitchen line
- When the ball is too low for a strong attack
- To change the pace of the game
5. Key benefits:
- Neutralizes opponents' power
- Creates defensive trouble for opponents
- Improves your control and touch
6. Common mistakes:
- Hitting too hard (it's not a drive or a drop shot)
- Aiming too high (should barely clear the net)
- Not moving forward after dinking
7. Pro tip: Practice "dink rallies" where you and your partner (or opponent) only hit dinks back and forth. Great for improving control and patience!
Fun fact: The term "dink" might come from the soft "dink" sound the ball makes when it's hit gently.
Remember, mastering the dink is crucial for advancing your pickleball game. It's the shot that often separates recreational players from more competitive ones.
What's your experience with dinking? Any tips for newbies trying to improve their dink game? Share in the comments!
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What is a dink in pickleball?
skool.com/dinks-and-drives
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