3 Times You Should Use the Dink in Pickleball (and How to Master It)

In pickleball, the dink isn’t just a soft shot—it’s a strategic weapon. Whether you’re playing against aggressive bangers or seasoned strategists, mastering the dink can help you control the pace of the game and force errors from your opponents. The key is knowing when to use it. Let’s break down three crucial moments when a well-placed dink can shift the game in your favor, along with tips on how to master this essential shot.

What Is a Dink in Pickleball?

A dink is a soft, controlled shot that is hit just over the net and lands in your opponent’s kitchen (the non-volley zone). Unlike power shots, dinks require finesse and patience, making them a key part of the game’s strategy. The goal of a dink is to keep the ball low, forcing your opponent to hit upward and limiting their ability to attack. A well-placed dink can extend rallies, create opportunities to win points, and put pressure on your opponent to make an error.

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When Should I Use It?

1. When Both Players Are at the Kitchen Line

The best time to dink is when both you and your opponent are positioned at the kitchen line. In this scenario, a dink turns the point into a battle of patience and precision, where power takes a backseat to ball control. A well-placed dink that stays low forces your opponent to hit upward, limiting their ability to attack. If they pop the ball up too high, you’ll have the perfect opportunity for a putaway shot.

To hit the perfect dink in this situation, focus on soft hands and a relaxed grip. Your paddle should stay in front of your body, with a slight upward angle to lift the ball just over the net. Keep your knees bent, stay balanced, and aim for a gentle arc that lands in the opponent’s kitchen with minimal bounce. The lower the bounce, the harder it is for them to attack.

1. When You Need to Reset the Point

If your opponent is attacking aggressively and you’re struggling to keep up, a dink can be your escape route. Instead of trying to match their power, a well-placed dink can slow the game down and give you time to recover your positioning. By taking the speed out of the rally, you force your opponent to adjust their approach and potentially make an error.

For a reset dink, stay calm and focus on control rather than power. A soft grip will help absorb the energy of your opponent’s shot, allowing you to return it with a delicate touch. Aim to land the ball deep in the kitchen, keeping it low and unattackable. If executed correctly, this shot can neutralize your opponent’s momentum and allow you to regain control of the point.

1. When You Want to Move Your Opponent

A dink isn’t just a defensive tool—it can be used to manipulate your opponent’s positioning and set up your next shot. Instead of dinking straight ahead every time, try placing your dinks at different angles. A well-executed crosscourt dink pulls your opponent out wide, creating openings for your next shot. Targeting the sideline or placing a dink directly at your opponent’s feet can force them into uncomfortable positions, making it harder for them to maintain control.

To keep your opponent off balance, mix up your dink placement throughout the game. Use crosscourt dinks to stretch them wide, straight dinks to maintain consistency, and sideline dinks to create space for an attack. A varied dink strategy forces your opponent to constantly adjust, increasing the chances of them making a mistake.

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How to Improve Your Dink Game

If you want to master the dink, practice is essential. Solo wall dinking is a great drill to refine your touch, helping you develop consistency. Partner dink rallies are another valuable exercise, allowing you to work on placement, patience, and control under pressure. To improve accuracy, try placing markers in different areas of the kitchen and aiming for them with your dinks.

The Dink is Your Secret Weapon

A strong dink game can take you from an average player to a dominant one. It’s not just about hitting soft shots—it’s about controlling the game, forcing errors, and setting yourself up for the perfect winning shot.

The next time you step on the court, challenge yourself to embrace the dink. Be patient, stay consistent, and watch as your opponents struggle to keep up.