What is a Dink in Pickleball?
A dink in pickleball is a very soft yet controlled shot that is hit from near the net (typically within the non volley zone, or “kitchen” as it is called) landing just over the net into the opponent’s kitchen area. Dinking is a key strategic element of the game, especially in doubles, as it slows down the pace of the game and forces opponents to play a more precise and controlled game.
Here we will talk about the different types of dinking, share a video below and when it should be done so you can practice it next time you are on the court. In fact, this is what you should do to warm up! That is right, even when you watch a professional match you will notice them each at the kitchen line hitting very softly as they dink for 10 or so minutes to get a feel for the ball before starting a game.
Why is Dinking Important?
- It Neutralizes Power for opponents who rely on hard, aggressive shots (banging). Dink shots are often thrown off by dinks because they require finesse and patience rather than brute force. Those who are strong and rely on hard drives often find it difficult to hit it soft enough to barely make it over the net without a loft which you then can slam (which is very hard to return).
- Forces Errors if you perform a well-placed low shot just over the net. This shot can make it difficult for opponents to return the ball effectively, often leading to pop-ups (you can then put away) or mistakes where they don’t return over the net at all yielding a point for your side.
- Creates Opportunities for you to perform a more aggressive attack, such as a volley or a smash, when the opponent hits the returning dink back too high.
How to Execute a Dink
- Positioning is important in how to play pickleball in general but especially when performing this very soft hit near the net. You need to stand close to the kitchen line but avoid stepping into the non-volley zone. You are only allowed to step inside if the ball bounces. Keep your knees bent, maintain a low, balanced stance with your feet apart so you are nice and stable.
- Grip and Paddle Angle is important for sure. Use a loose grip on the paddle to maintain control. Keep your paddle positioned at a 90 degree angle toward your opponents side. Straight upward will yield a ball that will, well go straight up, not over the net like you want it to.
- Soft Touch is what you want to focus on. Gently moving your shoulder and whole arm up to almost “pat the ball” in a controlled motion is what you are aiming for. Avoid swinging hard, instead let the paddle guide the ball over the net with minimal force. Do NOT flick your wrist. Hold the paddle lightly and move your whole arm up in a slow motion.
- Placement desired is to aim to land the ball just over the net in your opponent’s kitchen. Target areas that force your opponent to move, such as the corners or toward their weaker side which is typically their backhand.
What is dinking in the kitchen?
This term in the game of pickleball refers to the area closest to the net on either side that is free from lines and you cannot step into to hit a ball out of the air. It is a great area for a dink shot though!! Dinking in the kitchen means that both sides are softly touching “hitting” the wiffle ball from one side to the other where it barely makes it over the net.
Dinking soft hit may seem simple but it is used by the pros almost 50% of the game in an attempt to cause the opposing side to miss, not make it back over to the other side, or hit it too high where it can be smashed hard and unable to be returned. In lower levels they may not remember the rules of pickleball and step in to smash it without bouncing (which is not allowed) which means you will win that point back.
When to Use a Dink in Pickleball
- During Net Play it is used to engage in a soft rally when both teams are at the net.
- To Reset the Rally when you’re under pressure, a dink can slow the pace and give you time to regain control especially if there has been a lot of constant hard hitting and drives.
- To Draw Errors, you can use dinks in order to create awkward angles or force opponents into difficult positions where they will miss and gain a point for yourself or regain the serve.
Dink Shots
- Cross court Dink is a hit diagonally to the opponent’s kitchen. It provides more margin for error due to the longer distance.
- Straight Dink is a hit straight across to the opponent directly in front of you. This is more precise but also riskier.
- Spin Dink is a hit with added topspin or backspin to make the ball harder to predict and return.
- Dink Volley is less common, harder, and hit back and forth without it bouncing on either side.
Is a drop the same as a dink?
No, but is similar in the sense of where it lands. Both goals are to barely make it over the net on to the other side. A dink is hit at the kitchen line though, whereas a drop is made from the baseline at the back of the court. The best one of those to do is a topspin drop that is very hard to get.
Dinking shot in pickleball is important and a great way to slow the play down. The best dink is one that your opponent cannot return. The best drop shot would be made from the base line which barely makes it over the net with a bit of a topspin. At the kitchen it is best to hit a dink to the other side’s backhand or between the players can be missed if not communicated well.
Video
Mistakes to Avoid
- Hitting Too Hard will cause the wiffle ball will pop up, giving your opponent an opportunity to smash.
- Not Clearing the Net would be a poorly executed dink meaning it may not have enough height to make it over the net.
- Inconsistent Placement would mean it lands outside the kitchen or too close to the baseline which can give your opponent the advantage of it being out and them gaining a point or regaining the serve.
Mastering the Dink
Dinking is an essential skill for all pickleball players, even at higher levels of play. Practicing control, consistency, and placement will improve your ability to execute this shot effectively and give you a strategic edge in matches. It’s not just a defensive tool, it’s a way to dominate the kitchen and dictate the pace of the game. Practice often with a partner to barely graze the top of the net making it near to impossible for your opponent to return it back.