The dink is the shot that separates beginners from improvers. Master it and you'll win more rallies without hitting harder.
Video: Pickleball Fundamentals, The Essential Guide to Dinking (YouTube)
What is a dink?
A dink is a soft shot from near the kitchen line that drops into your opponent's kitchen. Because they can't volley from the kitchen, they have to let it bounce and hit up, which gives you the chance to attack.
How to dink
- Get set: toes just behind the kitchen line, knees bent, paddle out in front.
- Use your shoulder, not your wrist: a short, smooth lift from the shoulder gives the most control.
- Keep the paddle face slightly open to lift the ball just over the net.
- Aim low over the net and into the kitchen, ideally at your opponent's feet.
- Follow through towards your target, then reset to ready.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | What happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Flicking the wrist | Dinks pop up | Swing from the shoulder |
| Standing too upright | Ball goes into the net | Bend your knees |
| Dinking too high | Opponent smashes it | Aim just over the net |
| Going for winners | Unforced errors | Be patient and wait for a high ball |
Drills
- Cross-court dinking: dink diagonally with a partner and count how many you can keep in the kitchen.
- Target practice: put a towel in the kitchen and aim for it.
- Dink to 11: a mini game where only dinks are allowed.
Does your paddle matter?
Yes. Cheap fibreglass or basic paddles can feel harsh and dead, and thin power paddles make the ball jump off the face. Both make soft shots harder. Many players find a foam core gives more control than many honeycomb paddles, and a stable 16mm paddle with a textured carbon face makes it easier to keep dinks low.
Quick answers
What is the point of a dink?
To keep the ball low and force your opponent to hit up, so you get the chance to attack.
Where should you aim a dink?
Low over the net and into the kitchen, often cross-court where the net is lowest.
