If you watch experienced pickleball players, you’ll notice that many points are not won by powerful shots, but by soft, controlled shots near the net called dinks. Learning the right pickleball dinking strategy can dramatically improve your game, especially in doubles.
Dinking is a soft shot hit into the opponent’s non-volley zone (kitchen) that forces them to hit the ball upward, giving you a chance to control the rally and wait for an attackable ball.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What a dink is
- When to dink
- Where to dink
- Dinking strategy for doubles
- Common mistakes
- Drills to improve your soft game
What Is a Dink in Pickleball?
A dink is a soft shot that lands in the opponent’s kitchen and bounces low, making it difficult for them to attack.
Purpose of Dinking
- Slow the game down
- Force opponents to hit upward
- Create mistakes
- Wait for a high ball to attack
Dinking is a strategic shot, not a defensive shot.
When Should You Dink?
You should dink when:
- Both teams are at the kitchen line
- The ball is low
- You cannot hit an aggressive shot
- You want to reset the rally
- You want to move your opponents out of position
When NOT to Dink
Do NOT dink when:
- The ball is high (attack instead)
- Your opponent is off balance (attack)
- You are at the baseline (use a drop shot instead)
Where Should You Dink? (Placement Strategy)
The best dink placement targets are:
- Cross-court dinks – safest and most effective
- Opponent’s backhand – usually weaker
- At opponent’s feet – difficult to return
- Middle between players – causes confusion
Why Cross-Court Dinks Are Best
- Lower net height in the middle
- Longer distance → more margin for error
- Moves opponent off the court
Most professional players dink cross-court most of the time.
Basic Dinking Strategy for Beginners
If you're new, follow this simple strategy:
- Get to the kitchen line
- Dink cross-court
- Keep the ball low
- Be patient
- Wait for a high ball
- Attack when the ball pops up
Dinking is about patience, not power.
Advanced Dinking Strategy (Intermediate Players)
Move Your Opponent
Hit dinks that make your opponent move:
- Left
- Right
- Forward
- Backward
The goal is to force a mistake or a pop-up.
Change Speed Occasionally
Mix in:
- Soft dinks
- Slightly faster dinks
- Push dinks
This keeps opponents off balance.
Attackable Ball Rule
If the ball is:
- Above the net → Attack
- Below the net → Dink
- At net height → Controlled push shot
Dinking Mistakes to Avoid
Many beginners struggle with dinking because of these mistakes:
| Mistake | Problem |
|---|---|
| Hitting too hard | Ball goes out |
| Hitting too soft | Ball into net |
| Standing too upright | Poor control |
| Swinging too big | Inconsistent shots |
| Not bending knees | Ball pops up |
Fix:
- Use a short swing
- Bend your knees
- Keep paddle in front
- Push the ball, don’t swing
Dinking Drills to Improve Faster
Drill 1 – Cross-Court Dinking
Stand cross-court and dink only cross-court.
Drill 2 – 50 Dinks in a Row
Try to keep the rally going for 50 shots.
Drill 3 – Dink and Attack Drill
Dink until someone gets a high ball, then attack.
These drills improve control very quickly.
How Paddle Control Helps With Dinking
Dinking requires touch and control more than power. Many players prefer paddles with:
- Large sweet spot
- Control surface
- Balanced weight
- Comfortable grip
Control-focused paddles make it easier to keep dinks low and consistent, especially during long rallies.
Quick Dinking Strategy Summary
| Situation | Shot |
|---|---|
| Ball below net | Dink |
| Ball above net | Attack |
| Opponent at baseline | Drop shot |
| Both teams at kitchen | Dink rally |
| Opponent pops ball up | Smash |
Conclusion
The pickleball dinking strategy is one of the most important parts of winning games, especially in doubles. Players who control the kitchen and win dink rallies usually control the match.
To improve your dinking:
- Aim cross-court
- Keep the ball low
- Be patient
- Move your opponent
- Attack high balls
Master the soft game, and you will beat players who only rely on power.
FAQs About Pickleball Dinking Strategy
What is dinking in pickleball?
A dink is a soft shot that lands in the opponent’s kitchen and forces them to hit upward.
Why is dinking important?
Dinking helps control the game and creates opportunities to attack.
Where should I aim my dinks?
Cross-court, to the opponent’s backhand, or at their feet.
When should I attack instead of dink?
Attack when the ball is above net height.
Is dinking only for doubles?
Dinking is most common in doubles, but it is also used in singles.
