Jarrett Chirico Teaches Dinking Mastery: Pickleball coach Jarrett Chirico explains the difference between dinking crosscourt and dinking down the line in his latest drill, aimed at improving players’ control and aggression on the court. The pickleball drill focuses on understanding when to execute each type of dink, offering insights into footwork, positioning, and shot selection.
In his course Pickleball Drilling with Intent, Chirico walks players through key pickleball drills that help develop essential skills, including dinking, footwork, and drops.
Importance of Dinking Down the Line
Chirico emphasizes that while players often use dinking crosscourt in actual matches, practicing dinking down the line is crucial for developing quick reaction time. Dinking down the line simulates a more difficult shot scenario, with less space to hit the ball and a higher net. This drill forces players to be precise with their shots and quickly adjust their positioning, offering the most effective training for aggressive play.
Key Points for Dinking Crosscourt
When transitioning to dinking crosscourt, Chirico advises players to keep their hips forward while turning their shoulders to follow the ball. This helps retain control and allows players to be ready for a variety of shot opportunities. Dinking crosscourt gives players more space to work with, which can feel easier after practicing down-the-line shots.
Chirico stresses the importance of targeting the outside quarter of the court and aiming for the aggressive part of the kitchen. He explains that dinking too short or to the defensive part of the kitchen can lead to errors, such as balls going out of bounds or opponents executing ATP (around the post) shots.
Drills to Improve Crosscourt Dinking
Chirico recommends a drill where players dink crosscourt twice, then drop the ball into the defensive zone in the middle of the court. This helps players learn when to reset the point and when to keep pushing for aggressive shots. The key is practicing with purpose, focusing on hitting a controlled target without rushing for a winner.
By incorporating this technique into drills, players improve their ability to read the game and respond appropriately, ensuring better performance in actual matches.