How to Dominate Dinks in Pickleball: Dinking is considered one of the most challenging shots in pickleball. Despite its seemingly gentle and soft nature, the dink requires control, timing, and precision. Many newcomers to the sport, after seeing it for the first time, believe it looks easy, but once they step onto the court, they realize how tough it can be. Even former pro tennis player Jack Sock admitted that transitioning from tennis to pickleball was most difficult because of the dink shot. To help players improve their dinking skills, three key strategies have been outlined that can elevate their game.
1. Pinching: Applying Pressure on Opponents
Pinching is one of the most effective strategies to dominate the dink game. This strategy involves both players focusing on hitting every dink to a specific corner of the court. By consistently targeting either the odd or even corners and keeping the shots deep, players reduce the chance of their opponents executing the Around the Post (ATP) shot.
When employing the pinching strategy, players should position themselves near the center of the court. This positioning makes it harder for the opposing team to reach the far corners and forces them to make more difficult shots. The consistent targeting of one area makes it more difficult for opponents to respond and increases the chances of them making mistakes. This strategy reduces the margin for error, allowing players to rely on their dinks for game control.
2. Off-Paced Speed Up: Taking Control of the Point
The off-paced speed-up is an excellent strategy when an opponent sends a high, unspinny dink toward a player. Rather than executing a full-speed speed-up, this strategy involves using about 50% of the usual power. The result is a softer dink that still applies pressure on the opponent.
This strategy works well because it forces the opponents to make more decisions. They have to choose whether to let the ball bounce, dink it back, reset it into the kitchen, or speed it up themselves. The complexity of the situation leads to more errors, as opponents scramble to respond effectively. By keeping the dink softer and more controlled, the player creates a higher probability of winning the point, as the opponent struggles to generate power against the shot.
3. AL Dinks: A Tactical Positioning Move
The AL dink is a positioning strategy named after professional pickleball player Annalie Waters. This tactic involves stepping back from the kitchen line and positioning between midcourt and the kitchen. This adjustment gives players more time to react and prevents the rushed or erratic shots that often result in popped-up dinks.
The key advantage of AL dinks is that they force the opponent to hit more difficult shots, usually aiming for the player’s feet. By stepping back, the player can react more effectively and make better decisions. This positioning also creates opportunities to intercept dinks and put away winners.
Dink Dink Boom: A Drill for Improving Consistency
One of the best drills to improve dinking accuracy is the Dink Dink Boom drill, created by pro player Jill Braverman. In this drill, players dink crosscourt, and the point can only be won by executing a speed-up shot directly down the line. If the speed-up misses, the point resets, and if a dink is missed, the point is also reset.
This drill simulates match conditions and applies pressure to hit consistent dinks into the front half of the kitchen. By mastering this drill, players can significantly increase their dinking consistency and reduce errors in actual games.
Taking Dinking to the Next Level
Mastering the dink shot in pickleball requires the right strategies and consistent practice. Whether using pinching to apply pressure, off-paced speed-ups to confuse opponents, or AL dinks to improve positioning, these pickleball techniques can help players take their game to the next level. Players looking for additional ways to improve can explore the Pickleball Drills App, which offers hundreds of drills tailored to different skill levels.
With regular practice and the application of these strategies, players can master dinking and enhance their overall pickleball performance.
News in Brief: How to Dominate Dinks in Pickleball
Dinking is a critical skill in pickleball that challenges many players. Key strategies like pinching, off-paced speed-ups, and AL dinks can improve consistency and control of the game. Practicing drills such as Dink Dink Boom can help players refine their skills and reduce errors during matches.
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