Dinking Strategy in Pickleball: Dinking is essential in pickleball, and understanding its strategy can lead to more wins. Many players hold misconceptions about dinking that can hinder their performance. Here are five common misunderstandings and how to improve your game.
1: You Must Stay at the Kitchen Line
Many players believe they need to be glued to the kitchen line during play. While being at the kitchen line is crucial for offense, staying too close can lead to difficult shots. When players are unwilling to step back, they may have to hit balls that land at their feet, which can be challenging. Taking a step back allows players more time to react and hit more offensive shots. However, recovering back to the kitchen line after hitting is vital to maintain an offensive position.
2: Avoiding the Kitchen Line is Acceptable
Some players remain too far back, missing opportunities to attack. When pushed back, they should still aim to get to the kitchen line as soon as possible. Attacking balls out of the air is crucial, as it gives opponents less time to react. Players can still dink from a distance but should strive to move back to the kitchen line between shots to maintain pressure on their opponents.
3: Hitting Every Dink Aggressively
A common mistake is believing that every dink must be aggressive. While offensive play is essential, players should not feel pressured to overpower every shot. Top players, such as Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns, often use defensive lifts. Instead of responding aggressively to an aggressive dink, players should alternate between aggressive and defensive dinks based on their opponent’s shots. The goal is to control the game, which means strategically choosing when to be offensive.
4: All Dead Dinks Are Bad
There is a belief that all dead dinks lack value. However, successful players like JW Johnson and Dylan Frasier frequently use dead dinks to their advantage. There are two types: shallow dead dinks, which land in the kitchen, and deeper dead dinks, which bounce high. Shallow dead dinks can be frustrating for opponents, as they limit their offensive options. Therefore, a shallow dead dink can be an effective strategy, while deeper dinks should be used carefully to avoid giving opponents easy shots.
5: Deeper Dinks Are Always Better
Many believe deeper dinks are superior, but this is not always the case. While pressurized dinks can be effective, they must be used strategically. Hitting flatter dinks can make it easier for opponents to attack. Players should focus on the pace, placement, and shape of their dinks to ensure they are effective. A well-placed dink that dips and forces the opponent to move can create opportunities for offense.
Understanding these misconceptions about dinking can help players improve their game. By adjusting their approach and mindset, players can enhance their skills and enjoy more success on the court.
News in Brief: Dinking Strategy in Pickleball
Mastering in dinking pickleball is crucial for success in pickleball. By addressing common misconceptions, players can improve their skills and win more games. For further tips, consider enrolling in a free video series on dinking strategies.
ALSO READ: Noe Khlif’s Pickleball Journey: How His Biggest Supporter Stands by Him