Pickleball Clock-Face Dinking Drill: Pickleball coach Mark Price has introduced the Clock-Face Drill, a cooperative exercise designed to improve dink shots at the kitchen line. The drill helps players warm up, practice placement, and maintain control while moving across the court. Mark Price demonstrated the drill alongside Mike, his assistant.
The Clock-Face Drill begins with players facing each other at the kitchen line. The exercise is cooperative, focusing on warming up and improving shot quality without stress. Players move across the court while dinking, with one stepping left and the other right after each shot. This continues until they reach diagonally opposite positions, then return across the court.
Drill Technique and Benefits
Mark Price explains,
“We work our way all the way across the whole kitchen line. We’ll end up diagonally opposite each other and then we’re going to work our way back all the way across to the opposite line.”
The drill keeps the ball about six inches above the net, allowing players to focus on placement and quality. Moving while dinking creates variety and simulates game conditions. Mark Price adds,
“We’re hitting forehand dinks, we’re hitting backhand dinks, we’re hitting dinks close to our feet. So it’s a lovely way of warming up if you have a whole court to yourself.”
Focus on Rhythm and Connection
The drill emphasizes smooth, relaxed motions and proper connection with the ball. Mark Price advises,
“What you can do is just really focus on your connection point. Watch the ball. There should be a rhythm to your dinking.”
He also encourages players to let the ball rise and come to them, reducing the urge to hit too early.
By practicing this drill, players can improve their dinking accuracy, timing, and confidence. It prepares them for actual game situations where the ball can approach from different angles and speeds.
News in Brief: Pickleball Clock-Face Dinking Drill
Pickleball coach Mark Price demonstrated the Clock-Face Drill with Mike to improve dinking skills. The drill involves moving across the kitchen line while maintaining control and rhythm. Players practice forehand, backhand, and close-to-feet dinks, helping them warm up effectively and gain confidence for real games.
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