John Cincola Pickleball Dinking Tips: John Cincola Pickleball explains that dinking errors are one of the most common issues in pickleball. Understanding how to use body hinges—shoulders, elbows, wrists, waist, and knees—can make dinks more consistent and effective. Practicing proper hinge control helps players improve touch and reduce mistakes.
Five Key Hinges for Better Dinking
Dinking relies on five main body hinges: shoulder, elbow, wrist, waist, and knees. Each hinge affects paddle movement differently. The closer a hinge is to the paddle, like the wrist, the greater its impact. Players must learn when and how to use each hinge for better control.
Lower Body: Knees vs. Waist
Top players bend at the knees instead of the waist when reaching low balls. Bending at the knees keeps the paddle face steady, allowing for consistent dinks. Bending at the waist causes paddle face changes, leading to pop-ups and errors. Using knees helps maintain control throughout rallies.
Upper Body: Shoulder, Elbow, and Wrist
John Cincola advises against moving multiple upper-body hinges at once. For sliced dinks, locking the wrist and elbow and hinging from the shoulder is most effective. Elbow hinges generate topspin on drop shots, while isolated wrist movements can produce roll dinks and add deception when used correctly.
Tools to Improve Your Dink
Using the Beaser Ball, a smaller and faster training ball, sharpens precision and touch. It reacts more quickly to paddle movement, forcing players to focus on technique. Practicing with this tool helps transfers skills to regular pickleballs for more controlled dinks.
No Single Way to Dink
According to John Cincola, dinking styles vary widely among professionals. The key is to isolate each hinge, test it, and practice focused drills. Combining too many hinges reduces consistency, while isolating one hinge per shot allows players to discover repeatable and effective techniques.
News in Brief: John Cincola Pickleball Dinking Tips
John Cincola of John Cincola Pickleball explains that mastering dinking requires understanding five body hinges: shoulder, elbow, wrist, waist, and knees. Proper hinge use improves consistency, reduces errors, and allows for advanced shots. Tools like the Beaser Ball can sharpen touch and precision for better performance on the court.
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