Why the Pickleball Dinks Fail: Pickleball is a game of finesse and precision, and one of the most crucial shots on the court is the dink. But many players struggle with consistently keeping their dinks low, often popping the ball up and giving their opponents an easy shot at the kitchen line. If players are guilty of this, it might be time to rethink their approach. Here are four reasons why the dinks in pickleball are popping up, and what the players can do to fix it.
The Grip on Pickleball Paddle: Loosen Up, Don’t Overpower the Ball
One of the most common reasons players pop up their dinks is simple: they’re gripping the paddle way too tight. A tight grip causes the ball to fly off the paddle, sending it higher than intended.
The solution is to lighten the grip. By holding the paddle with a softer touch, the players will have much more control over the ball, keeping it low and out of their opponent’s striking zone.
Body Position in Pickleball: Don’t Let the Ball Get Behind
Another frequent issue is hitting the ball behind the body. When the ball gets too far behind, the weight shifts backward, making it harder to control the shot. The result?
A pop-up dink. To avoid this, make sure the players are positioned with their weight moving forward, keeping the ball in front of them. This will allow for better control and prevent those high, vulnerable shots.
The Wrist Flick in Pickleball: Avoid the Temptation
Some players fall into the trap of using their wrist to flick the ball, especially when they’re under pressure. While it might feel like a quick fix, using too much wrist action sends the ball sailing upward, leaving them exposed at the net.
Unless the players are playing at an elite level, their wrist should remain stable during dinks. Focus on using the forearm and shoulder for a controlled shot.
Eye Level: Keep the Head Steady
Finally, inconsistent eye levels can throw off accuracy. If the head is constantly moving up and down while dinking, the players will struggle to maintain control over their shots. The key is to keep the eye level steady and the head still. This helps maintain focus on the ball and allows for greater control, keeping the dinks low and accurate.
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The Extra Tip: Stay Tuned
While these four pickleball tips address some of the most common mistakes, there’s always more to learn. For players looking to further refine their game, it’s important to continually assess and adjust the technique.
Follow these pickleball guidelines, and the players might just find themselves winning more games and avoiding those easy pop-ups that their opponents love to attack.
News in Brief: Why the Pickleball Dinks Fail
Many players struggle with keeping their pickleball dinks low, often popping the ball up and giving opponents an advantage. Four common reasons for this include: gripping the paddle too tightly, which causes the ball to fly high; hitting the ball behind the body, shifting weight backward; overusing the wrist, leading to upward flicks; and inconsistent eye levels, which reduce control.
To fix these issues, players should loosen their grip, keep the ball in front of them, use their forearm instead of the wrist, and maintain a steady head position. Small adjustments can significantly improve consistency and control.
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