Master the Art of Dinking in Pickleball: In pickleball, one question reverberates through courts across the nation: should players dink out of the air or allow the ball to bounce first? Professional pickleball player Callie Jo Smith recently addressed this frequently asked question in an insightful Instagram video, offering practical advice and emphasizing the importance of personal comfort in decision-making on the court.
The Personal Nature of Dinking Decisions
Smith begins by acknowledging the inherent variability in players’ abilities, noting that height and reach significantly influence how individuals approach dinking. “Everyone is a different height and has a different reach,” she explains, highlighting the necessity of tailoring pickleball strategies to personal strengths.
Her primary recommendation is simple yet effective: practice. By dinking with a partner and consciously assessing one’s comfort level when reaching for the ball, players can gain a deeper understanding of their own preferences and limitations.
A Practical Approach to Dinking
For those seeking a more straightforward answer, Smith provides a practical strategy to help determine when to let the ball bounce and when to take it out of the air:
- Find the Mark: Stand on the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) line and extend the paddle forward, noting where the reach extends. For Smith, this distance is about two feet.
- Mark the Spot: Once the players have established their reach, mark that spot on the court with chalk, shoe, or a cone. This serves as a personal guideline.
- Establish Boundaries: Smith’s clear-cut rule is that any ball landing in front of this marked line—closer to the net—should be allowed to bounce, while anything behind the line can be taken out of the air. This method provides a visual reference for players, making it easier to make quick decisions during gameplay.
The Importance of Practice
Smith’s emphasis on practice cannot be overstated. By regularly engaging in pickleball drills and exercises focused on dinking, players can refine their technique and enhance their confidence in making split-second decisions on the court. The more familiar players become with their individual reach and comfort levels, the more effective they will be at executing successful dinks.
Empowering Players on the Court
Callie Jo Smith’s advice empowers players to take control of their dinking strategy. By understanding their own abilities and utilizing simple guidelines, players can elevate their game and make more informed choices in critical moments.
As the sport of pickleball continues to grow, insights like these will play a crucial role in helping athletes at all levels improve their skills and enjoyment of the game.
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News in Brief: Master the Art of Dinking in Pickleball
Professional pickleball player Callie Jo Smith recently addressed the common question of whether players should dink out of the air or let the ball bounce in a helpful Instagram video. She emphasizes that dinking decisions are personal, influenced by individual height and reach.
Smith recommends practicing with a partner to understand comfort levels and provides a practical strategy: players should stand on the Non-Volley Zone line, mark their reach, and allow balls in front of this mark to bounce while taking those behind it out of the air. Her advice encourages players to refine their technique and make informed choices during gameplay.
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