HomePickleball NewsCallie Jo Smith's Game-Changing Pickleball Tip for Dink Control That Every Professional...

Callie Jo Smith’s Game-Changing Pickleball Tip for Dink Control That Every Professional Needs

Callie Jo Smith’s Game-Changing Pickleball Tip: In her latest instructional video, professional pickleball player Callie Jo Smith provided a crucial tip for players struggling to control their dink shots. She emphasized that many players unintentionally pop the ball up too high, leaving themselves vulnerable to an opponent’s attack. Her solution is straightforward yet often overlooked: soften the grip. By reducing grip pressure, she suggests, players can achieve more control and finesse in their dink shots.

Common Dinking Mistakes

According to Callie Jo Smith, a major cause of high, uncontrolled dinks is an overly tight grip. Many players, especially those coming from other sports, tend to tense up during the shot, increasing their grip pressure and unintentionally causing the ball to rebound off the paddle too forcefully.

This mistake can lead to shots that “pop up” making them easy for opponents to intercept and attack. “Relax your grip pressure” Callie Jo Smith advised, noting that nervousness or habit often lead players to hold their paddles too tightly.

The Magic Number for Grip Pressure

Callie Jo Smith shared her preferred grip pressure as “a 4 out of 10” on a scale where 10 represents an extremely tight “death grip” and 1 suggests a near-total lack of control. She encouraged players to adopt this moderate grip pressure to better control their shots.

By using a lighter grip, players can focus on giving the ball a gentle bump, creating a smoother, controlled arc over the net. This soft approach not only keeps the ball low but also reduces the likelihood of overhitting.

Practicing with Intentional Softness

Callie Jo Smith recommended that players practice dinks with intentional lightness to build consistency. “When you go out to practice,” she said, “think about softening your grip.”

Callie Jo Smith advised players to warm up by aiming for the top of the net tape, which requires a gentler touch and reinforces the feeling of a light, controlled dink. Practicing with a goal of “kissing” the ball on the paddle surface helps players refine their touch and focus on technique rather than force.

Building Finesse Through Grip Control

Callie Jo Smith’s advice on grip control highlights the importance of finesse over power in pickleball, especially in the short game. By encouraging players to use a relaxed grip, she aims to help them master the subtle elements that can make or break a game.

Her tip to aim for the net tape reflects her philosophy: a soft, controlled shot often carries more strategic value than a powerful hit. Callie Jo Smith’s technique offers players a simple yet effective way to elevate their dink game by focusing on controlled grip pressure and touch.

News in Brief: Callie Jo Smith’s Game-Changing Pickleball Tip

In her latest video, pro pickleball player Callie Jo Smith shared a valuable tip for controlling dink shots: soften the grip. She explained that many players grip their paddles too tightly, causing the ball to pop up, which leaves them open to opponent attacks. She recommends a “4 out of 10” grip pressure, balancing control and finesse.

Practicing with intentional softness, such as aiming for the net tape, can help players refine their touch. Callie Jo Smith’s guidance emphasizes the importance of finesse over power in pickleball, showing how a relaxed grip can enhance players’ short-game strategy and consistency.

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