John Cincola’s Dink 70 Pickleball Drill: Pickleball professional John Cincola recently introduced his innovative drill, “Dink 70,” designed to help players refine their dinking skills under stress. This unique approach emphasizes precision, movement, and maintaining control during high-pressure exchanges at the kitchen line. Cincola’s drill is an effective tool for players looking to enhance their ability to handle challenging dinking scenarios while staying composed.
The Concept Behind Dink 70
The Dink 70 drill, as Cincola explained, centers on dinking under pressure—requiring players to adapt to increased movement and tighter windows for decision-making. The drill begins with a simple crosscourt dinking pattern, a familiar starting point for most players.
However, John Cincola emphasized that crosscourt dinking doesn’t mean mindlessly exchanging shots from forehand to forehand. “Crosscourt doesn’t mean me and Rick are just gonna stand out here and do this for 50 shots,” he noted. Instead, players are encouraged to vary their targets within their opponent’s box, ensuring constant movement and engagement throughout the drill.
Progressing to Greater Challenges
After players master the initial crosscourt pattern, John Cincola ramps up the difficulty. Cones are shifted closer to the center of the court, expanding the area each player must cover to approximately 70% of the kitchen line—hence the name “Dink 70.”
“This progression means we’re now covering a lot more court. You have to move efficiently and recover after each hit.” – (John Cincola)
The increased area demands faster footwork, sharper anticipation, and better paddle control, all while maintaining the soft touch required for effective dinking.
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Mastering Movement and Control
As the court coverage expands, players inevitably face situations where control may waver due to hurried movements. John Cincola acknowledged this challenge, noting that players often lose paddle control as they increase their speed.
The Dink 70 drill aims to combat this by training players to “beat the ball to the spot,” ensuring they’re well-positioned to execute their shots with precision. John Cincola also stressed the importance of recovery between shots.
“You’re gonna notice your paddle loses control more as you move quicker. This drill is about improving that control even when you’re under stress.” – (John Cincola)
Real-World Applications
The skills developed through Dink 70 have direct applications in competitive play. By simulating the pressures of covering more ground and adapting to varied ball placement, players can better prepare for the dynamic exchanges often encountered during matches.
Moreover, John Cincola’s emphasis on thoughtful movement and paddle discipline teaches players how to stay composed when they’re in trouble at the net—a vital skill for playing the fast-paced moments of pickleball.
News in Brief: John Cincola’s Dink 70 Pickleball Drill
Pickleball professional John Cincola introduced the “Dink 70” drill, aimed at refining dinking skills under pressure. The drill begins with crosscourt dinking and progresses to cover 70% of the kitchen line, requiring players to move efficiently and maintain control. John Cincola emphasizes the importance of thoughtful movement, anticipating shots, and recovering quickly to maintain paddle control during fast exchanges.
This drill simulates real-game pressures, helping players stay composed in intense moments. John Cincola’s Dink 70 encourages precision, movement, and control, offering a structured approach for improving dinking technique and enhancing competitive performance on the court.
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