How to Dink in Pickleball

Master the soft game • Updated April 2026

The dink is the most important shot in pickleball. It's a soft shot that lands in the opponent's kitchen (non-volley zone), forcing them to let the ball bounce. Mastering the dink transforms your game from "hope they miss" to "I control the point."

Why Dinking Wins Games

The dink neutralizes power players. You can't smash a ball that's bouncing at your feet. By keeping the ball low and soft, you force your opponent into mistakes, create attackable balls, and control the pace. The best players in the world spend most of their points in dink battles.

Proper Dink Technique

Get Low

Bend your knees, not your back. Your paddle should be below your waist. The lower you are, the easier it is to hit upward and keep the ball low over the net.

Soft Hands

Relax your grip. A tight grip creates a hard shot. Think of catching an egg — you want to absorb the ball's energy, not add to it.

Push, Don't Swing

The dink is a push from your shoulder, not a wrist flick or arm swing. Keep your paddle face open and push through the ball with your body.

Aim for the Kitchen

Your target is their non-volley zone, especially the sidelines and middle. A dink that lands outside the kitchen gives them an attackable ball.

Move Your Feet

Don't reach for dinks. Move your feet to get in position, then execute the shot. Good footwork makes every dink easier.

Types of Dinks

Cross-Court Dink

Hit diagonally to the opposite kitchen. This is the safest dink because you have more court to work with and the net is lower in the center. Start here when learning.

Straight-On Dink

Hit directly at your opponent across the net. Faster but riskier — less margin for error. Use to keep your opponent honest or target a weakness.

Inside-Out Dink

Hit from your backhand side to their backhand. This creates an angle that pulls them off the court. Advanced shot that opens up the middle.

Topspin Dink

Add topspin to make the ball kick up after bouncing. Harder to attack and can force a pop-up. Requires good technique but very effective.

Common Dinking Mistakes

❌ Standing Too Tall

If you're standing upright, you'll hit down on the ball — sending it into the net or popping it up. Get low. Bend those knees.

❌ Gripping Too Tight

A death grip creates hard shots. Loosen up. Think 4 out of 10 on grip pressure. Let the paddle do the work.

❌ Using Your Wrist

Wrist flicks are inconsistent and hard to control. The dink comes from your shoulder pushing through. Keep your wrist quiet.

❌ Aiming Too High

Dinks should barely clear the net — 1-2 inches. High dinks get attacked. When in doubt, err on the side of too low (worst case: hits the net).

❌ Not Moving Your Feet

Reaching creates weak shots. Move to the ball, get set, then hit. Good footwork is 80% of dinking.

Dinking Drills

🎯 Target Practice

Place targets (towels, cones) in the corners and middle of the kitchen. Practice hitting them from the kitchen line. Builds accuracy and consistency.

🔄 Cross-Court Rally

Partner up and dink cross-court only. Count consecutive dinks. Goal: 50+ in a row. Builds consistency and footwork.

⚡ Skinny Singles

Play singles using only half the court (baseline to kitchen). Forces you to dink and develop the soft game. Great workout.

🎾 Wall Dinks

Find a wall and practice dinking against it. The ball comes back fast, improving your reactions and soft hands. Solo drill you can do anywhere.

📍 Figure 8s

With a partner, alternate hitting cross-court and straight-on dinks. The ball traces a figure-8 pattern. Builds court awareness and shot variety.

Dinking Strategy

Be Patient

Dink battles are won by the player who makes fewer mistakes, not the one who hits winners. Stay patient. Keep the ball low. Wait for an attackable ball.

Move Your Opponent

Don't dink to the same spot repeatedly. Move them side to side. Target their backhand. Make them reach. Movement creates errors.

Watch for the Pop-Up

When your opponent hits a dink that's too high (above the net), that's your signal to attack. Be ready to transition from soft to aggressive instantly.

Reset When Needed

If you're stretched out or off-balance, just get the ball back over safely. A neutral dink is better than a risky attempt at a winner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I keep hitting dinks into the net?

Usually it's because you're standing too tall or your paddle face is too closed. Get lower (bend knees), open your paddle face slightly, and push upward through the ball.

Why do my dinks pop up?

You're probably hitting too hard or your paddle face is too open. Soften your grip, slow down your motion, and focus on barely clearing the net.

When should I attack instead of dink?

Attack when the ball is above net height and you're in a balanced position. If you have to reach or the ball is low, reset with a dink instead.

How do I handle aggressive opponents who attack my dinks?

Keep your dinks lower and to their feet. Target their backhand. If they're still attacking everything, their attacks will eventually miss or pop up. Stay patient.