Mastering the Art of Dinking in Pickleball

Pop Quiz: What's the Point of Dinking?

While you mull over that question, imagine me in a video, consistently getting body bagged. It's not just entertaining but a poignant reminder that even pros face challenges.

Many players believe that dinking is all about waiting for the opponent to make the mistake of popping the ball up. At elite levels, however, opponents simply don’t hand over pop-ups – unless you’re playing against Travis Rettenmaier!

Instead, effective dinking requires strategy and precision. In this blog, I’ll share dinking patterns that work from 3.0 players all the way up to the pros, focusing on the left side of the court this time.

The Three Forehand Dink Options

When hitting a forehand from the middle, you generally have three options:

1. Inside-Out Crosscourt Dink: This is the most prevalent option due to the spacious angle it provides. If your opponent is covering the middle, aim to hit this aggressively, setting up your partner for possible poaching opportunities like an erne.

2. Middle-to-Middle Dink: But not just any middle-to-middle shot. Aim for your opponent’s left foot, forcing a backhand response. This limits their options significantly. Whether they try to push it back or speed it up, you are set to counter or seize any opening.

3. Dink Back in Front: Commonly seen in mixed doubles, this option comes with more margin for error when opponents play off the line. It’s high-risk, so reserve it for specific scenarios like exploiting an inconsistent forehand or targeting a left-handed player’s backhand.

Wide Dink Dynamics

Backhand-to-Backhand Dink:

If your backhand is superior, use it relentlessly. It's a staple of many top players, including Ben Johns, who capitalizes on this when confident in his superiority.

Mixed Spots Strategy:

Instead of engaging in endless backhand-to-backhand rallies, mix up your shots. Draw your opponent to the middle, then stretch them out wide. This tactic can disrupt their rhythm and increase the chances of a pop-up.

Crucial Insight from the Video:

When your opponent hits a good dink out wide, aim for the inside foot of the player in front of you. This move is effective because there’s no sideline threat, the shot travels over a low part of the net, and popping the ball up positions your team perfectly for a counterattack.

Remember, mastering dinking is not just about technical shots but also about strategic placement and understanding court dynamics. For those looking to enhance their game further, explore innovative paddles like those I designed with ProXR. Trust me, they take your performance to another level – so good you might question their legality!

Keep honing your skills, stay informed about modern pickleball equipment, and dominate your dinking game. Happy playing!