Three Keys to a Great Pickleball Dink Shot
The three most important elements of the pickleball dink shot are:
- Super Light Grip Pressure. On a scale of one to ten, with ten being a death grip and one being, barely holding onto the grip, use a three amount of pressure on the handle of the pickleball paddle. The light grip gives you a “feel” of the ball. Use a “shake hands” or a continental grip. Fingers are slightly apart, for better control and grip coverage.
- Use your shoulder hinge. Do not bend at the elbow or wrist, but use a full arm motion from the shoulder. It is not a swing, but rather a push.
- Push the ball. This is a light, softer style shot. No big swing is necessary. The object is to keep the ball low and not present the opponent with a high-shot smash opportunity!
Watch this YouTube short here all about the pickleball dink!
Bonus Tip
Stay low, knees bent. This will give you more control over the shot.
In addition to these three elements, there are a few other things to remember when hitting a dink shot. First, the dink should be hit crosscourt. This will give you the most margin for error, as the lowest part of the net is in the middle. Second, the dink should be hit with a soft touch. This will make it more difficult for the opponent to volley and will give you more time to react to their next shot.
The dink is a precision shot, so it is important to be able to hit it consistently. This will require practice and repetition. With practice, you can learn to hit a dink shot that is both effective and consistent. This will give you a valuable weapon in your pickleball arsenal. The dink shot can be hit with the forehand and backhand sides of the body.
Remember!
The dink shot requires a gentle touch and finesse rather than power. Aiming for inside the Non-Volley Zone will bit give your opponent much as far as offense goes. The lower it is hit, the more the opponent will hit up on it, possibly setting your or your partner a “sitting” winner of a shot! By giving them a low shot, you might be rewarded with a high shot!
Don’t Forget This!
Watch Your Opponents: Pay attention to your opponents’ positioning and movement. Look for opportunities to exploit gaps in their defense or when they are out of position. If you notice them favoring one side, aim your dink shot to the opposite side to catch them off guard.
Remember, practice is key to mastering the dink shot. Keep honing your technique and footwork to improve your control and consistency.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for hitting a great dink shot:
- Hit the ball with the paddle face slightly open. This will help you impart underspin on the ball.
- Follow through toward your target area. This will help you keep the ball in control and prevent it from sailing over the net.
- Practice hitting dinks from different distances and angles. This will help you become more consistent.
With a little practice, you’ll be hitting the pickleball dink like a pro in no time!
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Click here to learn about the Third Shot Drop! There are many videos posted on this page that will be helpful for all level pickleball players from beginners to advanced!
