A dink is a soft, low shot that drops into the non-volley zone.
If you want a clear, friendly guide to what is a dink shot in pickleball, you’re in the right place. I’ve taught this skill to new and advanced players, and I’ll show you how it works, why it matters, and how to master it fast. Keep reading to learn the science, the strategy, and the small tweaks that change your game.
What Is a Dink and Why It Matters
A dink is a gentle shot that arcs just over the net and lands in the non-volley zone, also called the kitchen. It is not a high, floaty push. It is soft, low, and hard to attack. The goal is control, not power.
What is a dink shot in pickleball? It is the heart of the soft game. You use it to slow rallies, force errors, and set up put-aways. Pros win by owning the kitchen with calm hands and smart dinks. When you master this shot, power players start to look rushed and wild.
Core Mechanics: Grip, Stance, and Contact
Use a relaxed grip. A light continental or a soft eastern grip helps you feel the ball. Hold the paddle like a small bird. Firm enough not to drop it, soft enough not to crush it.
Stand with knees bent and weight forward. Keep your paddle up near chest height. Contact happens in front of your body with a stable wrist. The paddle face stays slightly open to lift the ball over the net.
Key cues I use in lessons:
- Soft hand, quiet wrist, small swing.
- Move your feet first, then swing short.
- Aim for a gentle arc that clears the net by a foot at most.
What is a dink shot in pickleball if not control? Control starts with these basics.
Step-by-Step: How to Hit a Consistent Dink
- Get to the kitchen line with balance and a low stance. Paddle up.
- Watch the ball early. Read if it is deep, middle, or wide.
- Move your feet under the ball. Keep your head still.
- Open the paddle face a touch. Lock the wrist.
- Use a slow, short lift from the shoulder and elbow.
- Brush up slightly to add soft lift. Do not slap or poke.
- Aim crosscourt for a longer margin over the net.
- Hold your finish. Recover your paddle to ready.
Practice this pattern until it feels boring. Boring is good. What is a dink shot in pickleball if not repeatable under pressure?
Strategy: When and Why to Use Dinks
Dinks turn chaos into control. They stop hard hitters from feeding on pace. When you force the ball low, you force your rivals to hit up. That lets you attack on your terms.
Use dinks to:
- Neutralize fast drives and get to the kitchen.
- Move your rivals wide and open the middle.
- Set up pop-ups for an easy put-away.
- Reset a tough ball that lands at your feet.
Think of the third shot drop as your entry ticket. Your dink is the rally that starts after the door opens. What is a dink shot in pickleball? It is the shot that sets the table for the feast.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Here are errors I see in clinics, and fast fixes that work:
- Swinging big. Fix: Shrink your swing. Use a soft shoulder lift and a quiet wrist.
- Hitting too high. Fix: Lower your contact and your net clearance. Aim to skim the net.
- Standing tall. Fix: Bend your knees. Keep your chest over toes.
- Gripping too tight. Fix: Loosen to a 3 out of 10. Let the paddle absorb pace.
- Reaching instead of moving. Fix: Move your feet early. Small shuffle steps beat long lunges.
What is a dink shot in pickleball without footwork? It is guesswork. Build your base first.
Drills You Can Do Today
You can train solo or with a partner. Keep sessions short and sharp.
Solo drills:
- Wall taps: Stand 10 feet from a wall and dink low at a target mark.
- Shadow dinks: Practice footwork and a short lift with no ball for two minutes.
Partner drills:
- Crosscourt dinks: Rally crosscourt only. Focus on net height and width.
- Triangle drill: Hit deep middle, then sharp angle, then back deep.
- Depth ladder: Alternate soft short dinks and deeper dinks at the back of the kitchen.
Game-like pressure:
- 11-ball challenge: Win 11 dink rallies in a row before you leave.
- Pop-up punish: Any ball that rises above net height gets put away.
What is a dink shot in pickleball? It is muscle memory you earn with smart reps.
Equipment, Court Conditions, and Ball Choice
Paddles with a softer core help with touch. A gritty face can add control on slice and roll. A thicker core (around 16 mm) often feels more stable at the kitchen.
Outdoor balls bounce lower and faster. Wind can push a soft ball wide, so aim closer to the net post on windy days. On hot days, balls get lively; play even softer. Shoes with good grip matter when you slide into wide dinks.
What is a dink shot in pickleball in bad weather? It is the same plan with safer targets and extra margin.
Rules and Etiquette in the Kitchen
The non-volley zone rule is clear in the official rulebook. You cannot volley while touching the kitchen or its line. Let the ball bounce before you hit if you are in the zone. Watch your toes on the line.
Respect pace and space. Call balls on your side. Do not crowd your partner’s forehand in front of them. And if a dink clips the net and dies, tip your paddle. What is a dink shot in pickleball? It is also a show of touch and respect.
Advanced Variations: Spin, Angles, and Disguises
Once you own the basic dink, add flavors:
- Slice dink: A soft, brushing cut that stays low and skids.
- Topspin roll: A gentle wrap that jumps off the bounce to handcuff a rival.
- Angle dink: Aim outside the sideline apex to pull your rival off court.
- Lob dink: A sudden soft lob over a crowding rival, used sparingly.
- Disguise and speed-up: Show dink, then flick a fast ball off a pop-up.
What is a dink shot in pickleball at high levels? It is chess with a ball and paddle. Your shape, spin, and rhythm tell a story your rivals must read.
Frequently Asked Questions of what is a dink shot in pickleball
What is a dink shot in pickleball, in simple terms?
It is a soft shot that clears the net by a small margin and lands in the kitchen. It limits attack chances and helps you control the rally.
How is a dink different from a drop shot?
A drop shot is hit from farther back, often the third shot, to get you to the kitchen. A dink is played at the kitchen line during a rally to move, tire, and trap rivals.
Why do pros use so many dinks?
They know low, slow balls force errors and weak replies. What is a dink shot in pickleball to them? It is a tool to build a perfect attack.
Where should I aim my dinks?
Crosscourt gives you a longer net and safer height. Mix in middle and short angles to keep patterns fresh and to create holes.
How do I handle a fast hitter with dinks?
Absorb pace with a soft grip and short lift. What is a dink shot in pickleball against bangers? It is the pause button that makes them hit up.
Should I add spin to my dinks?
Add it after you control height and depth. A slight slice helps keep the ball low and skip off the bounce.
What paddle helps with dinks?
A softer, thicker core often helps touch. Test a few paddles and look for one that feels stable on short swings.
Conclusion
Now you know what is a dink shot in pickleball, why it rules the kitchen, and how to build it step by step. Keep your hand soft, your swing small, and your goals simple: low over the net, land in the kitchen, move your rival.
Set a weekly plan with two short drill blocks and one game-like session. Track your net height and errors, not winners. Ready to grow your soft game? Subscribe for more guides, ask a question in the comments, and share your best dink win story.