If pickleball had a love language, it would be the dink. It’s gentle, strategic, and a little bit cheeky — a soft shot that drops just over the net, making your opponent scramble while you look like a tactical genius.
The dink might not be flashy, but it wins games. And like any skill, it gets better with practice. Here are five fun drills to help you master the art of the dink and rule the kitchen (without breaking a sweat).
1. Kitchen-to-Kitchen Rally
Stand at the non-volley line (a.k.a. the kitchen line) with a partner across the net. Rally back and forth using only soft shots that land in the kitchen. Count consecutive shots and try to beat your record.
Goal: Improve control and consistency.
2. Crosscourt Dinks
Instead of going straight over the net, aim for your partner’s crosscourt kitchen. This forces you to control both depth and angle.
Goal: Sharpen precision and force your opponent to move.
3. Dink and Move
After every dink, sidestep a few feet along the kitchen line before hitting the next shot. This mimics in-game situations where you’re covering space.
Goal: Build footwork and shot control under movement.
4. Target Practice
Place cones or markers in the kitchen and try to land your dinks on or near them. Start with large targets and shrink them as you improve.
Goal: Train accuracy and touch.
5. Dink to Drop
Begin with dinking, then mix in a surprise drop shot from midcourt when your partner least expects it.
Goal: Learn to disguise shots and keep opponents guessing.
Final Tip
The dink isn’t just about soft hands — it’s about patience, placement, and keeping your cool while waiting for your opponent to make the first mistake. Master these drills, and you’ll be the calm, unshakable force at the net everyone dreads (and admires).
So, grab a paddle, call a friend, and get dinking. Your soft game is about to get seriously sharp.
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