Mastering the Dink: The 6 Secrets Of Pickleball’s Sneakiest Shot

Pickleball is a game of strategy, finesse, and patience, and no shot embodies this more than the dink. Often called the sneakiest shot in pickleball, the dink is a soft, controlled stroke that lands just over the net in the non-volley zone—also known as the “kitchen.”

When executed well, it forces your opponent into a defensive position, setting you up for a winning play. Whether you’re a beginner picking up a paddle for the first time or a seasoned player looking to refine your game, mastering the dink can elevate your pickleball skills to legendary status. In this guide, we’ll break down the dink shot, explore its history, share techniques, and provide tips to help you become a dinking master on the court.

What Is a Dink Shot in Pickleball?

A dink is a soft, arcing shot hit with minimal force, designed to land in the opponent’s non-volley zone, just over the net. The goal is to keep the ball low, making it difficult for your opponent to attack with a hard shot like a smash or volley. Instead, they’re forced to return a similarly soft shot, often leading to a strategic rally known as a “dink rally.”

These rallies require patience and precision, as players aim to outmaneuver each other until one makes a mistake—usually by hitting the ball too high, allowing an opportunity for an aggressive shot.

The dink shot is typically played from near the non-volley zone line, often during a doubles match where positioning at the net is key. It’s a defensive yet tactical move, used to control the pace of the game and set up your team for a winning opportunity. As pickleball legend Joel Pritchard, one of the sport’s founders, once said, “The game is won not by power, but by placement.” The dink embodies this philosophy, making it a cornerstone of competitive play.

A Brief History of the Dink in Pickleball

The dink shot has been part of pickleball since its inception in 1965, when Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum created the game on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Early pickleball paddles were wooden, heavier than today’s composite models, and lacked the power for aggressive shots.

Players quickly learned that soft, controlled shots like the dink were more effective on the small court, especially with the non-volley zone rule preventing volleys close to the net. This rule, unique to pickleball, gave rise to the dink as a way to safely navigate the kitchen area without risking a fault.

By the 1980s, as pickleball spread across the U.S., the dink became a defining feature of high-level play. Tournaments showcased players who could sustain long dink rallies, frustrating opponents with their precision and patience. Today, in 2025, with pickleball boasting over 48 million players in the U.S. alone, the dink remains a critical skill for players of all levels. Modern pros like Ben Johns and Simone Jardim often use the dink to dominate at the net, proving its enduring importance in the sport’s evolution.

Why the Dink Is Pickleball’s Sneakiest Shot

The dink earns its reputation as the sneakiest shot for several reasons. First, its soft trajectory makes it unpredictable—opponents must react quickly to a ball that barely clears the net, often landing at an awkward angle. Second, a well-placed dink can force your opponent to hit upward, giving you or your partner a chance to attack with a put-away shot.

Finally, the dink requires deception; a good dinker disguises their intent, making it look like they might hit a hard shot before gently tapping the ball over the net.

For beginners, the dink might seem counterintuitive—why hit a soft shot when you could slam the ball? But as you play more, you’ll realize that power isn’t always the answer in pickleball. The dink is about control, strategy, and outsmarting your opponent, making it a true weapon for any player aiming to become a Picki Legend.

How to Master the Dink Shot: Techniques and Tips

Mastering the dink shot requires a combination of technique, practice, and mental focus. Below are step-by-step techniques and tips to help you perfect this sneaky move.

1. Get the Right Grip and Stance

To execute a dink, start with a continental grip—the same grip used for volleys and serves—where the paddle handle feels like an extension of your hand. Position yourself about a foot behind the non-volley zone line, with your knees slightly bent and your weight on the balls of your feet. This stance allows you to move quickly and adjust to your opponent’s shots.

2. Focus on Paddle Angle and Swing

The key to a good dink is the paddle angle. Hold your paddle with a slightly open face (tilted upward) to create a gentle arc over the net. Use a short, controlled swing—think of it as a “push” rather than a full swing. The motion should come from your shoulder, not your wrist, to maintain consistency and avoid popping the ball too high.

3. Aim for the Kitchen

Your dink should land in the opponent’s non-volley zone, ideally close to the net and near the sideline. This placement forces your opponent to move forward and hit upward, making it harder for them to attack. Visualize a target spot—about 1-2 feet past the net—and aim for it with every dink.

4. Keep It Low and Soft

A common mistake is hitting the dink too high, giving your opponent an easy shot to smash. To keep the ball low, focus on a soft touch. Imagine you’re gently tossing a feather over the net—any extra force will send the ball too high or into the net. Practice using just enough power to clear the net while keeping the trajectory low.

5. Be Patient in Dink Rallies

Dinking often leads to rallies where both sides exchange soft shots, waiting for an opportunity to attack. Stay patient—don’t rush to end the rally with a risky shot. Keep your dinks consistent, varying their placement (e.g., crosscourt, down the line) to keep your opponent guessing. The first player to lose patience and hit a high ball usually loses the point.

6. Practice Drills to Build Confidence

To master the dink, incorporate these drills into your practice routine:

• Solo Dinking Drill: Stand at the non-volley zone line and practice dinking over the net to a target (e.g., a cone) in the kitchen. Aim for 10 consecutive dinks without hitting the net or going too high.

• Partner Dinking Rally: With a partner, engage in a dink rally, keeping the ball in the kitchen for at least 10 shots. Focus on control and placement, not speed.

• Crosscourt Dinking: Practice dinking crosscourt to improve your angles. Start with 5 crosscourt dinks, then switch to down-the-line dinks for variety.

Common Dinking Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced players can struggle with the dink if they fall into bad habits. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Hitting Too Hard: A dink should be soft—avoid swinging with force. Focus on a gentle push to keep the ball low.

• Popping the Ball Up: If your dinks are too high, your opponent can attack. Keep your paddle face open but not too angled, and use a controlled motion.

• Poor Positioning: Standing too far back makes dinking harder. Stay close to the non-volley zone line to maintain control.

• Lack of Variety: Always dinking to the same spot makes you predictable. Vary your placement to keep opponents on their toes.

Why the Dink Matters for Every Pickleball Player

The dink isn’t just a shot—it’s a mindset. It teaches patience, control, and strategic thinking, which are essential for becoming a well-rounded player. For beginners, mastering the dink builds confidence in soft shots, helping you transition from power-focused play to a more tactical approach. For advanced players, the dink is a tool to dominate rallies, setting up opportunities for winning shots. Even seniors (55+), who may prioritize finesse over power, can use the dink to stay competitive, making it a universal skill for all ages.

In doubles, the dink is especially crucial. It allows you and your partner to maintain net position, control the pace, and force errors from opponents. A well-placed dink can turn a defensive moment into an offensive opportunity, making it a game-changer in competitive play.

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