What Is Dink Shot In Pickleball?
A dink in pickleball is a soft, controlled shot that is hit over the net and lands in the non-volley zone (also known as the kitchen) on the opponent’s side of the court. The goal of a dink is to force the opponent to hit the ball from the ground, which gives you more time to react and get into position.
Dinks can be hit with either the forehand or backhand. The most important thing is to hit the ball with a soft touch and to keep it low. You can do this by using a slightly open paddle face and by keeping your swing short and compact.
Why is it called Dink Shot?
There are a few theories about why the dink shot in pickleball is called a dink.
- One theory is that the name comes from the sound that the ball makes when it hits the ground after being dinked over the net. This sound is often described as a soft, “dink” sound.
- Another theory is that the name comes from the fact that the dink shot is a very precise and controlled shot. It requires a lot of skill to hit the ball with the right amount of power and spin to make it land in the non-volley zone on the opponent’s side of the court. This precision and control is similar to what is required to hit a dink in other sports, such as golf and baseball.
- It is also possible that the name “dink” was simply chosen because it is a fun and memorable name for a shot. Whatever the reason, the name “dink” has stuck, and it is now the universally accepted name for this important pickleball shot.
It is worth noting that the dink shot is not unique to pickleball. It is also used in other sports, such as tennis and badminton. However, it is most commonly associated with pickleball.
How To Play A Good Dink Shot
Dinks are a very important part of the pickleball game. They can be used to control the tempo of the game, to force your opponent to make mistakes, and to set up winning shots.
These are some pro tips and tricks for hitting good dinks
Use A Soft Touch.
- Don’t try to hit the ball too hard, or it will go over the back of the court. Keep the ball low. The lower the ball is, the more difficult it will be for your opponent to hit.
- Use a slightly open paddle face. This will help to create a softer shot and to keep the ball low.
- Keep your swing short and compact. This will help you to control the ball and to hit it accurately.
- Practice regularly. The more you practice, the better your dink will become.
When Is The Right Time to Play a Dink?
These three are the most suitable situations where you might want to use a dink
- When your opponent is standing back at the baseline. A dink can force them to move forward and take a bounce, which gives you more time to react.
- When your opponent is hitting hard shots. A dink can slow down the game and give you more time to recover.
- When you are trying to set up a winning shot. A dink can put your opponent in a difficult position, making it easier for you to hit a winning shot next.
Dinking is a skill that takes practice to develop, but it is a very valuable skill to have in pickleball. By following the tips above, you can improve your dinking skills and become a better pickleball player.
