Last updated
Why Dinking Is the Foundation of Smart Pickleball
Ask any experienced pickleball player what separates intermediate players from advanced ones, and you will hear some variation of the same answer: the soft game. Specifically, the dink. This short, arcing shot lands softly in your opponent's non-volley zone and forces them to hit upward, giving you control of the rally. Without a reliable dink, you are left relying on power — and power games at the kitchen line almost always end in mistakes.
Pickleball Canada recognizes the dink as one of the core skills tested at all competitive levels. If you want to move up in rating, this is the shot to practice.
What Is a Dink Shot?
A dink is a soft, low shot that crosses the net and lands inside the opponent's non-volley zone, also called the kitchen. The goal is simple: keep the ball below the net height on your opponent's side so they cannot attack it with a drive or smash. A well-placed dink forces your opponent to reset, wait, or pop the ball up — giving you an attackable opportunity.
Dinks can be hit forehand or backhand, cross-court or down the line. Cross-court dinks travel the longest distance and have the most net clearance, making them the safest option in most situations. Down-the-line dinks are riskier but can create angles that pull opponents out of position.
The Proper Grip and Stance
Most players benefit from a continental grip for dinking — similar to how you would hold a hammer. This grip lets you transition smoothly between forehand and backhand without switching your hand position, which saves time during fast exchanges.
Your stance matters just as much as your grip. Stand with your feet roughly shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight forward on the balls of your feet. Avoid standing upright or leaning back. When the ball is low, bend at the knees instead of reaching down with your arm. This keeps the swing path clean and prevents wrist flicks that add unwanted pace.
Keep your paddle face open (tilted slightly upward) at contact. This loft is what lifts the ball over the net while keeping it short enough to land in the kitchen.