How to Dink in Pickleball
The dink is a soft shot into the opponent’s kitchen that they can’t attack. It’s how points are patiently won at the net — and it’s the skill most recreational players skip. Here’s how to hit one, and the mindset that makes it work.
By the VolleyForge team · Reviewed August 2026
Keep it low and short
A good dink lands in the kitchen and stays low over the net. That’s the whole goal: a ball that lands short must bounce (no volleying in the kitchen), and a low ball can only be lifted, not smashed. If your dink floats high, it’s a gift — the opponent steps in and puts it away.
Use your legs, not your arm
Dinking is a touch shot. Bend your knees, keep a loose grip, and push the ball with a gentle, compact motion from the shoulder — not a wristy flick. Contact out in front, paddle face slightly open. The softer and more controlled, the better.
Favor cross-court
Default to cross-court dinks: the net is lowest in the middle, the diagonal gives you more court and more margin, and if you miss slightly it still stays in. Mix in a straight-ahead dink to change the pattern, but cross-court is your safe, repeatable shot.
Win the patience battle
Dink rallies are a waiting game. You’re not trying to win with the dink itself — you’re waiting for your opponent to pop one up, then you attack. The player who gets impatient and tries to speed up a low ball is usually the one who makes the error. Move your opponents side to side and let them crack first.
Pickleball Strategy (start here)
The habits that actually raise your level — get to the net, master the soft game, and play smarter doubles.
The third shot drop
The most important shot in pickleball — why you hit it, how to execute it, and when to drive instead.
Doubles strategy
Get to the net together, hit to the middle, be patient — the positioning and shot selection that win doubles.
How to raise your DUPR
What actually moves your rating — play rated matches, challenge up, sharpen the soft game, and log results.
Practice drills
The highest-leverage drills — dinking, third-shot drops, resets, and hand speed — plus solo wall drills you can do alone.
Quick tips
The handful of habits that raise your level fastest — get to the line, keep it deep, slow it down, and hit to the middle.