A dink isn’t flashy. It won’t make the highlight reels. But ask any experienced pickleball players, and they’ll tell you—mastering the dink is what separates the good from the great, especially in official pickleball tournaments. 

‍

Are you trying to improve your pickleball ratings? Then you better start dinking soon. 

‍

But What Exactly is a Dink In Pickleball? 

‍

In pickleball, a "dink" is a soft, controlled shot that lands in the non-volley zone (NVZ), also known as the "kitchen".

‍

At first glance, the dink shot seems simple. It’s a soft, controlled hit that barely clears the net, landing in the kitchen and forcing your opponent into an awkward position. No speed, no power, just placement. But don’t let its delicate nature fool you—the dink is one of the most strategic shots in pickleball, designed to set traps, build pressure, and force mistakes.

‍

Why Are Dinks So Effective?

‍

Pickleball is a game of patience. Sure, it feels great to crush a ball across the court, but smart players know that staying in control wins matches. The dink slows down the rally, dragging opponents into a battle of precision rather than power. When executed correctly, it forces them to bend, reach, and—if they’re not careful—pop the ball up for an easy putaway.

‍

Check out this dinking battle from collegiate pickleball players at Nationals. 

‍

‍

‍

The Art of a Perfect Dink

‍

The beauty of the dink lies in its simplicity, but mastering it takes practice. A well-placed dink stays low over the net, preventing aggressive returns. The best players use the dink to set the pace, keeping their opponents off balance and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. 

‍

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

‍

1. Soft hands, soft touch. Dinking isn’t about hitting hard, it’s about control.
2. Stay balanced, good footwork keeps your dinks consistent and keeps you ready for the next shot.
3. Use the angles; a well-angled dink can pull your opponent wide, creating openings for a winning shot.

‍

Dink or Die: Why The Best Players Swear By It

‍

Watch pro-pickleball tips, and you’ll see that the dink isn’t just a shot—it’s a strategy. It’s the foundation of smart play, the key to winning long rallies, and a weapon that keeps opponents guessing. If you’re serious about improving, learning to dink isn’t optional—it’s essential.

‍

So next time you step onto the court, don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed dink. It may not look intimidating, but trust us, it wins games.

‍