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What Is a Dink Shot in Pickleball?

A woman reaching a ball on a non-volley zone.

A dink shot is a low, soft shot used to keep the ball in play and force your opponent to move around the court. It is an essential part of pickleball strategy and can be used to win points.

The dink shot is a versatile tool used in various situations. Use it to your advantage, and you’ll surely pick up some extra points.

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How Does a Dink Shot Work?

A woman reaching a ball for a shot.

The shot is made from your kitchen line. It then lands in the nonvolley zone of your opponent. You want to ensure the ball hits in front of them, so they have to move forward to get it. This is why it’s essential to keep your arm close to your body and snap your wrist when you hit the ball. The dink shot is all about placement and not power.

Why Use a Dink Shot?

A person missing a shot on a pickleball doubles.

The dink shot can be used for many reasons:

  • To keep the ball in play
  • To force your opponent to move around the court
  • To win points

When Should You Use a Dink Shot?

There are a few scenarios where using a dink shot makes sense:

  • If your opponent is at the net and you are not, a dink shot can keep the ball in play and give you time to get to the net.
  • If your opponent is at the back of the court, a dink shot can force them to move up and make it easier for you to win the point.
  • If you are at the net and your opponent is at the back of the court, a dink shot can be used to win the point outright.

How to Hit a Dink Shot?

A woman reaching a ball mid air on a pickleball double.

Here are a few tips on how to hit a successful dink shot:

  • Keep your arm close to your body and snap your wrist when you hit the ball.
  • Aim for the nonvolley zone of your opponent.
  • Focus on placement over power.

Dink Shot Vs. Power Shot

The dink shot is the polar opposite of the power shot. While the power shot is about hitting the ball hard and fast, the dink shot is about placement and control. As a result, the power shot is best used when your opponent is out of position, while the dink shot is best used when your opponent is in position.

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Which one you use depends on the situation and your playing style. For example, if you are more comfortable with a decisive game, go for it. But if you want to win points by using more finesse, then the dink shot is the way to go.

Pickleball Strategy: How to Use the Dink Shot

A vector illustration of people playing pickleball.

The dink shot can be an essential part of your pickleball strategy. It can keep the ball in play and force your opponent to move around the court. It can also be used to win points outright.

Here are a few tips on how to use the dink shot in your pickleball strategy:

  • Use the dink shot when your opponent is at the net, and you are not. This will keep the ball in play and give you time to get to the net.
  • Use the dink shot when your opponent is at the back of the court. This will force them to move up and make it easier for you to win the point.
  • Use the dink shot when you are at the net, and your opponent is at the back of the court. This will allow you to win the point outright.

The dink shot is a versatile tool used in various situations. Use it to your advantage, and you’ll surely pick up some extra points.

What Type of A Shot is a Dink Shot?

The dink shot is a finesse shot. It has an upward trajectory and keeps the ball in play. The main objective of the dink shot is placement rather than power.

When hit correctly, the dink shot will land in the non-volley zone of your opponent. This will force them to move around the court and make it more challenging to win the point.

The dink shot can also be used to win points outright. When you are at the net, and your opponent is at the back of the court, a well-placed dink shot can be the difference between winning and losing the point.

How to Improve Your Dink Shot?

Here are a few tips on how you can improve your dink shot:

  • Keep your arm close to your body,m and snap your wrist when you hit the ball. This will give you more control over the shot.
  • Aim for the nonvolley zone of your opponent. This will make it more difficult for them to win the point.
  • Focus on placement over power. The dink shot is about control, so don’t try to hit the ball too hard.

Practice these tips, and you’ll see an improvement in your dink shot. You can place the ball wherever you want with a bit of practice.

What is a Dead Dink in Pickleball?

Couples on half court playing pickleball doubles.

A dead dink is a dink shot that doesn’t have enough power to make it over the net. Dead dinks are easy for your opponent to return and can give them an easy point.

To avoid hitting a dead dink, make sure to keep your arm close to your body and snap your wrist when you hit the ball. This will give you more power and help ensure that the ball makes it over the net.

Dead dinks are one of the most common mistakes made in pickleball. Avoid them by focusing on placement and power, and you’ll surely pick up some extra points.

How Do You Attack Unattackable Dinks in Pickleball?

Women preparing to hit a pickleball in mid air.

There are a few different ways to attack unattackable dinks. The best way to do it depends on your playing style and the situation.

One option is to lob the ball over your opponent’s head. This can be effective if they are on the net and you are not. It will give you time to get to the net and pressure your opponent.

Another option is to hit a drop shot. This can be effective if your opponent is at the back of the court. Hitting a drop shot will force them to move up and make it easier for you to win the point.

The best way to attack unattackable dinks is to experiment and find what works best for you. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so try different shots and see what works best in each situation.

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