Back in my day, “dink” was a funny insult you’d throw at your brother. To this day, it’s still the one word that truly infuriates my husband. 

So it’s funny to me that the makers of pickleball decided to call a short shot a dink.

And that’s all it is. A short, soft shot.

(Cue the mic drop.)

As easy as it is to explain. It’s a lot harder to carry it through…at least for me. I get so excited to hit the ball, I often hit it way harder than I should.

Beginner Tips for Dinking

• Loosen your grip: Holding the paddle loosely helps prevent pop-ups and gives you more control. 
• Use your shoulder, not your wrist: Keep your swing compact. Let the motion come from your shoulder to keep things consistent and controlled.
• Stay square and behind the ball: Face your opponent and ball directly. This body position helps you stay in control and avoid popping the ball up.

Want to see these tips in action? Check out these beginner-friendly videos:

For all you experienced ballers, share your tips in the comments. I’d love to learn from you!

Until next time, dink smart—and dink hard. 😉