Dinking is the cornerstone of pickleball. Embrace playing the dinkers and, when playing the formidable dinkers, try to break them down with the following strategies:

1. Be Patient – Dinkers are generally trying to (a) move the pickleball around the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen to create openings on the court; and (b) get you and your partner to pop the pickleball up into the air for an easy put away shot. Be patient with the dinkers. You may have to hit twenty plus shots to win the point. Stay in the dink until an opportunity to put the pickleball away presents itself.

2. Seize the Moment – The moment the dinkers make a mistake and pop the pickleball up into the air, put the pickleball away. Win the point. Always be in the proper Pickleball Ready position hunting for an opportunity to put the pickleball away. By seizing your opportunity, you will put pressure on your opponents to hit perfect dinks, which could lead to more popped-up pickleballs and unforced errors.

3. Keep It Simple and Be Consistent – On the flip side, avoid giving your opponents too many opportunities. Keep it simple and consistently keep the pickleball low. Remember to stay in the dink until an opportunity to put the pickleball away presents itself. If you unintentionally pop up the pickleball, do not give up! Be in Pickleball Ready and try to reset the point.

4. Play as a Team with Your Partner – When at the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line, it is imperative that you and your partner work as a team and work in tandem. Stay linked with your partner and communicate on every shot—“You!”, “I got it!” or “Mine!”



Key Takeaways:

1. To defeat the dinkers:

a. Be patient;

b. Seize your opportunity to put the pickleball away;

c. Keep it simple and be consistent; and

d. Play as a team with your partner—communication is key!