So here’s the deal: our friend, pro player and coach Nicholas Wade dropped this little strategy bomb on us recently, and once we tried it, we were hooked. It’s one of those tactics that looks simple on paper but completely changes how you approach the kitchen.
It’s called the Dink + Roll, and it’s as sneaky as it is effective.
If you’re looking for a way to build pressure, keep your opponents guessing, and create attacking chances at the net without taking massive risks, this one’s for you.
First, What Is the Dink + Roll?
This isn’t a one-shot magic trick—it’s a three-part strategy that evolves within a rally. Here’s how Nicholas breaks it down:
- Use slice dinks as your default
- When you’re in position, throw in a topspin dink to apply pressure
- When they pop it up? Take it out of the air and roll or flick it
It’s like setting up a chess move three turns in advance… with a paddle:
Step 1: Start With Slice Dinks
The slice dink is your rally-stabilizer. It’s low, it stays tight over the net, and it keeps your opponents honest.
You’re not trying to win the point yet—you’re just staying in it and setting the tone.
Think of this as “staying chill but annoying.” Your slice dink makes it hard for your opponent to speed up cleanly or attack comfortably.
Use it as your base shot at the kitchen line. Wait for the right positioning and court balance before doing anything else.
Step 2: Mix in a Topspin Dink for Pressure
Once you’re settled and balanced—and your opponent is lulled into the rhythm of slice after slice—drop a topspin dink.
This one’s key: it doesn’t have to be aggressive. Just a little roll over the net with some lift and shape. What it does is make the ball bounce higher and kick up, especially to a backhand.
And that creates… opportunity.
“The topspin dink doesn’t win you the point—it sets up the next shot that will.”
You’ve now applied subtle pressure without taking a risky swing.
Step 3: Hold the Line & Roll/Flick the Attack
Here’s the fun part.
Your opponent sees the spin change. They try to reach in and take it early—or they let it bounce and give you a juicy pop-up. That’s when you strike.
Stay up at the kitchen line, hold your position, and look to:
- Roll a forehand or backhand out of the air (especially crosscourt)
- Flick a quick surprise attack with disguise and angle
- Speed it up into the body if they’re not ready
And boom—you’ve gone from patient to dangerous in a few strokes. Controlled offense at its finest.
Why We Love This Strategy
We’ve been testing this in rec play and honestly? It just works.
✅ It keeps you from over-attacking too soon
✅ It lets you build pressure without rushing
✅ It’s unpredictable (and that’s deadly at the kitchen)
✅ And it gives you confidence to go on offense without losing shape
Plus, it feels really good to earn an attack instead of forcing one.
Try This: Quick Dink + Roll Practice Drill
- Start with slice dinks—back and forth, nice and low
- Every 3rd dink, roll a topspin dink crosscourt
- Partner feeds a pop-up—roll or flick the attack
Alternate roles and switch directions. Bonus: do it at game pace to simulate a real point.
Final Takeaway
If your dinking feels like survival mode and you’re never sure when to attack—Dink + Roll is the roadmap. You’re not guessing. You’re building.
Slice to stay in it. Topspin to poke. Roll to finish.
Try it in your next game—you’ll love how controlled and confident it makes you feel.
And shoutout again to Nicholas Wade for sharing this one. This isn’t just a flashy tactic. It’s smart, it’s scalable, and it just plain works.
