Pickleball is a sport that thrives on variety, mixing power plays with subtle, strategic dinks. But what do you do when your opponent prefers a full-throttle power game, eschewing the gentle art of dinking altogether?
Here’s how you might encourage more dink rallies, even against those who prefer to drive the ball hard across the net.
Understanding the Power-Driven Opponent
It’s not uncommon in casual recreational play to encounter players who rely heavily on hard drives or low, fast balls. Their game plan is simple: overpower the opposition.
However, this strategy, while effective in certain scenarios, skips over the nuanced tactical play that many believe makes pickleball truly enjoyable.
Why Encourage Dinking?
Dinking isn’t just about playing the game “correctly.” It’s about engaging in a mental and physical chess match.
Dinks can draw out longer rallies, test your finesse and control, and reduce the game’s overall pace, making it a more strategic experience.
Influencing Your Opponent’s Play Style
While you can’t force anyone to change their play style, you can influence the game through your actions. Here’s how:
- Perfect Your Drop Shots: One effective way to encourage dinking is to master your drop shots into the kitchen. If done correctly, these shots force your opponent to either dink back or risk a fault with an overly aggressive response.
- Control the Pace: By slowing down your shots and reducing their power, you can control the tempo of the game. Use gentle, precise placements instead of hard drives, especially when you return service or respond to a volley.
- Use Spin to Your Advantage: Adding spin to your shots can make them more challenging to return aggressively. Backspin, in particular, can make the ball stay low, forcing a softer return.
- Adjust Your Positioning: Stand closer to the net within your volley zone. This position not only makes it easier for you to respond with dinks but also pressures your opponent into a similar soft game.
- Respond to Power with Softness: When faced with hard drives, try to absorb the power with soft hands. Redirect the energy of the ball with gentle paddles, dropping it neatly into the kitchen. This is a skill that requires practice but can effectively neutralize a power player.
Make sure to also check out our articles on the 3 most common mistakes when dinking and how to hit topspin dinks.
What Other Players Think About Mixing Dinks and Power Plays
When it comes to mixing up those soft dinks with hard-hitting power plays, the pickleball crowd has plenty to say. Some seasoned players swear by a good dink, pointing out that if you get it just right, there’s no speeding it up—it forces the game to slow down. Others focus on the nuts and bolts of where you’re hitting those balls. They say getting your shot placement spot on means your opponent might have no choice but to dink back, especially if those shots are tough to return any other way.
But here’s the real talk—everyone’s got their own style and favorite way to play. Like one player mentioned, “It’s not up to you to determine how others should play and enjoy the game.” Everyone’s here to have fun, right?
And for those dealing with the big hitters? Some advice from the court: get good at those resets to mix up the pace, and don’t be afraid to let those too-strong shots fly out. It’s about playing smart and staying cool, no matter how heated the game gets.
This mix of strategies and a healthy respect for different playing styles is what keeps every game of pickleball fresh and exciting.
4 Tactics to Get Your Opponent to Dink Out
- Keep It Low:
- Aim to hit your dinks low over the net. The lower the ball, the harder it is for your opponent to attack effectively without making errors.
- Add Some Spin:
- Incorporate topspin into your dinks. The spin will make the ball harder to handle, increasing the chances of your opponent misjudging the shot and hitting out.
- Move Them Around:
- Make your opponent move by placing your dinks towards the sidelines. Forcing them to reach will reduce their control and increase the likelihood of an error (beware that at higher levels, this tactic may trigger Ernes!).
- Target Their Backhand:
- Hit your dinks towards your opponent’s backhand foot. This is usually their weaker side, making it tougher for them to return the ball accurately.
- Soften Your Touch:
- Loosen your grip on the paddle for a softer touch. This reduces the bounce height of your dinks, making them more difficult to attack and easier for your opponent to misjudge.
is it really up to you to dictate shot selection?
In pickleball it’s not really up to you to dictate how your opponents choose to play their game, including their shot selection. Everyone has their own style, strategies, and preferences.
Focus on adapting to and countering your opponents’ strategies with your own skills. Encouraging a particular style of play or shot selection through your actions is one thing; expecting or insisting that others conform to your preferred way of playing is another. The best approach is to play your game, adapt as needed, and always aim for fair and respectful competition.
