A fast, aggressive dink can put you on the back foot in an instant, making it tough to stay in control at the kitchen line.
But handling these isn’t just about quick reflexes—it’s about smart footwork, paddle positioning, and knowing exactly where to place your return. Get those right, and you’ll turn defense into offense in no time.
In this guide, we’ll teach you how to stay calm, react effectively, and turn defense into offense.
Step 1: Footwork is Everything
One of the biggest mistakes amateur players make when handling an aggressive dink is chasing the ball with poor footwork.
If you’re lunging forward or reaching without moving your body properly, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
The Correct Way to Move for a Fast, Aggressive Dink:
- Use a Crossover Step: Instead of stepping forward or sideways in a straight line, cross your inside foot over your outside foot. This helps you cut off the angle faster and get into position without reaching.
- Stay Low & Balanced: Keep your knees bent so you can react quickly and adjust if the ball takes an unexpected bounce.
- Position Before Swinging: Don’t try to hit the ball while still moving—get into position first, then focus on executing the shot.
Here’s a great quick video breaking down the side step vs. cross step when dinking and when to use each for better movement and control:
Step 2: Master Paddle Positioning & Angle
When facing a fast dink, paddle angle determines whether you stay in control or pop the ball up for an easy put-away by your opponent.
Key Paddle Positioning Tips:
- Keep the Paddle Neutral: If your paddle face is too open, you’ll pop the ball up and invite an attack. Keep it slightly angled forward, parallel to the net.
- Use a Soft Hands Approach: Instead of forcing the ball back, absorb some of the pace and guide it back low over the net.
- Counter with a Scoop Motion: When resetting, scoop the ball slightly back in the direction it came from rather than chopping at it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Paddle Head Too Low: This causes pop-ups, making you an easy target.
❌ Overhitting the Return: Don’t try to match aggression with aggression unless you’re in perfect position—control beats power.
❌ Passive Blocking: Simply blocking an aggressive dink without a plan allows your opponent to keep attacking.
Step 3: Smart Shot Selection – Where to Place Your Return?
Once you’ve controlled the dink, the next decision is where to send it back. A smart return neutralizes the opponent’s attack and puts you in control.
Best Return Options for Aggressive Dinks:
| Shot Option | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Reset to the Middle | Slows the game down, forces confusion between opponents. |
| Push it to Their Backhand | Most players struggle with backhand dinks—test their weakness. |
| Dink it Low & Crosscourt | Keeps the rally going while creating movement for your opponent. |
| Soft Drop into the Kitchen | Forces them to reset rather than continuing the attack. |
| Look for an ATP (Around the Post) Shot | If the ball is pushed wide enough, take advantage! |
✅ Pro Tip: If an opponent keeps using aggressive dinks, use their own pace against them—redirect, don’t force.
Step 4: Adjusting for Spin – Topspin & Slice Dinks
Higher-level players won’t just hit aggressive dinks—they’ll add spin to make them even tougher to handle.
How to Handle Different Types of Spin on an Aggressive Dink:
| Spin Type | What It Does | How to Counter |
|---|---|---|
| Topspin Dinks | Ball dips quickly, jumps forward aggressively after bouncing, and stays low. | Try to volley it before it bounces or counter with a firm, controlled push back crosscourt. |
| Slice (Backspin) Dinks | Ball skids low and doesn’t bounce as high, making it harder to lift. | Let it bounce, stay low, and reset with a soft, controlled return to neutralize the spin. |
| Side Spin Dinks | Ball curves sideways in the air and can take an unexpected bounce off the court. | Adjust your position early, track the spin, and let the ball come to you rather than reaching. |
✅ Pro Tip: If an opponent consistently hits aggressive, high-spin dinks, position slightly wider than normal to anticipate the bounce.
Step 5: Drills to Improve Your Aggressive Dink Defense
You can’t expect to handle aggressive dinks well if you don’t practice them! Here are two great drills to sharpen your ability to stay in control under pressure.
Drill #1: The “Figure Eight Dink Drill”
- Setup: Play in a group of four, two on each side of the net.
- Drill: One team hits aggressive crosscourt dinks, while the other plays more defensive, straight-ahead dinks.
- Goal: Defensive team works on neutralizing the attack, while the aggressive team adds pressure without making errors.
Drill #2: The Aggressive Dink Reaction Drill
- Setup: Have a partner hit fast, angled dinks while you focus on quick reactions and resets.
- Goal: Keep returns controlled and low, avoiding pop-ups. Alternate between blocking, redirecting, and resetting.
✅ Bonus Tip: Add a variation where every fifth dink must be hit offensively to train your ability to switch from defense to attack.
If you don’t have a partner to drill with, try our go-to Dink-Dink Speed-Up Wall Drill. It’s a great way to build consistency in your dinks, speed-ups, and resets, all while improving control and reaction time:
Neutralize, Reset, and Take Charge
Aggressive dinks aren’t just something to survive—they’re a chance to take control of the point if you know how to handle them. The best players don’t panic; they stay balanced, react early, and reset the rally on their terms.
A key way to anticipate an aggressive dink is by watching your opponent’s paddle position before they strike. If their paddle is low and open, expect a softer dink. If it’s tilted forward, get ready for a fast push. A quick wrist flick usually means topspin, while a sharp angle signals a wide dink. Recognizing these cues gives you extra time to react and adjust.
Handling aggressive dinks isn’t just about getting the ball back—it’s about placing your return with purpose and keeping control of the rally. Stay calm, use your opponent’s pace against them, and soon, you’ll be the one dictating the game.
