If you’ve ever felt like your dinking game could use a serious upgrade, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re backing off dinks, popping them up, or just struggling to keep control, there’s one drill that can transform your soft game—and it’s not just effective, it’s fun, too.
Let’s dive into why this drill works and how to start using it today to take your dinking game to the next level.
Why This Drill Works
The beauty of this drill is its simplicity. It forces you to take the ball early, keeping you in control of the rally and preventing you from getting pushed back off the kitchen line. The best players in pickleball don’t give ground—they stay low, take the ball early, and keep their opponents guessing.
This drill teaches you to do just that. It trains your reflexes, improves your footwork, and helps you develop the muscle memory needed to stay aggressive while dinking.
How to Set It Up
What You’ll Need:
- A partner (preferably someone who loves drills as much as you do).
- A spare paddle.
- A sense of humor—because this drill is as entertaining as it is effective.
Step 1: Place the spare paddle as far into the kitchen as you can reach.
Step 2: The goal is to dink the ball and hit your opponent’s spare paddle.
Step 3: Focus on taking the ball out of the air—don’t let it bounce if you can help it.
Watch our friend and coach Will East break down this awesome drill in action:
The Key Focus—Taking the Ball Early
The entire purpose of this drill is to break the habit of backing off dinks. When you step back, you give your opponent more time and space to attack. Instead, the drill trains you to:
- Stay Low: Keep your knees bent and your paddle ready.
- Take It Early: Attack the ball out of the air instead of letting it drop.
- Stay Balanced: Avoid reaching or lunging too far—move your feet instead.
Pro Tip: The best players make this look effortless, but it’s all about getting comfortable taking balls early and controlling the pace of play.
Why Taking the Ball Early Matters
Taking the dink early:
- Keeps Pressure on Your Opponent: They have less time to react.
- Prevents Attackable Shots: Early contact means fewer high balls that your opponent can smash.
- Controls the Kitchen Line: Staying up at the line gives you an advantage in positioning.
Backing off dinks might feel safer at first, but it opens up angles and opportunities for your opponent to take control. This drill forces you to stay aggressive and sharp.
Turning the Drill into a Game
What makes this drill even better is that it doesn’t feel like work—it’s actually fun. Turning it into a game with your partner keeps things competitive and exciting.
The Rules:
- You get a point every time you hit your opponent’s spare paddle.
- First to 10 points wins!
- For an added challenge, try switching hands or adding movement drills between shots.
Bonus Tip: Keep the pace quick and lighthearted. The more relaxed and playful you are, the better your reflexes and reactions will become.
What You’ll Notice After Practicing This Drill
- Faster Hands: You’ll be quicker in tight exchanges and hand battles.
- Better Control: Your dinks will be lower and harder to attack.
- More Confidence at the Kitchen Line: No more stepping back and giving up ground.
So, forget long-winded advice—this drill is the shortcut you need to sharpen your dinking game and gain confidence at the kitchen line. It’s simple, effective, and honestly, a lot of fun.
So grab a partner, a spare paddle, and get to work. You’ll be taking balls early, keeping your opponents on their toes, and dominating the dink game in no time. And hey—if you hit their spare paddle a few times, you might just earn bragging rights, too.
Now go give this drill a try—and don’t forget to stay low and stay aggressive!
