If you’re like many pickleball players, you probably start your warm-up with some dinking. But is it really the best way to prepare for your game?
Let’s dive into why you might want to mix things up a bit and how a varied warm-up routine can set you up for success on the court.
The Dinking Dilemma
The Routine
Many players, regardless of their skill level, have a similar warm-up routine: they begin by dinking. This seems like a gentle way to start, and indeed, it is. But then the game starts, and it’s all about driving and lobs.
One player lamented, “What’s the point of dinking if no one’s actually going to drop and dink during the game?”
The Problem
Relying solely on dinking for your warm-up leaves you unprepared for the faster, more aggressive shots you’ll encounter during a game.
Coach and Pickleball Union Pro member CJ Johnson highlights this issue: “If you want to play your best from the moment you hit the court, you need to warm up all your pickleball shots, not just your dinks.”
Dinking alone won’t cut it—you need a well-rounded warm-up to truly excel.
A Better Approach to Warming Up
To start with a few minutes of light jogging or dynamic stretches to loosen up those muscles. This helps increase your heart rate and gets your blood flowing, preparing your body for the more intense movements of the game.
Instead of just straight-on dinks, try cross-court dinks to move your opponent around and get used to different angles.
Then, move on to some volleys at the net. Focus on your form and control, practicing both forehand and backhand volleys. This not only helps with your reflexes but also fine-tunes your hand-eye coordination.
Next, incorporate some drives into your routine. Practicing drives helps you get used to the power and speed you’ll need during the match. Work on both forehand and backhand drives to ensure you’re comfortable with both.
Finally, finish up with some serves and returns. Practicing your serve helps you get into the rhythm, and working on your returns prepares you for receiving those tricky shots right from the start.
Check out how our friend and coach, CJ Johnson, incorporates some of these shots in her warm up routine.
Players Share Their Best Tips: Warming Up Beyond Dinking
Warming up isn’t just about dinking; it’s about getting your whole body ready for action. Players have their own unique routines to get game-ready and some are excellent and worth a try:
- Forehand and Backhand Drills: “I begin with 10-20 dinks on both forehand and backhand, then gradually move back while hitting resets and drops until I reach the baseline. Once there, I hit a few forehand and backhand drives to ensure I’m loose enough for powerful shots.”
- Move Back with Resets: “One player gradually moves back, working on resets and drops to fine-tune their touch, while the other focuses on practicing 4th shots. Then, hit a few drives from the baseline while the other player practices blocking. Slowly move in from the baseline, continuing with resets to perfect the approach to the kitchen.”
- Dynamic Movement: “I make sure to warm up my drops by stepping out of the NVZ and telling my partner to keep me back. This method usually works and adds an extra dynamic movement element to my warm-up.”
- Baseline Drills: “I begin at the net with dinks for about a minute, then move back toward the baseline, practicing drop shots into the kitchen. When I reach the baseline, I ask my partner if they want to hit baseline to baseline if they haven’t started backing up yet. We each hit around ten shots, then I check if they’re ready to play, treating the first game as an extended warm-up.”
- Comprehensive Routine: “We start with dinks, then do gentle drives and resets from mid-court, followed by gentle serves and returns. Each player does about 5 to 10 of each stroke before we begin playing.”
- Pro Advice: “Colin Johns has mentioned that beginners should focus on warming up with drives instead of dinks for this very reason.“
By incorporating these varied exercises into your warm-up, you’ll be fully prepared to hit the court and play your best game.
Why a Varied Warm-Up Matters
- Better Performance: A diverse warm-up helps you get your timing and feel for the ball just right. Players who mix up their shots before a game often start stronger.
- Injury Prevention: Using different muscle groups and practicing various movements lowers the risk of injury.
- Enhanced Game Readiness: A thorough warm-up ensures you’re ready for the fast-paced nature of pickleball.
How Long Should Your Warm-Up Last?
Your warm-up doesn’t need to be a marathon session. A good 5 to 10 minutes is usually enough to get your blood pumping and your muscles ready for action.
The Game-Ready Routine
So, should you warm up by dinking only? The consensus among coaches and players is clear: while dinking is a good start, it’s not enough on its own. To perform your best and stay injury-free, incorporate a variety of shots into your warm-up routine. This approach not only gets your blood flowing but also prepares you for the diverse demands of a pickleball game.
So next time you hit the court, mix up your warm-up and see the difference it makes in your game.
