Dinking Practice Drill For All

Dinking is a crucial skill in pickleball, and this practice drill is designed for all players to improve their touch and placement. It focuses on dinking back and forth, improving control and finesse at the net. This drill is rated a 2 in difficulty, making it accessible for players of all levels.

The Importance Of Dinking

Dinking is more than just hitting the ball softly. It's about control, strategy, and patience. A good dink can set up an attack, force errors, and keep you in control of the point. Improving your dinking will make you a more well-rounded and effective pickleball player.

What You'll Need

For this 35-minute drill, you'll need:

• Pickleball paddles
• Pickleball balls
• A pickleball net

Step-By-Step Instructions

Here's how to perform the dinking practice drill:

1. Warm-up: Start with a light warm-up to get your body ready.
2. Positioning: Both players should stand at the non-volley zone line (the "kitchen").
3. Dinking: Begin dinking the ball back and forth, focusing on keeping the ball low over the net.
4. Consistency: Aim for consistency. Try to keep the dinks going for as long as possible without making errors.
5. Placement: Vary your dinks by placing them to different spots in the kitchen.
6. Communication: Communicate with your partner. Let them know if a dink is too high or too deep.
7. Duration: Continue the drill for about 35 minutes, taking short breaks as needed.

Alternative Ways To Practice Dinking

Here are a couple of alternative ways to practice dinking:

Cross-Court Dinking Drill

Instead of dinking straight across the net, try dinking diagonally cross-court. This adds an element of angle and makes you move more.

Dinking While Moving

Incorporate movement into your dinking practice. Have one player move laterally along the kitchen line while dinking. This improves your agility and coordination.

Important Considerations

To ensure a safe and effective training session, keep these points in mind:

• Monitor for fatigue: Pay attention to how you and your partner are feeling. Take breaks when needed.
• Spacing: Ensure players are spaced adequately to avoid collisions.
• Soft Hands: Highlight the importance of soft hands and relaxation. This will help you control your dinks and avoid injury.

By following this guide, you can improve your dinking skills and improve your overall pickleball game. Remember to focus on consistency, placement, and communication. Have fun and happy dinking!