Dinking Drills

Before you drill
Before diving into the drills, it's important to understand the foundational moments of pickleball, such as serving and dinking, as well as more advanced techniques like ernies and third shot drops. These aspects of the game are crucial to master in order to excel on the court.
The aims of this article is to simplify the learning process by categorizing key moments in a rally and compiling them all in one convenient location. A variety of drills have been carefully selected for players to explore, each with a detailed summary, explanations on how they can enhance specific skills, and instructions for execution.
These drills are specifically designed for beginners, and covers a wide range of skills and techniques to help players improve their game. Whether you're looking to enhance your serving accuracy, work on your dinking technique, or perfect your third shot drop, you will find a comprehensive set of drills to satisfy your needs.

DINKING EXPLAINED
Dinking is a crucial skill in pickleball, requiring a soft touch to delicately place the ball over the net. This shot is essential in the game, as it can disrupt your opponent's rhythm and force them to make errors. To master the art of dinking, it's important to practice hitting soft shots that drop just over the net and land in front of your opponent, making it challenging for them to return the ball. This strategy is all about finesse and precision, rather than power or speed.
Dinking in pickleball involves hitting the ball softly over the net, aiming for your opponent's kitchen area. It's a strategic shot that is commonly used when both players are positioned near their respective kitchen lines. By executing a well-placed dink, you can control the pace of the game and create opportunities to score points. Patience is key when engaging in dink rallies, as waiting for the right moment to strike can often lead to success.
To perfect your dinking technique, it's essential to maintain a loose grip on the pickleball paddle. Using a continental grip can enhance your control and allow for quick adjustments during the shot. Additionally, proper footwork and body positioning are crucial for executing successful dinks. By positioning yourself close to the kitchen line without violating the volley rule, you can increase your accuracy and control over the shot. Keeping your body facing the net and shifting your weight towards your toes will help you maintain balance and agility at the net, giving you a competitive edge in dink exchanges.

DINKING DRILLS

Dink Aim
Practicing dinking may seem like a piece of cake, but in reality, it requires a great deal of control and precision to master. This particular solo drill is designed to enhance your aim and foster consistency in your dinking technique.
Begin by setting up a line of cones or targets on the opposite side of the court, and work on hitting each one with a dink shot. Initially, keep it simple with a basic row of targets, and then progressively raise the level of difficulty by incorporating more targets or changing their placement.
This exercise is instrumental in building the muscle memory essential for accurately hitting your targets and refining your overall dinking skills. Always bear in mind that practice is the key to perfection when it comes to honing your dinking game.

Two Up, Two Back
Let's play a game! In this doubles drill, two players will begin at the kitchen line while the other two players start at the baseline. The players at the kitchen line will focus on practicing their dinks by rallying with each other until they can successfully put the ball away. If the ball manages to get past them, the players at the baseline will move up to the kitchen line while the other two players move back to the baseline. This drill is not only great for improving teamwork and communication between players, but it also helps enhance dinking skills. Additionally, it aids in developing a killer instinct and patience, allowing players to determine what shots are attackable and what are not. This is a valuable virtue when it comes to dinking. To perform the "Two Up, Two Back" drill, divide into two pairs, with each pair consisting of one player at the kitchen line and one player at the baseline. The players at the kitchen line will start by dinking the ball back and forth to each other, aiming to put the ball away. If the ball manages to get past the players at the kitchen line, the players at the baseline will move up to the kitchen line, and the other two players will move back to the baseline. Continue the game, switching positions as necessary, and practice until you feel comfortable with your dinking skills.