Dink

A soft, controlled shot hit just over the net into the opponent's kitchen.

A dink is a soft, controlled shot hit just over the net that lands in or near the opponent's kitchen. It's one of the most important shots in pickleball — and the one that separates beginners from intermediate players.

The dink isn't flashy. There's no power, no speed, no highlight reel. But it's the shot that wins points at every level of play by creating openings and forcing mistakes.

How to Hit a Dink

Technique

Use a continental grip (like holding a hammer) or your normal grip with a relaxed wrist
Hit the ball out in front of your body with a short, lifting motion — not a swing
Bend your knees, not your back — get low to the ball
Follow through gently toward your target — aim for the opponent's feet or the middle of the kitchen
Let the paddle do the work — the less effort you use, the more control you have

When to Dink

Dink when both teams are at the kitchen line. This is the most common scenario in competitive pickleball — two teams trading soft shots, waiting for someone to pop the ball up high enough to attack.

The goal isn't to win the point with the dink itself. It's to move your opponent side to side, create a high ball you can attack, or force an error. Patience wins dink rallies.

Cross-Court vs Straight-Ahead Dinks

Cross-Court Dink

Travels over the lowest part of the net (center)
Has more court to land in — larger margin of error
Harder for your opponent to attack because of the angle
The safer, higher-percentage option

Straight-Ahead Dink

Travels over the higher part of the net (sideline)
Faster arrival — less time for opponent to react
Good for changing the pattern and keeping opponents honest
Riskier because the net is higher and the margin is smaller

Pro Tip

Practice the “dink and move” pattern: dink cross-court, shuffle to cover the return, dink again. The footwork matters as much as the shot.

Related Terms

Third Shot Drop →

A soft shot hit on the third shot of the rally to land in the opponent's kitchen, allowing the serving team to move forward.

Erne →

An advanced volley hit from outside the court near the net post, bypassing the kitchen zone.

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