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How to Control the Kitchen in Pickleball: The 3 Essential Techniques
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How to Control the Kitchen in Pickleball: The 3 Essential Techniques

The Dink May 25, 2026 Today
The Dinkpro-tour
Nearly 70% of professional pickleball points are won by the returning team, yet most players squander this advantage in the first two shots. Master kitchen control pickleball with these three proven techniques from PPA pro Connor Garnett.

Mastering the Kitchen: The Key to Pickleball Success

soft dink. A soft dink is a gentle, high-arcing shot that lands softly in the opponent's non-volley zone. This shot is difficult to return and can put pressure on the opponent's backhand. Garnett emphasizes the importance of using a soft dink to control the kitchen and create opportunities for winners. He also provides tips on how to execute a perfect soft dink, including using the right amount of spin and pace. third-shot drop. The third-shot drop is a shot that lands softly in the opponent's backcourt, making it difficult for them to return. Garnett explains how to use the third-shot drop to control the kitchen and create opportunities for winners. He also provides tips on how to execute a perfect third-shot drop, including using the right amount of spin and pace. lob. A lob is a high-arcing shot that lands deep in the opponent's backcourt. Garnett explains how to use the lob to control the kitchen and create opportunities for winners. He also provides tips on how to execute a perfect lob, including using the right amount of spin and pace.
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