Rules & Regulations
What Is a Dink in Pickleball? The Only Guide You'll Ever Need
The Dink
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June 9, 2026
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Yesterday
The Dinkrules
Wondering what a dink is in pickleball and why everyone talks about the soft game? This guide explains the dink in plain English, breaks down kitchen rules, shot types, and beginner technique, and shows you how to turn this simple shot into your biggest strategic weapon.
The dink is a fundamental shot in pickleball that has captured the hearts of players and spectators alike. It's a soft, gentle shot that can be both a beginner's best friend and a seasoned player's most trusted ally. But what exactly is a dink, and why is it such a crucial part of the game? In this guide, we'll break down the basics of the dink, explore its various types, and provide tips for mastering this essential shot.
<2>Understanding the Dink: A Soft and Strategic Shot
A dink is a soft, gentle shot that is typically hit with a paddle that is not fully extended. It's a shot that is designed to land softly on the opponent's side of the court, often in the non-volley zone (NVZ). The dink is usually hit with a short, gentle motion, and it's meant to be a strategic shot that catches the opponent off guard. The goal of a dink is to make the opponent hit a weak shot, which can then be easily returned by the player who hit the dink.
<2>The Anatomy of a Dink: Shot Types and Kitchen Rules
There are several types of dinks, each with its own unique characteristics and strategies. The most common types of dinks include the soft dink, the angled dink, and the lob dink. The soft dink is a gentle shot that is hit with a short, soft motion. The angled dink is a shot that is hit at an angle, often to the opponent's backhand side. The lob dink is a high-arcing shot that is meant to land deep in the opponent's court.
In terms of kitchen rules, the dink is a shot that is subject to the non-volley zone (NVZ) rule. This means that players are not allowed to make volleys in the NVZ, and they must let the ball bounce before hitting it. The NVZ is the area on both sides of the net, extending 7 feet from the net to the sidelines.
<2>Mastering the Dink: Tips for Beginners and Advanced Players
Mastering the dink takes practice, patience, and dedication. Here are some tips for beginners and advanced players:
Start with short, gentle shots and gradually increase your power and distance as you become more comfortable with the shot.
Practice hitting dinks with different types of paddles and balls to develop your technique and find what works best for you.
Focus on placing your shots in the opponent's non-volley zone (NVZ) to make it difficult for them to hit a strong return.
Use the dink to your advantage by hitting it at an angle or with a high arc to make it difficult for the opponent to return.
In conclusion, the dink is a fundamental shot in pickleball that requires practice, patience, and dedication to master. By understanding the basics of the dink, exploring its various types, and practicing your technique, you can turn this simple shot into your biggest strategic weapon.
