1. A soft shot hit on a bounce from the NVZ intended to arc over the net and land within the opposing NVZ either straight across or diagonally crosscourt.
  2. An effective dink arcs downward as it crosses the net, creating a more difficult shot to return than a power shot.
  3. Dinks that land close to the net are the most difficult to return because of the steep angle required to get the ball over the net.
  4. Crosscourt dinks are easier because the net is lower in the center and you can force their opponent off the court, potentially opening a hole.
  5. Contact the ball in front of the body with the paddle face open, using a gentle lifting (pushing) motion.
  6. The shot is soft and controlled with movement from the shoulder, no wrist break and minimal or no backswing to avoid overpowering the ball.
  7. Be patient. Continue to dink until the opponent makes a mistake. If the ball is hit too high, there is a good chance for a put-away shot.
Pickleball Channel 411: Dinking 101 - Five Steps to Winning Dink (Tom Early)
Pickleball Channel 411: Improving Dinks (Steve Paranto)
Basic Dink - Consistency (PPR Lead Clinician, Sarah Ansbury)