Pickleball, a rapidly growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has captivated players of all ages and skill levels. Its fast-paced yet strategic nature allows for a variety of playing styles, but two essential techniques — the drop shot and dinking — are central
to the game’s strategy. These skills, which focus on finesse and placement rather than raw power, can often be the deciding factor in a match. Many players, especially younger players, want to hit the ball as hard as they can versus using these other shots to beat their opponents. Here’s a look at why mastering the drop shot and dinking is so crucial for players looking to elevate their game.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is played on a court that is smaller than a tennis court, typically measuring 20 by 44 feet. It is played with a paddle and a lightweight plastic ball, with rules that allow for both fast exchanges and strategic, tactical play. The sport can be played as singles or doubles, with points typically won through skillful shot placement, positioning, and timing rather than sheer force.
The non-volley zone, often referred to as the “kitchen,” is a unique aspect of pickleball. Players are not allowed to hit volleys (shots that are made before the ball bounces) inside this area, which creates an emphasis on controlled, precise shots. The kitchen violation occurs in matches and players need to be careful to avoid going in the kitchen and hitting a ball that hasn’t bounced yet.
The Drop Shot: A Subtle Weapon
The drop shot is a tactic used to disrupt an opponent’s rhythm and capitalize on their positioning. Unlike a power shot, where the objective is to overwhelm the opponent with speed and force, the drop shot is a finesse move designed to land just over the net and into the opponent’s kitchen. It is also a great shot to slow down the game, especially if you are playing someone that wants to play a very fast paced game.
Why is the drop shot important?
1. Exploiting Opponent Positioning: One of the primary uses of the drop shot is to exploit an opponent’s position. If your opponent is standing deep behind the baseline, a well-timed drop shot can force them to sprint forward, disrupting their movement and leaving them vulnerable to further attacks. Many times you will set up the shot by first hitting a deep ball and keeping them on their baseline and then dropping the next shot in.
2. Surprise Element: The drop shot is often unexpected, especially when the opponent is expecting a hard-hitting shot. It’s a great way to keep your opponent guessing and off
balance, forcing them to adjust their strategy mid-game.
3. Setting Up the Next Shot: In doubles play, the drop shot can be used to create an opening for your partner to take the next shot. For example, a drop shot that forces your opponent to scramble can set up an easier shot for your partner at the net.
How to execute the drop shot? To perform an effective drop shot, players need to focus on their touch and control. The goal is to reduce the ball’s velocity and make it land softly in the kitchen. A light grip on the paddle and a smooth, underhand stroke will typically produce the desired result. Players should also aim to disguise the shot, so the opponent doesn’t realize it’s coming until it’s too late.
Dinking: The Heart of Strategy
Dinking is a fundamental aspect of pickleball and is critical for success, particularly in doubles play. It refers to a soft shot that lands just inside the kitchen, requiring the player to use gentle touch and precision. The goal of the dink is to keep the ball low and prevent the opponent from attacking the shot with a volley.
Why is dinking so important?
1. Control and Patience: Dinking forces both players to slow down the game and focus on precision rather than power. A well-executed dink can keep the opponent off balance, requiring them to respond with an equally well-placed dink. This patient, strategic exchange of shots can wear down an opponent mentally and physically.
2. Creating Angles: Dinking allows players to create angles by moving the ball to the sidelines or forcing opponents out of position. By doing so, players can open up space and eventually transition to a more aggressive shot when the opportunity arises.
3. Net Control: The dink is integral for controlling the net. In doubles play, both players are often stationed near the net. If one player can consistently dink and force their opponent to make a mistake, they can take control of the game from the net.
How to execute a dink? Dinking requires a soft grip on the paddle and precise footwork. Players should focus on hitting the ball with minimal force, using a slight upward motion to keep the ball from bouncing too high. Proper positioning is key: players should be close to the net, with their weight forward, to maintain balance and be ready to respond to the opponent’s dink. If you watch better players dinking, they often hit multiple dink shots waiting for the opportunity for an opponent to misplace a shot in to the net, or return one too high, where you can spike it at them.
Combining Drop Shots and Dinks for Success
Both the drop shot and dinking require finesse, but they are also incredibly effective when used strategically together. The drop shot can be used to pull an opponent out of position, while dinking can force them into a long rally that tires them out. By alternating between these two shots, players can keep their opponents on their toes, unsure of whether to expect a soft, gentle shot or a more aggressive one.
In doubles play, this combination is particularly powerful. A team that can seamlessly switch between drop shots and dinks will force their opponents to work harder, making them more likely to make mistakes. In addition, the drop shot can be used to create openings for the team at the net, while dinks allow the players to maintain control and precision.
Conclusion
Mastering the drop shot and dinking is essential for any serious pickleball player. These shots rely on control, touch, and strategic thinking rather than raw power, and they form the backbone of effective pickleball strategy. Whether you’re using a drop shot to surprise your opponent or engaging in a tactical dink rally to gain an advantage at the net, both techniques are essential tools for controlling the pace of the game and ultimately securing victory. By practicing these finesse shots, players can elevate their game and become more effective, unpredictable opponents on the court, and end up winning more games.
