Dinking is one of the most important skills in pickleball — but it’s also one of the easiest places to make costly mistakes. If you’ve ever felt like your soft game breaks down under pressure, chances are you’re falling into one of these traps. Let’s walk through seven common dinking mistakes and the adjustments you can make to gain more consistency, control, and confidence at the kitchen line:
Gluing yourself to the kitchen line
Many players are taught to hug the kitchen line at all costs. While being close is important, today’s pickleball game — with more spin, pace, and paddle technology — rewards flexibility.
- The problem: Taking every ball off the short hop leaves you cramped, especially against fast dinks or attacks.
- The fix: Be dynamic. Step back to create space when you’re under pressure, then recover forward when you’re ready to attack. Watch your opponent: if they’re pressured, step in and prepare to finish; if you’re pressured, buy yourself time by backing off.
Pulling the forehand topspin dink across your body
The forehand topspin dink can be deadly, but only if you use the right swing path.
- The problem: Many players swipe sideways, dragging the ball across their body and into the net or off target.
- The fix: Think “up-to-down,” not “side-to-side.” Start with the paddle tip down (around 5 o’clock) and keep the paddle on the same side of your body. Use a smooth upward brushing motion to create spin that dips the ball over the net.
Staying square on the backhand dink
Backhand dinks demand body positioning as much as paddle work.
- The problem: Keeping your shoulders square to the net often leads to weak, pop-up dinks.
- The fix: Turn your front shoulder toward the ball and your target. Get your outside leg behind the ball to create balance and control—whether using one or two hands. Watch top players: they always angle their shoulders and use their legs to stabilize the shot.
Gripping the paddle too tightly
Soft hands make for soft shots.
- The problem: Nervous players often “choke” the paddle at grip pressure levels of 7-10 (on a scale of 1 to 10). This transfers too much energy and causes the ball to pop up.
- The fix: Relax to a 3-4 grip pressure. Think of holding the paddle just firmly enough that it won’t slip. This absorbs pace and keeps your dinks low and controlled.
Overusing the wrist
Some wrist action has its place in pickleball — but not in dinking.
- The problem: Players flick their wrists back and forth, creating inconsistent contact and balls that sail high.
- The fix: Lock your wrist back slightly, as if waving to someone. Use your shoulder and larger muscles to guide the paddle, keeping the wrist neutral. This creates steadier, more reliable contact on both forehand and backhand dinks.
Forgetting to use the opposite arm
Balance is critical at the kitchen line, and your non-paddle arm plays a bigger role than most people realize.
- The problem: Letting your free arm dangle leaves you off balance, with a smaller base.
- The fix: Extend your opposite arm for balance. It helps you stay steady, get lower to the ball, and generate more aggressive dinks. Watch the pros and you’ll see their off-hand working almost as much as their paddle hand.
Forcing aggression when off balance
Not every ball is an opportunity to attack.
- The problem: Players pulled wide or off balance often try to speed up or angle dinks aggressively, which usually ends in errors.
- The fix: When off balance, hit a reset dink — a soft, controlled shot into the middle of the court. Once you recover and get your feet set, then you can attack with purpose.
Dinking doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does demand discipline. By avoiding these seven mistakes, you’ll find yourself controlling more rallies, frustrating opponents, and setting up winning opportunities.
The next time you step onto the court, remember: stay dynamic, relax your grip, use your body positioning, and keep your wrist and balance under control. Small adjustments can make a huge difference in your soft game.