Unlocking the Pickleball Code: Avoiding the Mistake Made by 90% of Players

Are you struggling with your dinking game in pickleball? Do you find that your dinks come off your paddle too hard, giving your opponent an easy opportunity to counterattack? If so, you may be making a common mistake that affects 90% of pickleball players, according to professional player and coach, Dave Weinbach.

Dinking is a fundamental shot in pickleball, and mastering it is essential for improving your overall game. It involves hitting a soft shot that lands in the no volley zone, also known as the kitchen. However, many players unknowingly apply too much pressure on their grip while executing this shot, leading to a lack of control and accuracy.

If you’ve ever watched professional players in action, you may have noticed how their dinks gracefully arch over the net and land softly in the kitchen, making it difficult for their opponents to reach. Surprisingly, these same pros, known for their powerful smashes, actually use a very loose grip when dinking. This loose grip allows the ball to stay on the paddle longer, providing them with better control and placement.

To improve your dinking game, all you need to do is make a slight adjustment to your grip pressure. Many players tend to have a tight hold on their paddle, which hinders their ability to execute successful dinks. Dave Weinbach recommends using a grip pressure of 3-4 on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the paddle falling out of your hand and 10 being the tightest possible grip.

By consciously reducing your grip pressure from a tight 8-9 to a more relaxed 3-4, you will likely experience a significant improvement in your dinking performance. Players who have made this subtle shift often report feeling more comfortable and confident when playing at the kitchen line.

Remember, the key to a successful dink is finesse and control, not power. So, loosen your grip, focus on softening your touch, and watch as your dinks become more precise and challenging for your opponents to counter. Practice this adjustment during your training sessions and matches, and soon you’ll be dinking like a pro.