Dinking Direction: Forward vs. Cross-Court
When dinking in pickleball, you can direct the ball either forward or cross-court. Both options can be effective when executed well, but the cross-court dink is often your best bet.
A forward dink aimed straight at your opponents covers less distance, which can make it easier for them to intercept or pop up for an attack. While it has its place in certain situations and good to use to mix things up, it’s riskier against skilled opponents who are ready and waiting at the net.
Hitting a cross-court dink, on the other hand, has several advantages. It travels a longer distance, giving you more room for error, and can be placed close to the net, making it harder for your opponents to reach or attack effectively. It also keeps them moving, which can create openings or force mistakes.
Forward Dink
Below is an illustration of forward dinking.
Tips for Forward Dinks
If you decide to hit the dink shot forward, placement is key to making it effective:
- Aim for the middle: Softly direct the dink into the middle of the court to create confusion between your opponents about who should respond. Indecision can lead to errors or weak returns.
- Target the backhand: If aiming directly at the opponent in front of you, focus on their backhand side. Knowing who has a backhand in the middle at the start of each point allows you to target that spot consistently for an advantage.
Always use a gentle, smooth stroke to arc the ball just over the net and into your chosen spot in the kitchen. With practice, you can add spin to your forward dinks, making them even trickier for your opponents to handle effectively. Mastering this technique ensures your forward dink becomes a strategic weapon rather than an easy opportunity for your opponents.
Cross-Court Dink
The cross-court dink is a smart and effective option, offering more distance and allowing for a bit more speed while still keeping control.
Aim the ball diagonally across to the opposite side of the court, targeting a spot close to the net. This forces your opponent to stretch or move quickly, reducing their ability to respond effectively. Be sure your shot clears the net while staying low and out of reach to maintain the upper hand in the rally.
The cross-court dink’s added distance also gives you more room for error, making it a reliable and strategic choice during dinking battles.
Below is an illustration of cross-court dinking.
Mastering the Cross-Court Dink
Perfecting the cross-court dink is like finding the cheat code to pickleball success—it gives you a major edge, especially against opponents with weaker backhands. In a cross-court dinking rally, both players often rely on their backhands—particularly if both you and your opponent are right-handed—making this the perfect chance to target any weaknesses.
As you advance in skill, this shot becomes a game-changer, giving you control, strategic placement, and a bit more wiggle room for error.
Summary
Mastering the dink shot is a must for taking your pickleball game to the next level. The cross-court dink isn’t just a good option—it’s a reliable, go-to strategy. Use it often in dinking duels, and watch as you control the pace, create openings, and keep your opponents on their toes at the kitchen line.
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Keep Learning
- Watch the video 🎥 below on Dinking strategy.
- Read the next post in the Dinking series: Dinking in Pickleball – When and How to Attack the Dink