How to Hit TOPSPIN, Slice, and Lift Dinks

Master the Essentials: 3 Dink Shots to Dominate the Non-Volley Zone

Learn how to construct a pickleball point and force errors with 3 must-have dink shots.

Introduction

In this 13+ minute instructional pickleball video, coach Jordan Briones shares essential tips, techniques, and drills for developing effective dinks to control the non-volley zone. Whether you're a beginner seeking to improve fundamentals or an advanced player looking to add variety, Briones demonstrates how to hit aggressive, strategic dinks to move your opponent and dominate up at the net. Let's break down the 3 dink levels step-by-step.

1. Flat Dinks (0:30)

The most basic dink is a flat shot without much spin. It's a lifting motion from low to high, using your shoulder rather than wrist. Flat dinks are easy to learn and can be highly effective when mixed with depth, directional changes, and placement targeting your opponent's feet. Briones shows proper form - a short, compact stroke going from the middle of your body towards the left shoulder. Stay low with proper footwork to move into position. Though flat dinks lack spin, you can still hit aggressive shots by focusing on location and keeping the ball low.

2. Slice/Underspin Dinks (3:51)

Adding slice or underspin makes the ball stay low with a shorter bounce. This forces your opponent into a tougher, lower contact. Use a compact, closed-face stroke across your body from right to left. Again, footwork is key to get in position with small shuffle steps. Contact the ball out in front with an early preparation. Aim crosscourt, where you have ample room for error. Down-the-line slice dinks are tougher. Employ crosscourt slices to move your opponent side to side while keeping the ball low.

3. Topspin Dinks (7:34)

Advanced players use heavy topspin dinks starting low and brushing up high. This shot dips down quickly with an accelerated, forward-moving rotation. Go crosscourt to utilize all your space. Drop the paddle low and swing upward through the ball, brushing from low to high. It's a compact motion about waist to shoulder high, not a big swing. Topspin dips the ball down towards your opponent's feet. Even at medium swing speed, it kicks and curves off the court. This is one of the most potent NVZ weapons, requiring precise technique and footwork.

Mix up dink spins, speeds, depth and direction to keep your opponent guessing. Recognize opportunities based on positioning - be more aggressive when balls are in your strike zone versus on the defense. With practice, you'll learn how to construct points and elicit errors. Mastering the essential dink shots takes time and repetition, but pays big dividends in match play.

Summary

Coach Jordan Briones demonstrates 3 levels of dink shots - from basic flat dinks to advanced topspin dinks. Learn proper mechanics, footwork and strategy to control the net and win more points. Mix up depth, direction and spin to construct the point and move your opponent. With compact strokes and repetition, you'll gain confidence hitting a variety of dinks to dominate the non-volley zone.