The ULTIMATE Dink Guide! Learn every dink in pickleball

 

Title: Mastering the Art of Dinking in Pickleball

A Comprehensive Guide to Improving Your Dink Shot

Mastering dinks allows you to maintain rallies, move your opponents around the court, and set up offensive scoring opportunities.

In this comprehensive 2000+ word guide, instructor and competitive player Austin Hardy breaks down the key techniques for all the essential dink shots - the push dink, under-spin dink, topspin dink, and advanced dinks. With detailed explanations and visual demonstrations, Austin shares proper grip, footwork, swing mechanics, and strategy for forehand and backhand dinks.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to build a solid foundation or an experienced player working on taking your game to the next level, this guide will give you the knowledge and tools to improve the accuracy, consistency, and versatility of your dink game.

1. Forehand Push Dink (00:25)

The forehand push dink involves hitting a soft shot with under-spin that arcs just over the non-volley zone.

• Proper early preparation is key - keep the paddle face open and out in front of the body, in front of the dominant knee.
• Use a continental grip and minimal backswing, simply pushing outwards towards the target and lifting through the ball.
• Finish with paddle tip facing the intended target.
• The paddle height will vary based on distance and angle - cross-court dinks require higher lift than straight dinks.

The main keys are early prep with open paddle face, compact stroke with continental grip, and pointing paddle tip at target throughout. As Austin emphasizes, "the more reps that you get in with these the more that your muscle memory will kick in and know exactly how high up you need to go to get at the distance that it needs to go".

Quote: "I couldn't say go to a 45° angle and it'll go in every time because if you're hitting that ball cross-court you might need to come up a little bit higher and if you're hitting it down the line you might need to go a little bit lower so it's all dependent on how far you're hitting that shot and you're not going to have it locked in your mind like oh 45° angle here 90° angle here all that is going to come down to is getting those reps in cross-court and getting those reps in down the line"

2. Backhand Push Dink (02:15)

The backhand push dink utilizes the same continental grip and lifting motion as the forehand, with the adjustments of having the paddle face open in front of the non-dominant knee and finishing with the outside edge of the paddle facing the target (rather than the tip).

This accommodates the bent backhand stroke shape. The keys are early preparation with no back-swing, compact stroke with continental grip, lifting through the ball, and pointing the outside edge of the paddle towards the intended landing spot.

As with the forehand, the exact paddle height will vary based on distance and angle. Mastery comes through developing muscle memory from extensive repetitions hitting cross-court and down the line. As Austin emphasizes, "the best thing that you can do with these two push dinks whether it's forehand or backhand is keep it extremely simple remember we're keeping it out in front of us we don't want to have a huge back swing as we hit through the shot we just want to prepare with it out in front of us regardless of what side we're on and we're not having a huge upward motion we're just keeping it nice and simple".

Quote: "remember the more reps that you get in with these the more that your muscle memory will kick in and know exactly how high up you need to go to get at the distance that it needs to go"

3. Promo Code for all Selkirk Gear (ADV-PLAYBOOK) (03:20)

Austin provides viewers with a promo code "ADV-PLAYBOOK" for Selkirk pickleball gear, offering $30 off any purchase on Selkirk’s website. He endorses Selkirk as a great brand that makes high-quality paddles and equipment for pickleball players of all levels. The code can be used towards purchasing a new Selkirk paddle, such as the Control Air Lux model that Austin uses and recommends, which balances power, control, and responsiveness. It's also valid on any other Selkirk accessories like balls, bags, grips, clothing, and more.

So whether you need a new go-to game paddle or want to stock up on some pickleball gear, be sure to use the promo code ADV-PLAYBOOK at checkout to save $30 off Selkirk products. As Austin states, Selkirk has "literally it all so you can get on there use my code and then you will receive a free E gift card". Take advantage of this offer to upgrade your equipment and apparel for the new season.

Quote: "If you guys want to purchase one of these you can use my code ad- Playbook and you'll receive a $30 gift card after your purchase to which you can use for any other Selkirk gear that you might need or just any pickleball gear in general they literally have it all"

4. Under-spin Forehand Dink (04:15)

The under-spin forehand dink, an advanced dinking technique, applies backspin under-slice to the ball using a continental grip.

• Early preparation positioning is key - keep the paddle face open and out in front of the dominant knee, avoid overreaching behind the body.
• Make a compact cutting stroke motion going across the body then lifting the ball, creating an “L” shape.
• Finish pointing paddle tip towards the target.
• Adjust slice intensity based on angle - more underslice is needed crosscourt.
• Cock the wrist up through the stroke and trace a slight “curve” by dropping the elbow inwards, as if carving ice cream from a bowl. This imparts underspin.
• Listen for the “cutting” sound versus “hitting” sound.
• Maintain discipline to not over-stroke, as the small pickleball court magnifies errors.

Mastery requires an expert level of ball control and finesse. As Austin cautions, "I don't recommend doing this section unless you are an intermediate player to where you can consistently hit push dinks over and over and over again and to where you are pushing that 40 level or around there".

Quote: "so it's all dependent on how far you're hitting that shot and you're not going to have it locked in your mind like oh 45° angle here 90° angle here all that is going to come down to is getting those reps in cross-court and getting those reps in down the line"

5. Under-spin Backhand Dink (07:52)

Hitting under-spin backhand dinks also requires solid intermediate skills.

1. Use a continental grip and early preparation with paddle face open in front of non-dominant knee - avoid big back swings.
2. Make a compact cutting stroke, tracing an “L” shape by bringing the paddle across the body then lifting outwards towards the target.
3. Cock the wrist up and carve under the ball to generate underspin.
4. Point outside edge of paddle to target at finish.
5. Adjust slice intensity based on angle.
6. Think “hockey stick” motion for aiming crosscourt then lifting.
7. As with forehands, listen for the “cutting” sound and resist over hitting in the small court.
8. Mastery demands expertise controlling angle, pace and spin.

As Austin advises, "remember it's an advanced shot if you don't know how to hit a push dink consistently or an under-spin dink consistently go learn those before you try to learn this". Keep practicing compact strokes with continental grip, carved lift, and paddle face awareness.

Quote: "consistency is king so if you can do something simply like a push dink over and over and over again I would say just stick to that shot"

6. Topspin Forehand Dink (10:10)

Forehand topspin dinks require the highest level of mastery of all dink shots. Good timing and ball control are mandatory.

• Begin point with paddle tip tracking the ball.
• On prep step, drop paddle face angled downwards while keeping compact stroke mechanics - no big backswing.
• Maintain continental grip and cocked wrist then make crisp forward brushing motion, treating wrist as a “windshield wiper” to roll over the ball.
• Lift, aiming paddle tip to target throughout finish.
• Create both upward and outward motions to direct ball just over net.
• Contact ball out in front, about one paddle length away, level with inside edge of dominant knee.
• Adjust angles based on direction - more across body for crosscourt, more straight ahead for down the line.
• If pulled wide off court, simplify to push dink back to center.

As Austin stresses, "this is the most difficult of all of the dinks to do is Top Spin dinks in general I'm saying that for backhand and forehand because the timing has to be absolutely spectacular". Keep practicing with control and discipline to master this advanced shot.

Quote: "The tricky part about this Dink and all dinks is how far up you come depending on the ball that comes at you so I can't give you a one size fits all saying hey come up to a 90° angle obviously that would be too much"

7. Advanced Push Dink (14:00)

When pulled way off the court, Austin advises hitting an advanced push dink back down the middle rather than continuing the cross-court exchange.

• Open up body sideways to the net and simplify mechanics - continental grip, compact stroke, paddle cocked upwards.
• Lift the ball straight ahead focusing on control and keeping it low. This resets the rally neutral rather than leaving court space exposed for opponents to attack down the line.
• Think "push reset" - avoid complicated movement, grip changes, or shaping.
• Even elite pros use this when stretched outside their dominant side to get back centrally into the point.

As Austin explains, "You just don't want to do that. So I recommend hitting it up the middle you'll see the pros do this all the time is hitting that reset dink back up the middle". Practice this exaggerated sideways stroke - staying low and keeping paddle vertically oriented to lift the ball back to the middle third of the court.

Quote: "the whole goal with this shot since you're pull out wide is to get it back to Middle because when you dink to Middle you're taking away your opponent's ability to hit a huge angle on you"

8. One Handed Backhand Topspin Dink (16:04)

The advanced one-handed backhand topspin dink, popularized by Ben Johns, allows hitting topspin off both wings using dominant forehand mechanics. Good for pulling opponents wide off court.

• Grip paddle continental style and prepare compact, low-to-high stroke in front of body - no behind back swing.
• Visualize creating a flat, 2D "Nike Swoosh" shape by dropping dominant knee and leading paddle tip down then brushing upwards over the ball.
• Maintain discipline not to overstroke.
• Adjust wrist layback angles to fine-tune spin and control.
• Step sideways to align dominant hip for optimal shoulder rotation and fuller finish.
• Look to graze the ball with fast spinning brush motion rather than hitting through it - listen for spinning sound versus hitting sound.
• Practice without ball first to ingrain the optimal stroke shape.

As Austin advises, this is high-level technique: "remember it's an advanced shot if you don't know how to hit a push dink consistently or an UND spin dink consistently go learn those before you try to learn this". With mastery, it provides great versatility hitting off both sides.

Quote: "consistency is king so if you can do something simply like a push dink over and over and over again I would say just stick to that shot"

9. Two Handed Backhand Topspin Dink (19:35)

The two-hand topspin backhand dink allows generating heavy backspin and directional control. Grip continental style and prepare compact low-to-high brushing motion in front of body, using non-dominant arm to lead stroke.

• Set "trigger finger" of non-dominant hand along paddle edge to enhance feel and stability.
• Drop paddle face angled downwards then brush upwards rolling over the ball like a forehand topspin motion.
• Dominant hand reinforces structure.
• Contact ball out front at inner edge of dominant hip.
• Adjust wrist angles to fine-tune trajectory.
• Practice one-handed using non-dominant arm only until mastery then incorporate support hand - it serves only as a stabilizer, not an active hitter.

This facilitates hitting aggressively off both sides with great consistency. As Austin explains, "What's brilliant about this shot is you can invert your wrist if the ball is if you're pulled way out wide and you can actually go like this as you hit through the shot". Put in the repetition work to develop excellent precision and ball control with both hands together.

Quote: "The best way to practice this is to get a ball machine or a partner and just simply start hitting these over and over again with your non-dominant arm until that feels comfortable"

10. How to Get Really Good at Pickleball in 2024! (23:52)
    
    

In closing, Austin links to his related video "How to Get Really Good at Pickleball in 2024!", sharing 5 key tips for rapid skill development:

1. Fix technical flaws through professional lessons and video analysis
2. Practice dinking for touch and consistency
3. Work situational drills with a coach
4. Play against better opponents
5. Become a student of the game through match footage study

Austin emphasizes combining focused skill-building repetitions with analysis of patterns, tactics and adjustments used by top players. This develops well-rounded capabilities to outmaneuver opponents. Technical aspects like quality dinking technique provide the foundation, while tactical knowledge teaches you how, when and why to apply skills. By committing to an expert-guided strategic approach, Austin believes any motivated player can make dramatic improvements over the next year, even reaching pro level. If boosting your pickleball expertise is your 2024 resolution, be sure to watch Austin’s recommendation video for the full methodology.

Quote: "I go in depth about five specific tips that have really helped me to improve my pickleball game and I know that it will help you guys to improve yours"

Conclusion (200 words)

Mastering a variety of dink shots with control and finesse is essential for success in pickleball. This guide breaks down forehand and backhand push dinks, underspin dinks, topspin dinks and advanced dinks from beginner to pro technique. Quality instruction like Austin Hardy's helps develop well-rounded capability and court sense to outmaneuver opponents. From sound fundamentals to cutting-edge tactics, every section builds understanding of optimal grip, footwork, swing mechanics and strategy.

Now you have a blueprint covering the complete dinking skill spectrum. Equipped with this comprehensive expertise, you can train the specific areas needed to take your dinking game to the next level. As Austin concludes, nothing accelerates mastery faster than diligent, focused practice. So get out on court and do the repetition work - up that dink count to build flawless form, finesse and fluidity!

Time Code List

00:00 - Dinking 00:25 - Forehand Push Dink 02:15 - Backhand Push Dink 03:20 - Promo Code for all Selkirk Gear (ADV-PLAYBOOK) 04:15 - Underspin Forehand Dink 07:52 - Underspin Backhand Dink 10:10 - Topspin Forehand Dink 14:00 - Advanced Push Dink 16:04 - One Handed Backhand Topspin Dink 19:35 - Two Handed Backhand Topspin Dink 23:52 - How to Get Really Good at Pickleball in 2024!

Mastering the Art of Dinking in Pickleball - Quiz

1. What shot type involves hitting the ball softly over the non-volley zone?

a) Lob shot b) Third shot drop c) Dink d) Groundstroke

2. Where should you hold the paddle on forehand push dinks?

a) In front of the non-dominant knee b) In front of the stomach c) In front of the dominant knee d) Near the non-hitting shoulder

3. What grip is used for hitting push dinks?

a) Eastern backhand grip b) Semi-western grip c) Continental grip d) Two-handed grip

4. When hitting a forehand push dink, the paddle face should be _________.

a) Closed b) Perpendicular to the net c) Facing sideways d) Open

5. What should the paddle tip point towards at the end of a backhand push dink?

a) The dominant shoulder b) The non-volley line c) The intended landing target d) The side fence

6. What discount can you get on Selkirk gear using the promo code?

a) $25 off b) A 10% discount c) $30 off d) Free shipping

7. The underspin forehand dink should be avoided by beginner players until they build which core skill?

a) Mobility b) Consistency in hitting regular push dinks c) Explosiveness d) Shot vision

8. When hitting underspin dinks, you should listen for what sound?

a) A popping sound b) A muted thud c) A swishing sound d) A cutting sound

9. Where should you make contact on a forehand topspin dink?

a) A paddle length behind the dominant knee b) Well out in front of the dominant hip c) Inside edge of the dominant knee d) Near the non-volley line

10. What paddle face adjustment helps when stretched wide hitting a two-hand topspin backhand dink?

a) Pronating through contact b) Supinating early on takeback c) Inverting the wrist d) Bowing the wrist

11. The advanced one-handed backhand topspin dink shot shape mimics what logo?

a) The Wilson logo b) The Pickleball Central logo c) The Selkirk logo d) The Nike swoosh

12. Where should you aim the ball when recovering from an extreme wide position?

a) Down the line b) Towards your partner c) Crosscourt d) Back down the middle

13. How should the non-dominant hand contribute when hitting a two-handed backhand dink?

a) Leading the stroke and power generation b) Guiding directional aim c) Providing stability d) Generating underspin

14. What aspect of mastery comes most from repetition?

a) Creativity b) Consistency c) Deception d) Instincts

15. Which tactical tip helps take your skills to the pro level?

a) Trying risky shots b) Overpowering opponents c) Analyzing matches of elite players d) Trash talking opponents

Answer Key:

1. c
2. c
3. c
4. d
5. c
6. c
7. b
8. d
9. c
10. c
11. d
12. d
13. c
14. b
15. c