Mastering the Dink: How to Apply Pressure and Avoid Getting Attacked with Your Soft Game at the Kitchen Line
Introduction:
In the nuanced world of pickleball, the dink shot can make or break a rally. Often misunderstood as simply a "soft shot," the dink actually comes in two important forms: the push dink and the dead dink. In a recent instructional video, Tanner Tomassi breaks down these two types of dinks and explains how understanding their differences can elevate your game — especially at the non-volley zone (NVZ), also known as the kitchen. This guide translates Tomassi’s insights into a clear step-by-step approach for practicing smarter, applying more pressure, and avoiding easy attacks.
What Is a Push Dink?
A push dink is a controlled, intentional shot that travels with purpose and lands in a high-pressure area near your opponent’s feet — specifically within what Tyson McGuffin calls the "pressurized zone." This is the zone just beyond the kitchen line, extending one step into the court.
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Characteristics of a Push Dink:
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Has forward motion or "intent."
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Lands near or on the opponent's kitchen line.
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Keeps your opponent guessing: Should they volley it out of the air? Let it bounce? Step back?
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Causes indecision and creates opportunities for your team to move in or attack.
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What Is a Dead Dink?
A dead dink lacks energy and intention. It’s a soft shot that usually lands too far from the kitchen line, often sitting up and inviting your opponent to pounce.
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Characteristics of a Dead Dink:
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Floats or lands too shallow (closer to the net).
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Doesn’t create pressure — it invites it.
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Easy to attack or volley aggressively.
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Often leads to your team being put on the defensive or losing the rally outright.
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The Pressurized Zone: Your Target Area
Imagine stepping one foot into the kitchen and drawing an imaginary line across the court. Everything beyond that line, extending several inches toward your opponent, is the pressurized zone. This is your target area.
When you consistently land your dinks in this zone:
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You force your opponent to make quick decisions.
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You reduce their options.
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You control the tempo of the rally.
Tomassi recommends practicing dinks that land as close to the kitchen line as possible without hitting the net — giving you maximum pressure and control.
Practice Tip from Tanner Tomassi:
“Next time you're practicing, aim your dinks as close to the kitchen line as possible.”
Summary:
A push dink applies pressure, lands in the pressurized zone, and keeps your opponent off balance. A dead dink is passive, sits up, and invites an attack. By focusing your practice on controlled, intentional dinks that land near the kitchen line, you can dramatically increase your effectiveness at the net and win more points. The dink isn’t just a soft shot — it’s a strategic weapon. Make it count.
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