How to Fix Your Forehand Dink in Pickleball: 3 Simple Adjustments for More Control and Confidence

Main Points

• Many players hesitate on the forehand dink, especially crosscourt, due to inconsistency and fear of pop-ups.
• Big backswings and fast swing speeds reduce repeatability and increase attackable balls.
• Shortening the swing improves control and keeps the ball lower in the kitchen.
• Slowing down the swing speed reduces mistiming and unnecessary pop-ups.
• Letting the ball drop before contact increases control and touch.
• Focus on a gentle upward lift rather than driving through the ball.
• Use controlled pronation, think “turn the doorknob,” to guide the paddle from open to slightly closed.
• Engage the core and avoid leaning back to maintain balance and stability.
• Simplifying the motion leads to faster improvement and better consistency under pressure.

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Summary

If your forehand dink feels inconsistent, especially crosscourt, the issue is often not talent but mechanics. Many players operate in “just make it” mode instead of intentionally shaping and controlling the ball. The result is a mix of high, attackable dinks and mistimed pop-ups that stronger opponents punish immediately.

The first key adjustment is shortening the swing. A large backswing creates unnecessary variables and reduces repeatability. The forehand dink should be compact and controlled, more of a small lift than a full stroke. Instead of swinging through the ball aggressively, think about gently moving around it with a subtle upward motion. This keeps the ball lower and more difficult to attack out of the air.

Second, slow down the swing speed. A fast swing might feel powerful when perfectly timed, but it increases the chances of mishits. By reducing the speed, you give yourself more margin and better feel. The goal at the kitchen line is control, not force. When the tempo slows down, consistency rises.

Third, let the ball drop before making contact. Allowing the ball to reach its peak and fall slightly gives you an extra fraction of a second to control placement. This eliminates the slingshot effect that often sends dinks too high or too deep. Combined with a controlled palm lift and slight pronation, this creates a smooth, repeatable motion that produces lower, more confident dinks.

With these three adjustments—shorter swing, slower speed, and better timing—you can transform your forehand dink quickly. The biggest shift is mental: simplify the motion, trust the lift, and focus on repeatability. Once the mechanics are clean, drilling builds confidence, and that “butter” feel at the kitchen becomes automatic.

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Tags: Connor Garnet Pickleball | Dink | Forehand Dink