5 Pickleball Dinking Tips to Improve Control, Consistency, and Soft Touch

Main Points

• Use a soft grip (about 4/10) to balance control and feel
• Generate movement from your shoulder, not your wrist
• Keep your contact point out in front for better timing and control
• Lift and brush the ball instead of hitting or muscling it
• Hold your finish to maintain consistency and improve touch

---

---

Summary

This video breaks down five essential techniques to improve your dinking and gain control at the kitchen line. A key starting point is grip pressure. Holding the paddle too tightly leads to pop-ups, while holding it too loosely reduces control. The optimal grip is relaxed but stable, similar to a firm handshake, allowing for both touch and spin.

Another major adjustment is eliminating excessive wrist movement. Instead of flicking or manipulating the ball with your wrist, the motion should come from your shoulder in a smooth, pendulum-like swing. This creates a more consistent and controlled dink while reducing strain on your arm. Pairing this with proper contact point positioning—out in front of your body—ensures you meet the ball early and avoid awkward, late hits that lead to errors.

The video also emphasizes the importance of “lifting” the ball rather than hitting it. Dinking is a soft, controlled shot that relies on feel and a slight upward brushing motion, not force. Finally, holding your follow-through is critical. Rushing through the shot leads to inconsistency, while finishing properly helps maintain control and improves overall shot quality. Together, these adjustments create a more reliable and effective dink game.

---

---

Tags: Ashely Griffith | Dink | Kitchen