Dinking Like a Pro: How to Control the Kitchen in Pickleball

Dinking Like a Pro: How to Control the Kitchen in Pickleball

You don’t need to hit lightning-fast serves or slam overheads to be a strong pickleball player. In fact, some of the most effective players win points using the softest shot on the court: the dink. It’s subtle, strategic, and when done well, it completely changes the game. While it might not look impressive, a good dink at the right moment can slow things down, disrupt your opponent’s plans and put you back in control.

If you’re new to the sport or need to brush up on the rules, check out our How to Play Pickleball beginner’s guide first. But if you’re ready to start playing smarter at the net, let’s get into what it takes to own the kitchen and make your dink your most dangerous shot.

What Is the Kitchen in Pickleball?

The “kitchen” in pickleball—officially called the non-volley zone—is the 7-foot area on both sides of the net. You’ll see it marked clearly on the court, and it comes with one very important rule: you can’t volley the ball (hit it out of the air) while standing in this zone. You’re only allowed to enter the kitchen if the ball bounces first, and you have to exit before taking your next volley. This rule keeps players from rushing the net and swinging big, challenging patience and more deliberate shots.

Why controlling the kitchen matters

When you hold the kitchen, you keep your opponents on the defensive, forcing them to react to your shots instead of making their own plays. Precise dink shots allow you to place the ball where your opponent struggles to respond, whether that’s forcing a weak return or drawing them out of position. These gentle shots minimize mistakes and make it difficult for your opponent to attack.

With practice, the kitchen becomes familiar territory, empowering you to think strategically, remain calm under pressure, and rack up more wins.

Perfecting Your Dink Shot Technique

Mastering your dink shot takes more than just a gentle swing—it’s about finesse, focus, and smart technique. To start, hold your paddle with a relaxed grip. You want to absorb some of the ball’s energy rather than send it flying.

Keep your stance low with knees slightly bent, and stay light on your feet so you can move quickly and stay balanced near the kitchen line.

The key to a successful dink is touch and control. Instead of swinging hard, think about gently pushing the ball over the net, just high enough to clear it. Your movements should be compact and controlled. Focus on placement over power, aiming for your opponent’s feet, the middle of the court, or cross-court shots that force them to move.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Playing the Kitchen

Even experienced players can slip up in the kitchen. Knowing what to avoid can save you points and keep your game on track. Watch out for these common errors:

• Overhitting the ball: The kitchen is not the place for power. Trying to slam or volley a ball in this zone often leads to faults or easy returns for your opponent.
• Poor footwork or positioning: Standing too far from the kitchen line—or too close—can throw off your balance and limit your reach. Stay light on your feet and ready to adjust.
• Failing to anticipate dinks: Many players focus only on their own shots and miss subtle cues from their opponents. Dinks and counter-dinks require just as much focus and timing.

How to Read Your Opponent

To truly control the kitchen, start watching your opponent as closely as you watch the ball. The more you can read their cues, the easier it becomes to place your dinks in ways that disrupt their rhythm and put you in charge of the rally.

Here are a few things to look for during play:

• Paddle positioning: If their paddle is low or angled awkwardly, they may struggle to handle a quick dink to their feet.
• Body language: Are they leaning too far back or reaching forward? That usually means they’re off balance and vulnerable to a soft, well-placed shot.
• Foot placement: A player caught flat-footed or moving backward may not get to wide or low balls easily.
• Shot patterns: Do they consistently favor one side? Do they always return cross-court? Spotting habits lets you stay one step ahead.

Tip: Try recording your games or watching experienced players. Pay attention to what triggers their best (and worst) responses and see how these decisions play out in real time.

Drills to Improve Your Dinking Game

Focused practice is the best way to strengthen your dink shots. These targeted drills help you build touch, improve footwork, and learn to outsmart your opponent at the net:

Wall dinking drill

Grab your paddle and find a smooth wall. Stand a few feet back and practice dinking the ball gently against it, aiming for consistent height and pace. This helps you build muscle memory and improve your control.

Cross-court dinks

With a partner, stand at opposite corners of the kitchen and work on angling your shots gently across the court. This challenges both of you to reach for wider shots and sharpens your placement. Cross-court shots are great for moving your opponent out of position and opening up the court.

Controlled dinking rallies

Rally with a partner using only dinks. Keep the ball low over the net and try to outlast each other without switching to aggressive shots. This simulates the slow, strategic pace of high-level kitchen play and helps you develop patience under pressure.

Add these drills to your weekly routine and you’ll start noticing more confidence and creativity in your short game. Each practice session builds your muscle memory, making your dinks smoother and more natural. When you believe in your dink, you’re less likely to rush or overhit, which can give you the upper hand in tight games.

Play Pickleball at CPSC

If you want to take your dink shots to the next level, Cedar Point Sports Center (CPSC) is where you’ll find the space and community to do just that. Our pickleball courts are open for practice during regular play hours, with monthly and season passes to fit your schedule. For a little bit of friendly competition, join our adult pickleball league; it’s a fantastic way to test your skills, meet other players, and keep getting better!