To improve dink control, consistency, and placement by hitting dinks in a continuous figure eight pattern, forcing movement and varied shot angles. Works on hitting to different locations and can be adapted for crosscourt play.
Equipment
- Pickleball paddles
- Pickleballs
- Pickleball court
How to run it
Player A consistently dinks cross-court (diagonally). Player B consistently dinks down the line (straight). This creates a figure 8 pattern. Players should aim for their partner's outside foot to encourage movement. After a set duration or number of successful dinks, switch roles. A variation involves one player always hitting diagonal to different spots (e.g., partner's outside foot, then inside foot) while the other always hits straight. Another variation involves both players moving sideline to sideline, one hitting cross-court and the other down-the-line, focusing on controlled dinks while moving.
Coach Dave’s cues
Focus on keeping the ball consistently in the kitchen. Return to a ready position after each shot, even if the ball's destination is predictable. As skill advances, incorporate more spin and vary the pace. For the moving version, emphasize quick but controlled footwork; slow down when approaching the ball to hit calmly, then accelerate to the next position.
Watch for
Failing to return to a balanced ready position. Rushing shots, especially when moving. Dinking the ball too high, making it vulnerable to attack. Poor footwork leading to off-balance shots.