Drills / 6 min read / reviewed July 2026
Dinking drills for more patient, useful rallies
Use crosscourt targets, changing height, and a few movement rules to make dinking practice feel like a real point.
A good dinking drill trains control first: keep the ball low, use the crosscourt space, and recover to balance after every shot.
The 20-ball baseline
Start with 20 cooperative crosscourt dinks. If the ball is not comfortable for your partner, it does not count. That standard is the point of the drill.
Add one movement rule
After a successful ball, both players take a small lateral recovery step. This keeps the drill from becoming a stationary hand exercise.
Practice height on purpose
Try one five-minute round where the goal is to clear the net by a safe margin, then one round where the goal is to keep the arc lower. Feel the difference in control.
Progress test
Measure dinking without turning every feed into a contest
Track control, recovery, and decision quality separately. A longer rally is useful only when both players can repeat balanced shots.
- 01
Control score
Count how many of 20 cooperative dinks are comfortable for your partner and land beyond the kitchen centerline.
- 02
Recovery score
After each contact, notice whether your paddle returns in front and your feet finish balanced before the next ball.
- 03
Pressure score
After a cooperative streak of five, allow one player to change direction. Score the point only if the change remains low and attack-resistant.
Common questions
A little more clarity before you play.
What is the most important thing to know about pickleball dinking drills?
A good dinking drill trains control first: keep the ball low, use the crosscourt space, and recover to balance after every shot.
What should I try first at the court?
If you feel rushed, shorten the backswing before you try to swing harder. A calm paddle wins more kitchen exchanges.
What should I read next?
Continue with Review the kitchen rule. It is the next practical step in this learning path.