Why I Don’t Teach Beginners to Dink Anymore

Pickleball purists, don’t throw your paddles at me just yet! I get it—the dink game has long been considered the “secret sauce” of pickleball. The slow, strategic, cat-and-mouse play at the kitchen line is the stuff of legends. But let’s be honest: the game has evolved, and so have my teaching methods. These days, I steer beginners away from dinking, and here’s why.

1. The Game Has Changed

Pickleball is no longer just a battle of patience at the kitchen line. The game has become faster, more dynamic, and downright explosive. Players are driving the ball more than ever, and extended dink rallies are becoming rarer—especially in beginner games. Why spend hours teaching a skill that most newcomers will rarely use when the action is happening elsewhere?

2. Paddle Technology Has Upped the Power

Modern paddles pack a punch. With advancements in paddle technology, players can generate more power with less effort, making drives and speed-ups the bread and butter of today’s pickleball. Sure, a well-placed dink can still turn the tide of a rally, but for beginners, harnessing that power to hit effective drives and blocks is a far more rewarding use of their time.

3. Dropping Into a Dink Game Is Hard… Really Hard

To even get into a dink rally, you need to master the third or fifth shot drop—arguably the most challenging shot in pickleball. It requires finesse, touch, and, most importantly, patience… which most beginners simply don’t have. And let’s face it, the process of learning this shot often involves getting smashed in the face with a ball (metaphorically… mostly). That’s not exactly the kind of introduction to pickleball that keeps people coming back for more.

4. Beginners Rarely Get Into a Dink Game Anyway

In beginner matches, dink rallies are about as common as unicorn sightings. Most points end with drives, pop-ups, or missed returns before a single dink even hits the court. So why spend so much time on a skill they’re unlikely to use when they’re just starting out?

5. Other Shots Are More Fun (and Easier to Learn)

Pickleball is supposed to be fun, and let’s be honest: learning to dink is… not fun. Instead, I focus on teaching shots that are easier to pick up and way more enjoyable for beginners. These skills allow them to enjoy the game right from the start, building confidence and enthusiasm that keeps them coming back for more.

Shots Beginners Should Focus On Instead

If you’re new to pickleball, don’t worry—you’ll get to the dink game eventually. But for now, focus on these shots to improve your game and have a blast doing it:

1. The Serve

A consistent, deep serve is one of the most important shots in pickleball. It sets the tone for the point and keeps your opponents on their heels. Plus, serving is fun! There’s something satisfying about smashing that ball over the net and watching it land perfectly in the backcourt.

2. The Return of Serve

Hitting a deep return gives you and your partner time to get to the net and take control of the point. It’s simple, effective, and a great way to gain confidence on the court.

3. The Drive

Ah, the drive—where power meets precision. Learning to drive the ball with control is a game-changer for beginners. Drives are not only easier to execute than soft drops but also way more satisfying when you catch your opponents off guard.

4. The Block

When your opponent tries to smash the ball past you, the block is your best friend. It’s a defensive shot that’s relatively easy to learn and incredibly effective at neutralizing aggressive players.

When It’s Time to Learn to Dink

Eventually, as you progress in pickleball, you’ll reach a point where not knowing how to dink is holding you back. That’s when you call me—a Level II IPTPA coach—to help you master the fine art of dinking. By then, you’ll have the confidence, patience, and skills to appreciate the beauty of the dink game and use it to dominate at the net.

So, beginners, skip the dink drills (for now) and focus on the fun stuff. You’ll improve faster, enjoy the game more, and, who knows? You might even find yourself smashing a few drives into your opponents’ court… with a big grin on your face.

Pickleball is evolving, and so should we. See you on the court!