10 Dink Drills To Take Your Dinking To The Next Level

PB Summer Camp for Adults, City to Ban Private PB Courts? Steven Kuhn in Asia

Author

FIT PICKLER
September 26, 2024

Health, Fitness, News & Fun for Picklers of All Ages

What's Cooking in the Kitchen This Week:

  • 10 Dink Drills That Will Take Your Dinking To The Next Level

  • Fitness Expert Glenn Dawson: How to Properly Stretch Your Shoulder

  • Pickleball Camp For Grown Ups

  • SF Bay Area Town Considers Banning Private Pickleball Courts

  • “GOT IT” CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED

  • Steve Kuhn and Asian Pickleball Stars

  • Humor: A Fun Take On Staying Hydrated While You Play

  • Pickleball Pandemonium at USC

  • Pickleball Comes To Guam

  • Rally Rundown: Local Highlights

  • Announcements: RPPA FREE Membership

  • “SURVEY CONTEST” WINNER ANNOUNCED

  • Coach Mary: Defending Body Shots

🥷SKILLS

10 Dink Drills That Will Take Your
Dinking To The Next Level

Dink, Dink, Dink and Dink Again

Dinking is one of the most critical skills in pickleball, and taking your dinks to the next level can dramatically improve your control and strategy in matches. Whether you’re practicing with a partner or working alone, incorporating unique drills into your routine will help you refine your touch, precision, and court awareness.

Here, we outline five partner drills and five solo drills, each designed to push your dinking abilities further and give you a new edge in your game.

Partner Drills

1. Extreme Angle Dinking Drill
- Objective: Improve control and precision on wide-angle dinks.

 🏋️ STAYING FIT with
GLENN & BRIANNA

How to Properly Stretch Your Shoulder

🗞️NEWS

Pickleball Camp For Grown Ups

Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh!

Pickleball enthusiasts are discovering a new kind of retreat with Camp St. Croix’s adult pickleball camp in Hudson, Wisconsin. Combining the joys of summer camp with the excitement of pickleball, this unique getaway offers workshops, friendly competition, and the chance to relive childhood memories—this time with fellow grown-ups.

With expert coaching and a supportive atmosphere, campers embrace not only the sport but the camaraderie it fosters. Ready for a paddle-filled escape?

Read more about the camp experience and why pickleball is captivating players of all ages, Click Here…

🏠 REAL ESTATE NEWS

SF Bay Area Town Considers Banning
Private Pickleball Courts

NIMBY

A wealthy town in Marin County is considering becoming one of the first in the Bay Area to restrict private pickleball courts due to rising concerns over noise. While pickleball has surged in popularity, it's now creating friction with homeowners worried about the sharp sounds disrupting their quiet neighborhoods.

In the town of Ross, a potential ban or regulation could be on the horizon. Could this signal a new wave of restrictions for private courts in other regions?

Read more to discover what the Ross Town Council is debating and what this could mean for pickleball enthusiasts, Click Here…

🏆AUGUST WINNER OF THE “GOT IT” CONTEST
This month’s Prize: “Pickleball and Pumpkin Spice”
T-ShirtWinner: “Theresa T.”
Congratulations!
(Check Your Email for Details)

🌏 GLOBAL NEWS

Steve Kuhn and Asian Pickleball Stars

Steve Kuhn, MLP Founder

Pickleball is taking Asia by storm, and industry leaders believe it could soon rival the dominance of American players on the world stage. Steve Kuhn, founder of Major League Pickleball, is leading efforts to expand the sport in Asia, starting with Hong Kong’s first indoor pickleball club.

With plans for additional venues across the region, Kuhn envisions Asian players rising to the top — even predicting pickleball’s inclusion in future Olympics.

Could Asia be the next pickleball powerhouse? Read on to explore the rapid growth and the bold predictions for the sport’s future, Click Here…

🤣HUMOR

It’s Important to Stay
Hydrated!

@emmabrennecke

Pickleball paddle 🤝🏼 flask #pickleball #pickleballhumor #pickleballmemes

🏫 COLLEGE NEWS

Pickleball Pandemonium at USC

Dink On!

Pickleball has rapidly gained popularity among USC students, creating a thriving community with over 500 members in just a year. However, the closure of on-campus courts has put this social and recreational outlet at risk.

Students are now scrambling to find solutions, as the lack of space not only threatens the sport but also the vital connections and mental health benefits it fosters.

Read more to discover how Trojan Pickleball is fighting to keep this growing community alive, despite the challenges, Click Here…

🇬🇺GLOBAL COMMUNITY

Pickleball Comes To Guam

Guam, Where America's Day Begins!

Pickleball is gaining momentum in Guam, thanks to the efforts of the Pickleball Guam Association (PGA) and its dedicated volunteers. Their recent "Pickleball for Community" event attracted locals of all ages, introducing the sport to nearly 25 new players.

With the support of the Tamuning mayor's office, the PGA is fostering a sense of community while promoting a sport that’s accessible to everyone. And with dreams of seeing Guam represented in future Olympics, the event also aims to inspire the next generation of athletes.

Read more to learn how pickleball is making waves on the island, Click Here…

📜 ANNOUNCEMENTS

RPPA OFFERS FREE MEMBERSHIP

The Recreational Pickleball Players Association launched last month as the first Association dedicated to players who make up the heart and soul of this amazing sport.

Over 40 million people play pickleball in the United States alone and it’s about time we leverage our resources and our buying power to come together as a community.

Billed as Pickleball’s Town Square, the RPPA allows players to create profiles, meet and message one another and create groups and events, both on and off the court.

Members get access to RPPA TRAVEL, the first discount travel booking site exclusively for pickleball players. You can travel anywhere, for any reason, and save up to 50% off hotels, flights and cars - discounts not found on other travel sites!

Shop the only online business directory of Pickleball vendors offering exclusive deals to RPPA members! Access our Training and Fitness Video library where you can improve your game, no matter what your level and stay fit and injury-free at any age!

Take advantage of our FREE BASIC MEMBERSHIP to check it out HERE or
Jump in as a Founding Member for 50% off and Get TWO FREE GIFTS when your join today HERE

🏆AUGUST WINNER OF
“THE SURVEY CONTEST”
Congratulations “markeyps.”
Check Your Email for Your Prize!

🧭 COMMUNITY NEWS

RALLY RUNDOWN:
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS


DO YOU HAVE LOCAL NEWS TO SHARE? REACH OUT TO US AT
[email protected] and send us a link to your story!

HOLDING COURT with
COACH MARY

  💪 BODY SHOTS:
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
AND DEFEND THESE SHOTS

PROTECT YOURSELF and DEFEND AGAINST BODY SHOTS

1. If possible, try to back up before they contact the ball. Get low, with your paddle in front, about waist to knee high. Not too far out in front!

2. The first video shows how this is easier to defend with the backhand, so cheat a bit with your grip to be ready to reset with your soft backhand, using backspin. Think “I am catching a raw egg.” Or “Absorb the ball,” or “soft hands, soft grip.” Jordan’s video explains how the forehand is more difficult to execute with this defensive move.

3. If possible, move your upper body to the side, so the ball is not coming directly at your face or chest. Lean, and keep your paddle out in front. Sarah demonstrates this in her video.

4. Jordan and Sarah advocate different ready positions. Watch both and see what works best for you.

5. Anticipate the middle, since most players will try to put it away in the gap between the two of you.

How do I prevent this from happening in the first place?

· Be patient, be a good dinker, do not give your opponent an attackable ball.

· Keep your returns deep, so you are not getting attacked in the middle of the court on a short ball.

· Mix up your third shots – drops, drives, three quarters with topspin, lobs.

· If you or your partner have served up “a cookie” and you know they are going to attack or speed up, get low, soften your grip, and anticipate!

Not Yet a Subscriber? Click Below to Get Our Newsletter Every Week - Its FREE