strategydinks
Dinking Fundamentals — The Soft Game That Wins
Alex Rivera · July 11, 2026
Power gets attention, but the soft game wins matches. Here's how to make your dinks a weapon.
If you want to win more, get comfortable slowing the game down. The dink is how patient players force impatient ones into mistakes.
Why dink at all?
A good dink is unattackable. It pulls your opponent forward, opens the court, and tempts them to speed up a ball they shouldn't.
Keys to a reliable dink
- Relax your grip so the paddle absorbs pace
- Contact out in front with a slightly open face
- Move your feet to the ball instead of reaching
- Stay patient — wait for the ball you can actually attack
Master this and you'll win points long before you ever swing hard.