You’re hitting dinks that sail high instead of skimming the net—it’s frustrating. The problem usually comes down to paddle angle, contact point, or your follow-through. Most players open their paddle face too much or make contact too late, sending the ball upward instead of forward. The good news? Once you understand why your dinks pop up, the fix is straightforward.
Mechanics
Paddle Angle
Your paddle face is probably too open at contact. When the paddle tilts back even slightly, it creates upward lift that sends your dink floating. You want a nearly vertical paddle face—imagine slicing through the ball rather than scooping it. A closed or neutral angle keeps the ball trajectory low and controlled.
Contact Point
Late contact is a sneaky culprit. If you’re reaching for the ball or hitting it beside your body instead of out front, you’ve already lost control of the trajectory. Contact should happen in front of your body where you can see the paddle meet the ball. This forward position lets you direct the shot downward naturally.
Follow Through
A big, sweeping follow-through launches dinks skyward. You don’t need much follow-through for a dink shot—it’s a touch shot, not a drive. Think of it as a gentle push forward and slightly down, stopping your paddle around chest height. Excessive upward motion adds unnecessary lift.
Positioning
Body Height
Standing too upright forces you to hit down on low balls, but your instinct fights that by opening the paddle. Get lower by bending your knees. When your body is closer to the ball’s height, you can hit more forward than downward, keeping natural control over the trajectory.
Court Position
If you’re too far back from the kitchen line, you’re hitting dinks from a disadvantaged position. The farther you are, the more arc you need to clear the net. Move up to the non-volley zone line where you can hit flatter, lower shots that give opponents less time to react.
Technique
Grip Pressure
Death-gripping your paddle creates tension that stiffens your wrist and arm. Tight muscles produce jerky, inconsistent contact that often pops balls up. Hold the paddle like you’re holding a baby bird—firm enough it won’t fly away, gentle enough you won’t hurt it. Soft hands give you better feel and control.
Wrist Action
Using too much wrist flick adds unpredictable spin and height. Your wrist should stay relatively firm through contact, acting as an extension of your forearm. The shot comes from your shoulder and a slight forward push, not from flipping your wrist at the last second.
Ball Selection
Not every ball deserves a dink. If you’re trying to dink a ball that bounces above the net, you’re fighting gravity and geometry. High balls are better candidates for drives or reset shots. Choose to dink balls that bounce below net height where the physics work with you, not against you.
Practice
Wall Drills
Find a wall and practice dinking from 7 feet away. The wall gives immediate feedback—if your dinks hit too high, you’ll see it instantly. Aim for a target 12 to 18 inches above the ground. This solo drill builds muscle memory for the correct paddle angle and contact point.
Partner Drills
Work with a partner on straight-ahead dinks before you try cross-court. Focus entirely on keeping the ball low, not on placement or spin. Count how many consecutive dinks you can keep below the net tape. This removes the pressure of competition and lets you concentrate on the why your dinks pop up and how to keep dinks low.
Video Analysis
Record yourself during practice or matches. You can’t feel what you’re doing wrong, but you can see it. Watch for that open paddle face, late contact, or excessive follow-through. Seeing your mechanics from an outside perspective often creates instant understanding.
FAQs
What’s the ideal paddle angle for a consistent dink shot?
Nearly vertical or slightly closed. Your paddle face should point toward your target, not toward the sky. Think of it as a wall that redirects the ball forward, not a ramp that launches it upward.
How low should my dinks actually go over the net?
Aim for 5 to 10 inches above the net tape. Any higher gives your opponent time to attack. Any lower risks hitting the net. This height keeps pressure on while maintaining a safety margin.
Can my grip type cause dinks to pop up?
Yes, indirectly. A continental grip gives you the most natural paddle angle for dinks. Eastern or western grips make it harder to keep the face neutral, often leading to open faces that create pop-ups.
Should I use topspin on my dinks?
Not deliberately. Dinks are primarily touch shots with minimal spin. Trying to add topspin often leads to wrist manipulation that creates inconsistent contact and—you guessed it—balls that pop up.
How much should I bend my knees during dinking?
Enough that you’re meeting the ball at a comfortable height without reaching down. Your knees should be flexed, weight slightly forward, ready to move. Think athletic stance, not deep squat.
