Mastering the 4th Shot in Pickleball: Dink or Drive?

When receiving a third-shot drop in pickleball, you have two primary strategies for your fourth shot: dinking the ball back into the kitchen or hitting a controlled drive. Here's when and why you should use each strategy.

1. Dink the Ball Back into the Kitchen

When to use:

• Opponent at the Net: When your opponents are positioned at the net, a dink helps neutralize their offensive advantage by keeping the ball low and un-attackable.

• Ensuring Consistency: If you or your partner are not in an ideal position for an aggressive shot, dinking maintains control and avoids unforced errors.

Why to Use:

• Maintain a Neutral Rally: Dinking prevents your opponents from attacking and forces them to continue hitting controlled shots. This extends the rally and gives you a chance to take control.

• Set Up Opportunities: Consistent dinks can lead to your opponents making errors or popping the ball up, creating chances for you to attack later in the rally.

Click for more FREE Tips

2. Hit a Controlled Drive

When to Use:

• Opponent’s Weakness: If you notice your opponents struggling with low drives or if they have slower reaction times, a controlled drive can exploit these weaknesses.

• Opponents Not Yet at the Net: When your opponents are still transitioning to the net, a drive can keep them back and prevent them from establishing an offensive position.

Why to Use:

• Pressure the Opponents: A well-placed drive can force your opponents into a defensive position, potentially leading to weak returns that you can capitalize on.

• Keep Opponents Deep: Drives can push your opponents towards the baseline, preventing them from advancing to the net where they would have a stronger offensive position.

Conclusion

By effectively using these two strategies, you can maintain control of the game, exploit your opponents’ weaknesses, and set up favorable situations for you and your partner. Understanding when to dink and when to drive is crucial for maintaining the upper hand in a rally and ultimately winning more points.

Ready to elevate your pickleball game? Subscribe to our blog for more expert tips and join Flow Pickleball Academy at Pickleball Paradise for top-tier coaching and immersive training experiences in beautiful destinations. Book your spot today and transform your game!

JOIN FOR FREE!