Mark Twain said,"The Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated."
The same could be said about dinking in pickleball because if you were to watch any 4.0-5.0-level rec game, you’d think dinking is dead. However, analytics show dinks are still the most common shot hit in games.
So, while dinking might be less popular than it was a few years ago, they’re still a massive part of the games we play daily.
In this Up Your Game, we’re drawing on the teachings from Jordan Briones to learn how to hit better slice and topspin dinks and when to use each.
What is a Slice Dink?
A slice shot creates backspin by coming underneath the ball. This technique helps keep the ball low after crossing the net, making it tough for your opponent to respond with an offensive shot.
To execute a slice dink:
Footwork is key: Shuffle your feet and aim to make contact with the ball between your knees and hips.
Start level with the ball: Avoid chopping down; swing across from your shoulder at thigh level.
Keep your wrist stable: Too much wrist movement creates inconsistency. Use your shoulder for control.
What is a Topspin Dink?
Topspin, in contrast, involves brushing up on the ball, causing it to dip quickly after clearing the net. This shot is great for offense, especially when you're in a strong position.
To execute a topspin dink:
Footwork first: Position your feet before thinking about your paddle.
Drop the paddle low: The topspin begins with the paddle low, and if using a two-handed backhand requires more non-dominant hand control.
Brush up the ball: Finish your swing near your ear, like you’re making a phone call.
When to Use Each
Use a slice when you receive a fast, low ball or want to slow down the game.
Use topspin when in an offensive position, especially if the ball is higher or your opponent is off-balance.
Mastering both shots allows you to adapt to different situations and can make you a more well-rounded pickleball player.
Use this code for a 10% discount on a custom paddle
First Time Buyers Only
Why we are different
There are well over 100 paddle manufacturers serving the pickleball industry. We are the ONLY custom paddle manufacturer in the world. In order to understand what it is we do and why it’s unique, it’s necessary to understand how a paddle is made.
Every paddle with few exceptions has a honeycomb core. The different companies in the industry use one of three different materials for the core- aluminum, polymer and Nomex. We use all three. The core provides 75% of the way a paddle performs.
Then the honeycomb core is sandwiched between two thin layers of surface materials. Again, the different companies in the industry use three different materials- graphite, fiberglass composite and carbon fiber. We use all three. The surface material is about 25% of the way a paddle performs. Think of it as fine tuning the paddle’s performance characteristics.
The three different core materials combined with the three different surface materials make 9 different combinations of materials. Each plays differently. We make two (soon to be three) different shapes for our paddles. The Chaos has a large square sweet spot- at 8 1/2”, it is the widest paddle on the market. The Kratos has an equally large rectangular shaped sweet spot. Each combination of cores and surfaces is available in both the Chaos and Kratos shape.
Then we give each player the opportunity to select their paddle’s weight (ranging from 7.4-10.5 ounces).
Now comes the grip. Players can choose one of three different handle shapes, their grip size from 3 7/8” to 6”, one of three different grip materials and more than 10 colors for each grip style.
Now that the player has chosen the best paddle shape, core, surface and grip for their individual game comes the fun part. We can put any custom graphic the player chooses on their paddle face- either one of our many choices or one of their own- a picture, logo or graphic of their choosing.
Now every player can play with a totally bespoke paddle and watch their game immediately improve because they are playing with the right paddle for them in every way.
Every other sport has specialized equipment for every player except pickleball. Not anymore- now pickleball is catching up to other sports. Pickleball players spend a lot of time playing the game they love. Now they can play with the gear that suits them and not be forced to use a one size fits all paddle.
Want to Join Team TSD?
We are actively seeking avid pickleballers with sales experience to educate, demonstrate and promote Third
Shot Drop pickleball paddles.
Please send your prior sales experience, where you play, how often you play, what level player you are, if you
play Tournaments, how many players you can reach and your contact information to:
Ashley@ThirdShotDrop.com