Pickleball · Dinking · Rallying & consistency · Warm-up

Dink rally at the kitchen

Pairs dink crosscourt from the kitchen line, keeping every ball unattackable.

P1P2
Start / 6
Time
8 min
Players
2–8
Age
U8+
Area
Kitchen
Equipment
6 pickleballspaddles

Setup

  1. Pairs at the kitchen line, diagonally opposite.

How it runs

  1. Dink crosscourt, aiming to land in the kitchen every time.
  2. Count the streak; a ball that pops up above the net ends the rally.
  3. Switch to straight-ahead dinks after 3 minutes.

Coaching points

  • Bend the knees, paddle out in front.
  • Lift from the shoulder, soft wrist.
  • Stay at the line; don't back up.

Common mistakes

  • Flicking with the wrist.
  • Stepping back from the kitchen line.

Say it: “Knees down, paddle up.”

Make it harder

  • Alternate crosscourt and straight.
  • Partner may attack any high ball.

Make it easier

  • Toss and catch before dinking.
  • Bigger target: anywhere past the net.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.