The Top 5 Reasons Why You Pop Up Dinks in Doubles Pickleball

Popping up dinks can be one of the most frustrating things in pickleball, as it often leads to your opponents taking advantage and winning the point. Understanding why your dinks are popping up is key to improving your soft game and avoiding unnecessary mistakes. Here are the top five reasons this happens:

1. Poor Paddle Angle

One of the main reasons players pop up dinks is due to incorrect paddle positioning. If the paddle face is too open, even a softly hit dink will lift too high. Focus on keeping your paddle at a slightly closed angle to keep the ball low and controlled.

2. Overhitting the Ball

Trying to do too much with a dink often results in an unnecessary amount of force. Overhitting the ball can make it bounce higher than desired. Remember, the purpose of a dink is to keep the ball soft and low in the kitchen. Let the ball do the work!

3. Contact Point Too High

When your contact point is too far away from your body or above the net, you’ll likely pop the ball up. Keeping the contact point at or below the level of the net allows you to maintain better control over your dink's trajectory.

4. Lack of Patience

Dinks require patience. Rushing or trying to speed up the rally can cause you to lose focus and mishit your dinks. Take your time, wait for the right opportunity, and focus on consistency instead of forcing a winner too soon.

5. Improper Footwork

If your feet aren’t in the right position, you’ll be reaching for the ball, which often results in a dink that pops up. Make sure to move your feet to be in the optimal position to strike the ball with control and precision.

By focusing on these key elements, you can eliminate those dreaded popped-up dinks and take your soft game to the next level. Stay patient, control your paddle angle, and always move your feet into position!