This week, I want to share a simple but important habit to keep in mind during your dinking game. When we’re dinking, it’s easy to get into a repetitive rhythm, hitting backhands one after another. But to add variety and keep your opponents on their toes, it’s crucial to incorporate forehands into the mix.
Here’s a helpful tip: after hitting two or three backhand dinks, make a deliberate effort to transition into a forehand dink on the next shot. By doing so, you protect the space on your weak side and create a different look for your opponent. Instead of just mindlessly dinking, this habit encourages you to actively seek opportunities and be ready for the next shot.
During your dinking practice, try incorporating cross-court shots to further develop this habit. Open your paddle in a different direction, shifting your weight and turning your paddle for a forehand dink. Avoid excessive footwork adjustments that may compromise your stability. Remember, by elongating your shots and maintaining a forward mindset, you not only increase offensive possibilities but also force your opponent into making errors they wouldn’t make otherwise.
So, let’s focus on creating those opportunities for ourselves and our partners. Keep adding variety to your dinking game, look for chances to attack or accelerate the pace, and watch as you become a more well-rounded player on the court.
