Hitting 1 MILLION DINKS Taught Me THIS

As a seasoned pickleball player with over a decade of experience, Zane Navratil seen the sport evolve in many ways. Amidst these changes, one classic element remains in my pickleball playbook: the dink. It's a shot that demands finesse and precision, and mastering it can enhance pickleball for any player. Today, I'm here to share my insights into leveraging the dink as a powerful asset in your pickleball arsenal.
Thanks to ProXR for making this video possible! Grab the Zane Navratil Signature ProXR Pickleball Paddle on my website!
zanenavratilpickleball.com/shop/
AIM7 turns data from wearables to personalized and actionable solutions to boost your physical and mental fitness. AIM7 brings a special focus to pickleball performance, recovery, and injury prevention. For a limited time, use this special link and code ZANE25 to receive a 30-day free trial followed by an annual subscription for 25% off! Annual subscribers also receive 30% off Thorne supplements!
www.aim7.com/?via=zane
Tune into Game+ Network, the official home of Major League Pickleball in Canada!
gameplusnetwork.com
Level up your practice sessions and game with a Lobster ball machine. Use code ZANE5 for 5% off any pickleball machine and accessories.
lobstersports.com/collections...
Har-Tru has all your pickleball court equipment needs. Use discount code ZANE10 to receive 10% off your purchase. Looking to build your court? Email Brandy at [e-mail]
hartru.com/
Zane’s on Cameo!!
cameo.com/zanenavratilpickleball
Thorlo Socks are the best! Engineered with varying levels of padding, their pickleball socks provide maximum comfort and support. Get yours here.
thorlo.com/pages/pickleball
Subscribe to my newsletter to stay up to date with me on and off the court!
zanenavratilpickleball.com/
Make sure you’re recovering! Check out Yobow, the most compact massage pistol on the market. Each purchase includes a free Yobow warm-up band free ($25 value)!
zanenavratilpickleball.com/shop/
The foundation of a successful dink begins with your ready position. It's crucial to establish a consistent stance, one that keeps you balanced and prepared for any incoming shot. Navratil advocates for a neutral position, slightly favoring the center to maintain versatility. Keep your paddle up, ideally above waist level, extending from your chin. To hone this skill, Zane often employs the "ball slap drill," a simple yet effective exercise that reinforces muscle memory and consistency, which can enhance pickleball for any player.
A firm and stable wrist are essential for executing precise dinks. When your wrist is weak or improperly positioned, even a slight off-center hit can lead to inconsistency in your shots. To maintain stability, focus on keeping your wrist firm, resisting any tendency to break or flex during contact. This solidity provides a solid foundation for your paddle, enhancing control and accuracy. Remember, a strong wrist translates to confident and reliable dinking.
It's easy to succumb to the temptation of oversized swings. Restraint is key when it comes to dinking. Keeping your paddle within your field of vision prevents excessive swinging, which can compromise control and accuracy. The most aggressive dinkers understand the value of subtlety. By generating pace from a controlled motion, rather than brute force, you'll find greater consistency in your shots.
Understanding when to adopt an offensive or defensive stance is crucial for strategic gameplay. In the face of a challenging shot from your opponent, opting for a defensive dink can help maintain control and mitigate risks. A well-timed offensive dink can apply pressure and set the tone for the point. Balancing these approaches in your pickleball playbook requires astutely judged adaptability.
Less is often more when it comes to dinking. Complexity in technique can breed inconsistency, hindering your ability to execute shots with precision. Start by mastering the basics, focusing on minimal movement to achieve your desired outcome. As you build confidence and consistency, you can gradually incorporate additional elements into your technique. But remember, a solid foundation is the key to unlocking advanced maneuvers.
The dink is not merely a shot but an art form in itself. By honing your skills in these five key areas, you can transform your dink from a liability into a formidable weapon on the court. So, whether you're a seasoned player looking to elevate your game or a newcomer eager to refine your technique, remember these principles and embrace the journey towards dinking mastery.

[@ZaneNavratilPickleball]

Thanks to ProXR for making this video possible! Grab the Zane Navratil Signature ProXR Pickleball Paddle on my website!
zanenavratilpickleball.com/shop/

[@hexfreedom3614]

Are you related to Navajo tribe? Thanks!

[@cjudo]

can you make a pros vs 5.0s where the pros play with wooden paddles or $20 paddles

[@douglasmurdoch7247]

Yeah plywood paddles versus Gen 3 Joolas

[@DannyBPlays]

this is a great idea! I know good paddles make a difference but I'd like to see how much of a difference

[@marcpr3032]

Already been done on TH-cam

[@brett7011]

Waste of time.

[@chums101]

Awesome idea but I don’t see their paddle sponsors allowing it

[@DannyBPlays]

Props to making a 7:30 video when 99% of pickleball tut vids waste extra time to get over the 8 min mark

[@craigmarley5926]

Thanks for the excellent tips! I'll try them out. Playing indoor with level 3.5-4.0 players, they are mostly bangers and do not/will not dink more than once. You expect a dink back and get an offensive lob. Catches you off guard.

[@BoulderingHighlights]

Thanks for always uploading helpful tips! the presentation in this one is really clear

[@bethechange4726]

Great Vid, Sir!! Congrats on besting the John Bros, much deserved and honor to witness!! Thanks!

[@ADJoshua1]

I actually like a looser wrist: it’s easier to achieve tip down paddle positioning when the ball is low, easier to absorb ball momentum for control, easier to allow the paddle face to move for spin. Not saying being wristy, so consistency is not an issue…

[@fire.pickleball]

I find myself locked on that kitchen line so often! I like how you come off the line and give yourself time for the ball to come down. Can't wait to work more on the dink!

[@mddale]

Very helpful.

[@bretjones1211]

Love that Texas Tech is represented in this video! That's the icing on the cake of great and easy to follow advise!

[@fishfiendzoo]

"Doing what I did in high school... which is the bare minimum" :D

[@nchambers007]

"doing what I did in high school ... the Bare Minimum".
I feel that.

[@mediumdun18]

bare minimum at East or Central ?

[@joysonmenezes2158]

in regards to breaking your wrist: what's your wrist position for top spin dinks? the paddle tip has to be down which requires to break that wrist

[@douglasmurdoch7247]

Topspin is more of a side to side break. I think he’s talking more about the front to back break. Front break giving you a limp wrist, and back break giving you a “talk to the hand”.

[@wadejensen6829]

Drinking game when "dink" is said...go!

[@DannyBPlays]

when the video is about dinks and is 7:30, yeah, he's gonna say that word a lot

[@gregp7855]

"Can't hit a good dink without a good paddle" Ummm did you see Ben Johns beat 2 intermediate/advanced players with a frying pan?

[@juleerudolf2106]

"Millions" of dinks in 10 years? Even if it were just two million over 11 years (you've been playing since 2013), that's 500 dinks every day. More if there are any days you don't play. Just saying...

[@ariwagner9120]

4128 days ≈ 242.25 dinks per day. I dont see this as unlikely for a pro and a coach and trainer. You could hit ~250 dinks in an hour a day.

[@juleerudolf2106]

@@ariwagner9120 He said "millions" twice. I'm saying that, at a minimum, means two million (the title says 1 million). Okay. I'm against arguing, just a bit of a skeptic 🫤. Five hundred seems like a lot.