Changing direction during a dink rally can create an advantage, but mistiming the ball often leads to an easy attack for your opponent. The goal is to change direction only on high-percentage opportunities, not just because you want to move the ball.
When your opponent hits a dink crosscourt, trying to redirect it to the player across from you can easily send the ball into the net. If the ball you’re given is low, getting under it and putting it over the net at its highest point is a tough ask.
Change direction when your opponent’s dink is high or soft. Low balls near the net are usually better played crosscourt.
Read Your Opponents Before Changing Direction
Read your opponents’ positioning. If an opponent is shifted too far to one side, a direction change can open the court. Always check both opponents before redirecting.
Go crosscourt first. Crosscourt dinks give you a greater margin and help move opponents before you change direction.
Target the attack zone. Change direction when you can keep the ball low and force an upward return. If your shot sits up, you’re giving your opponent the attack.
Be Patient During a Dink Rally
Being patient is critical. Don’t change direction just because you can. Often, multiple crosscourt dinks are needed before the right opportunity appears.
Try and think ahead. When you change direction, expect a response and aim to create a weak or predictable return you can attack next.
Good players change direction with purpose, not impulse. Wait for the right ball, read positioning, and use direction changes to build the next advantage, not to finish the rally immediately.
Having patience in this game is a challenge. Most points are over in rec games in four to five shots. Make it your stretch goal to go six to seven shots.
Remember, pickleball is supposed to be fun.
About the Author: Gina Cilento is a top-ranked Senior Pro and APP multi-medalist. She competes for the Denver Iconics in MLP Champions Series Pickleball and was named Female MVP in 2025. Gina is also a highly sought-after instructor known for helping players improve both their technical skills and strategic understanding of the game. Beyond competition and coaching, she leads corporate team-building events, hosts pickleball travel experiences, contributes to Empower Pickleball, and serves as an advisor for Pickleball Superstars.
