pickleball swing check/learn/dinks pop up
Why do my pickleball dinks keep popping up?
Updated August 2026 · 2-minute read
Your dinks pop up because your grip is too tight, you stand too tall, or you flick your wrist. Soften your grip to a 3/10, get low with your knees, and lift with a short, compact swing, not your wrist.
How to tell
- Opponents smash your dinks.
- Your dinks land near the service line.
- You feel like you're 'scooping' the ball.
- Your wrist feels tired after dinking.
Why it matters
A soft grip gives you touch. Getting low creates a natural upward path for the ball. A compact swing keeps the ball low and prevents pop-ups, making your dinks unattackable.
The fix
- Soft Grip. Hold your paddle like a handshake, 3 out of 10 pressure. Light touch wins.
- Get Low. Bend your knees deeply. Get under the ball. Your paddle should start low.
- Lift Smoothly. Use a short, compact swing. Lift the ball with your body, not your wrist.
One cue makes it click: Soft hands, low body, smooth lift.
2-minute drill
Practice these steps for two minutes, even without a ball.
- Stand at the kitchen line. Bend your knees, paddle low.
- Shadow swing: lift the paddle smoothly, no wrist flick.
- Repeat, focusing on soft grip and low body position.
Check yours in 10 seconds
Not sure if it's you? Film a 10-second shadow swing and the free Pickleball Swing Check will tell you — it gives you one thing to work on.