Pickleball Newsletter πŸ“ What is dinking - and how to best do it!!

How pickleball can add years to your life

newsletter-title

Trivia Question❓

In what year was the first official pickleball tournament held and where was it held?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Hello Pickleball Enthusiasts!


As we dive into another exciting week, we want to take a moment to celebrate YOU, our vibrant community of pickleball lovers.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, your passion for the game truly makes this community special.

In this edition, we're serving up some exciting news, tips, and stories that reflect our shared love for pickleball. So, grab your paddles, and let's keep the ball rolling together!

Stay active, stay connected, and most importantly, keep having fun!

πŸ“ Your Team at US Pickleball Association

 

πŸŽ₯ Featured Must-See Video

 
 

Get ready, pickleball lovers!

'The Fort' is set to revolutionize the sport as it opens in Fort Lauderdale in 2024, just before the first major pro tour stop (APP) in December.

This isn't just a stadium; it's the future of pickleball.

Located at 3299 SW 4th Avenue, 'The Fort' is a must-try destination for anyone in the area.

Imagine stepping into a world with 43 state-of-the-art pickleball courts, including 14 that are weatherproofed for those unpredictable South Florida days.

But the excitement doesn't stop at the courts.

The Fort encompasses a massive 4,000 square foot space, featuring a fitness and recovery center and a pro shop for all your pickleball needs.

After the game, relax at The Lakehouse, a perfect spot for food, drinks, and fun activities like bocce, cornhole, table tennis, and golf simulators.

Brad Tuckman, the visionary Co-Founder and CEO, envisions The Fort as more than a venue.

It's a community hub where sport meets social, creating lasting connections.

This opening marks just the beginning of what's to come in the world of pickleball.

 

Why did the pickleball court go to therapy?

Because it had issues with being in a pickle all the time!

 

🌟 DINKING TO VICTORY, how to learn or improve your dink to win! πŸŒŸ


What is Dinking?

Dinking is a soft, controlled shot in pickleball, typically played from near the net in the non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen. The aim of a dink is to drop the ball just over the net into your opponent's kitchen, making it difficult for them to hit an aggressive shot in return.

Why Dinking is Crucial:

  • βœ… Control the Pace: Dinking slows down the game, giving you more time to position yourself and plan your next move.

  • βœ… Forces Errors: It puts pressure on your opponent to make precise returns, often leading to mistakes.

  • βœ… Opens Up Opportunities: Effective dinking can create openings for more aggressive shots when your opponent is out of position.

How to Dink Effectively:

  1. Positioning: Stand close to the kitchen line, but be careful not to step into the kitchen if you're volleying.

  2. Grip and Stance: Use a continental grip and keep your knees slightly bent, ready to move.

  3. The Stroke: Use a gentle push from your shoulder and wrist, keeping the paddle face open. The goal is to softly lob the ball just over the net.

  4. Aim and Placement: Aim for the opponent’s kitchen, ideally near their feet. This makes it hard for them to return with power.

Practice Drill: Partner up and practice continuous dinking. Try to maintain a rally where both players only use dinks, aiming to keep the ball in the kitchen area. This helps improve accuracy, control, and consistency in your dinks.

Advanced Tip: Vary your dinks between short and deep in the kitchen, and from side to side. This variation keeps your opponent guessing and can create openings for a winning shot.

Impact of Dinking on Player's Game: "I used to focus mainly on power shots, but once I incorporated dinking into my strategy, my game transformed significantly. It added a layer of finesse and tactics that often catches my opponents off guard. The control and precision of dinking have been game-changers for me." - Frank W, USPA member, Las Vegas

Incorporate dinking into your game strategy to become a more versatile and formidable player on the court. Remember, in pickleball, sometimes the softest shots can be the most powerful!

Happy Dinking! πŸ“

 

Join the conversation

 πŸ˜„ Tap the post to join the conversation πŸ˜„

 

Pickleball is not only fun, but can add years to your life!

Pickleball, a sport celebrated by many, isn't just a thrilling activity; it's a fountain of youth disguised as a game.

Research reveals that regular, moderate-intensity physical activities like pickleball can significantly extend life expectancy.

The sport’s blend of aerobic exercise, which is gentle on joints compared to high-impact sports, offers immense cardiovascular benefits, crucial for long-term health.

Moreover, the strategic gameplay of pickleball fosters mental agility. Navigating the court, anticipating shots, and strategizing plays are exercises for the brain, keeping it as fit as the body.

Additionally, pickleball's social aspect is a boon for mental health, combatting loneliness and depression, factors known to impact lifespan negatively.

Playing pickleball also enhances balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls in older adults, a leading cause of injury and health decline.

The sport's adaptable nature allows players to adjust intensity as per their fitness levels, making it a lifelong sport.

So, every time we step onto the pickleball court, we're not just enjoying a game; we're investing in extra years of life, filled with joy, health, and vitality.

Let's cherish every serve and volley, knowing that with pickleball, we're playing for the best prize of all - a longer, healthier life.

 
 

We're incredibly thankful for this amazing pickleball community.

Your support and enthusiasm for our new newsletter mean the world to us. 🌟

We want this newsletter to be your go-to source for all things pickleball, tailored to what you love most. 

Please, don't hesitate to send us your suggestions, feedback, or any topics you're itching to read about.

Your thoughts are vital in shaping our content.

Together, we're more than just pickleball enthusiasts; we're a family, sharing our passion and growing together.

Thank you for being an integral part of this journey! πŸ’š

 
 
 

πŸ’‘ Answer to Trivia Question:

The first official pickleball tournament was held in the year 1976 in Tukwila, Washington.