The pickleball community is buzzing with lively discussions around what some consider the ‘privilege’ of dinking—a softer shot and strategic maneuver that allows players to control the pace of the game. Recently, a Reddit post titled “Dinking is now a privilege” by user TinkerSan sparked conversations about the place of this technique in competitive play. TinkerSan argues that if you’re consistently losing points to aggressive drives and bangs, then it might just be time to reassess your position on the court—and your right to dink. This viewpoint has certainly divided opinions, igniting a broader dialogue about dinking’s role in skill level, respect among players, and overall game strategy.
Summary
- Dinking is framed as both a strategic move and a sign of respect between players of similar skill levels.
- There is a divide within the community about the necessity and appropriateness of dinking, especially among varying levels of players.
- Many users emphasized that dinking should be clear-headed; it’s not about playing it safe but rather about decision-making under pressure.
- Some participants in the thread suggested that players should be encouraged to master their drives and counter plays rather than relying exclusively on dinking.
Dinking as a Sign of Respect
One of the major points made by commenters was that dinking is often a matter of respect between competitors. User EmmitSan states, “Dinking is a sign of respect. When I’m drilling vs my drilling partner, I’m very careful about which balls I attack because his counters will wreck me if I don’t pick a good time.” This reflects a shared understanding that dinking—itself a slower and more controlled tactic—demands a certain level of skill from both players. When players are evenly matched, dinking allows both participants to engage with the game actively rather than simply returning serves. Thereby, it serves as a mutual acknowledgement that both players are on more equal footing. However, not everyone agrees this is the case, leading to a thorough discourse about necessary skill sets.
The Skill Gap: When Dinking Turns Controversial
The discussion took a more heated turn when players began to share experiences relating to dinking in recreational versus competitive play. Users like ColdCocking argued that dinking often happens when there’s a disparity in skill levels, stating, “It’s true. Dinking only occurs if you’re playing with very passive players or if the players on the court are similar skill level.” This indicates that some players may overly rely on a technique like dinking simply to avoid the aggressive pace brought on by players who are stronger in drives and power shots. Ultimately, this can lead to a frustrating experience for those who appreciate the more dynamic side of the game, indicating a frustration towards mediocrity or lack of intensity.
Strategies: Why Dinking Might Be Short-Sighted
Several commenters remarked on how excessive dinking may indicate a player’s inability to adapt or improve their offensive strategy. User DiamondDallasHand said it bluntly: “Everyone who sucks is saying ‘ok’, and everyone who’s decent understands.” This dismissive attitude points to a prevailing belief that leaning too heavily on dinking rather than understanding how to counter or capitalize on drives can be detrimental to a player’s growth. Rather than viewing dinking as a ‘privilege,’ a more constructive approach, it seemed, would be embracing the challenge of speed-ups and drives to elevate one’s own gameplay and skills. Each player has their weaknesses, and identifying those while developing the skill to manage them ultimately becomes a more essential part of the sport.
The Community Perspective: Inclusivity vs. Competitiveness
In a sport so heavily reliant on social engagement, some users expressed that dinking provides a more inclusive atmosphere, where enjoyment trumps competitiveness. User edofthefu articulated two primary reasons for dinking: players either lack confidence in speeding up the ball due to respect for the opponents, or they prioritize inclusion in gameplay. The comment notes, “But in every other situation, a speed-up is better.” That notion highlights the dilemma between nurturing friendships through play and developing sharper competitive skills. While some players find fulfillment in dinking as a way to enjoy the game, others may feel frustrated by an environment that leans too heavily on a less aggressive approach, ultimately feeling tension between fostering community and building skill.
While it’s clear that dinking serves various purposes in the context of pickleball, the ongoing debate underscores a much larger conversation about how strategy, competitiveness, and respect interplay in sports. As more players take to the courts, the views on dinking will likely evolve. Picking the right time to engage in dinking—not only in terms of technical skill but also respect—remains a topic players will hash out over games to come.