The Dinking Drill: Building Patience and Strategy On and Off the Court

If you’ve played pickleball, you know the power of a well-executed dink. It’s not about hitting hard—it’s about control, precision, and patience. As it turns out, these are the same qualities that make great leaders.

In my latest Today’s Pickleball Leadership Drill video, I introduce the Dinking Drill, a must-try exercise for improving your game while sharpening your leadership skills.

Why Dinking Matters

On the court, dinking keeps the rally alive, forces your opponent into mistakes, and sets you up for a winning shot. In leadership, the same principles apply. Patience, strategic placement, and maintaining composure under pressure are key to navigating challenges and achieving success.

How the Drill Works

1️⃣ Players stand at the kitchen line and focus on soft, controlled dinks.

2️⃣ The goal is to maintain consistency and accuracy, landing the ball in the non-volley zone.

3️⃣ Add targets or diagonal shots for an extra challenge!

You can watch the full demonstration here: https://youtu.be/s9-zMHzffsU

Leadership Takeaway

The Dinking Drill teaches you to slow down, focus on the task at hand, and trust the process. By practicing deliberate steps, you’ll not only improve your pickleball skills but also develop the patience and control needed to lead effectively.

Your Challenge

Try the Dinking Drill this week, and reflect on how it helps you stay composed and strategic. Share your experience in the comments or on social media—I’d love to hear how it’s working for you!

For more insights, check out my book, The Pickleball Leadership Playbook, and subscribe to my channel for weekly drills that bring leadership lessons to life.

See you on the court!

Dr. K.