Dink Target (Feet vs Body)
Also known as: dinking at the feet, body dink
Dink targeting is the choice between aiming a dink at an opponent's feet, which forces an awkward low contact, versus their body, which crowds their paddle and limits a clean swing.
A dink hit at an opponent's feet forces them to bend low and make contact near or below their shoe tops, which is mechanically difficult to control with any pace and often produces a weak, floated reply. A dink aimed at the body instead crowds the paddle, taking away the space needed for a full, clean stroke and often forcing an awkward, cramped contact regardless of ball height. Both targets are more effective than dinking to open space, which simply gives the opponent room to set up their preferred shot.
Choosing between the two depends on the opponent's posture and the specific ball. A low ball that has already dropped is a natural feet target — there is little the opponent can do but scoop it up. A ball arriving at mid-thigh to waist height, where the opponent has time to get their paddle in a strong position, is a better body target, since crowding removes the room to swing freely even though the ball height would otherwise be attackable.
Generic advice to "aim at the feet" ignores that a dink already at ankle height cannot get much lower — the real skill is recognizing which of the two targets removes the most options from a specific opponent's stance in that moment, rather than mechanically aiming at the same spot on every shot.
Example
Seeing an opponent set up with their paddle away from their body, a player aims the next dink directly at their hip, crowding the swing.
Why it matters
Dinking with intentional targeting rather than just aiming to clear the net converts a neutral shot into one that actively limits an opponent's options on their next reply.
How it shows up on video
SwingVantage tracks dink landing location relative to the receiving player's foot and torso position, distinguishing genuine feet/body targeting from dinks that land in open space by default.
Common mistakes
- Aiming every dink at the same generic spot rather than reading the opponent's specific stance and ball height
- Dinking to open space, which gives the opponent time to set up a comfortable reply
- Targeting the feet on a ball that is already low, when a body target would have been more disruptive
Frequently asked questions
Should I always aim dinks at an opponent's feet?
No — if the ball is already low, a feet target adds little. A body target that crowds the paddle can be more effective depending on the opponent's stance and the ball's height.
Why is a dink to open space usually worse than one at the feet or body?
Open space gives the opponent room to move into position and set up their preferred shot. Targeting the feet or body removes that room and forces an awkward contact.
Related terms
- Dinking AngleDinking angle refers to the direction and sharpness of a dink relative to the net, which determines how much lateral court an opponent must cover to reach the next shot.
- Dink Rally PatienceDink rally patience is the discipline to keep the ball low and controlled through an extended dink exchange rather than forcing an early attack, waiting for a genuine opportunity instead of manufacturing one.
- Popping the Ball Up (Common Miss)Popping the ball up is a common mistake where a dink, reset, or block rises higher than intended above the net, handing the opponent an easy attacking opportunity.
- DinkA dink is a soft, controlled shot hit from near the kitchen line that arcs just over the net and lands in the opponent's kitchen, forcing them to hit upward and preventing an aggressive return.
Related guides & benchmarks
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