Intermediate

Dink Target (Feet vs Body)

Also known as: dinking at the feet, body dink

Definition

Dink targeting is choosing between an opponent's feet and body. A dink at the feet forces an awkward low contact, while one at the body crowds the 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. That contact is mechanically difficult to control with any pace, and it often produces a weak, floated reply. A dink aimed at the body instead crowds the paddle. It takes away the space needed for a full, clean stroke and often forces 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 gives the opponent time to get their paddle in a strong position. That ball is a better body target. 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. It is not about 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

Dink with a specific target, not just to clear the net. That converts a neutral shot into one that actively limits an opponent's options on their next reply.

How it shows up on video

On video, check where each dink lands relative to the opponent's feet and body. That separates dinks you aimed at them from dinks that simply landed in open space.

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.