THE COACHING CAMPUS / DRILL LIBRARY
Dink and Step Back
A movement and balance drill where players step back after every dink, then return to the kitchen line to stay in control.
VIEW THE COURT PLAN
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
PLAYERS
2
PRIMARY SHOT TYPE
Drop
TRAINING TYPE
Technique/Skill
THE EXERCISE
What you're working on
A movement and balance drill that trains players to maintain control and consistency while stepping back and returning to the kitchen line after every dink. By creating a small recovery movement on each shot, players develop better balance, court awareness, and the ability to control the pace of dink rallies from slightly off the kitchen line.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
2 paddles, 1 ball, net
01 / COURT PLAN
See how the drill works
Follow the player positions and numbered sequence in the diagram.
CLICK TO ENLARGE THE DIAGRAM
02 / ON COURT
Run the drill
Drill Set Up
Two players, one on each side of the net, both starting at the kitchen line. Two paddles and one ball.
How to run it
- Both players take up position at the kitchen line.
- One player hits a dink over the net.
- After contact, take a small step back away from the kitchen line.
- As the next ball comes, step forward to meet it and hit the next dink.
- Step back again after contact and repeat the movement continuously throughout the rally
Coaching Points
- The step back should be small and controlled, not a full retreat from the kitchen line.
- Step forward into the next shot with balance and purpose, not in a rush.
- Maintain the same dink quality regardless of the added movement, the footwork should not disrupt the stroke.
- Focus on recovery rhythm, the step back and step forward become a natural, repeatable pattern.
- This drill builds comfort controlling the pace from slightly off the kitchen line, a position that comes up frequently in match play.
03 / VARIATIONS
Make it work for your group
- One player steps back: Only one player steps back after each dink while the other stays at the kitchen line, creating an asymmetric challenge that simulates being pushed off the line in match play.
- Both players step back: Both players step back simultaneously after each dink, increasing the difficulty and the distance each player must cover to return to the kitchen.