This is how we coach players at Just DINKIT. Ratings are a guide: work on the skills, and the rating follows.
2.5 → 3.0: Keep the ball in play
- Serve and return deep, every time. Aim for 10 serves in a row.
- Learn to call the score correctly.
- Ready position: paddle up, in front of you, between points.
- Don't try to win the point with one big shot. Try to make one more shot than them.
3.0 → 3.5: Get to the kitchen line
- After returning serve, walk up to the kitchen line.
- Learn to dink: soft, low, cross-court. Aim for 30 dinks in a row with a partner.
- Stop hitting everything hard. Soft shots win more points at this level.
- Split step (a small hop) just as the opponent hits.
3.5 → 4.0: Third shots and patience
- Practise the third-shot drop, and learn when to drive instead (when the return is short or high).
- Learn to reset a hard ball from mid-court into the kitchen.
- Move with your partner as one unit: forward together, sideways together.
- Cut unforced errors. Count them after each game.
- Aim at feet and backhands.
4.0 → 4.5: Control and pressure
- Recognise the attackable ball: speed up only when the ball is above net height.
- Win the fast exchanges at the net ("hand battles"): short swings, paddle up.
- Add spin: topspin dinks and slice drops.
- Learn the Erne and stacking.
- Play some singles. It sharpens footwork and shot depth.
- Film yourself once a month. You'll see in minutes what you can't feel.
At 4.5 and above: consistency under pressure
- Choose the right shot, not the flashy one.
- Disguise your shots, and adapt to each opponent's weaknesses.
- Fitness and the mental game: stay calm when 5-9 down.
- Play DUPR tournaments regularly to test yourself against stronger players.
How to practise well: drill for 20–30 minutes before you play games. Players who only play games plateau; players who drill improve. A simple session: 10 minutes dinking, 10 minutes drops from the baseline, 10 minutes volley exchanges.
Want help? Join a club or find a coach, and play DUPR nights to see your progress.