Dinking Pickles
Your Ultimate Pickleball Gear Guide

Dinking is a soft, controlled shot that lands just over the net in the non-volley zone (the 'kitchen'). It's essential for strategic play because it neutralizes hard hitters, forces your opponents to make mistakes, and opens up opportunities for winning shots. Mastering dinking helps players control the pace and rhythm of the game, leading to more consistent wins at every level. Learn more about dinking and how to improve your dinking game in our Dinking Guide.

Pickleball paddle selection depends on your experience and playing style. Beginners should look for a mid-weight paddle (around 7.5-8.5 oz) with a polymer core for a balance of control and power. Advanced players may prefer carbon fiber or composite faces for better touch and durability. Brands like Joola, Selkirk, Paddletek, and Onix are trusted options. Check our Pickleball Paddle Buying Guide for expert advice.

Indoor balls are lighter, with 26 larger holes, producing less bounce and noise—ideal for smooth gym floors. Outdoor balls are heavier, with 40 smaller holes to handle wind and rougher surfaces. Using the correct ball type improves play and extends ball life. See our Indoor vs Outdoor Balls Guide.

Official outdoor pickleballs have 40 precision-drilled holes. This minimizes wind resistance and helps the ball fly straight, even in breezy conditions. The specific pattern is regulated for tournament play. For a full breakdown, visit our Pickleball Ball Holes Explained.

Pickleball uses a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball on a smaller court, emphasizing dinking and soft play. Padel is played with a stringless racket and a pressurized ball on a court with glass walls, with faster volleys and wall rebounds. For a side-by-side comparison, see our Pickleball vs. Padel guide.

Joola paddles—like the Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm—stand out for their carbon fiber faces, thick polymer cores, and a balance of power, spin, and control. Top pros, including Ben Johns, choose Joola for their performance and quality. Read our Joola Ben Johns Hyperion Review for more.

Measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. Smaller grips (4”) allow more wrist action and spin, while larger grips (4.5”) offer extra stability. If you're unsure, go slightly smaller and use overgrip tape as needed.

The holes optimize aerodynamics. Outdoor balls have more, smaller holes to resist wind drift; indoor balls have fewer, larger holes for bounce control. The hole pattern and count directly impact ball flight, feel, and sound.