This One Spot Forces the Most Pop-Ups in Pickleball

This isn't just a random tip – it's the number one thing all pro players look for when they're dinking at the kitchen line

In a quick 60-second breakdown, Tanner Tomassi – a big winner of this year's Dink Awards – reveals the one spot that pro players target constantly when they're looking to force a pop-up and take control of the point.

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The Inside Foot: Your Secret Weapon

The magic spot? Your opponent's inside foot.

This is the area closest to the center line, right where your opponent's paddle has the hardest time generating leverage.

When you aim a dink toward the inside foot, your opponent's paddle angle becomes severely limited.

• They can't get underneath the ball the way they'd like
• They can't swing with full power

The result is almost always a pop-up that sits up for you to attack.

How to Set It Up

You can't just start firing dinks at the inside foot and expect success. Pro players know that positioning matters.

The strategy is to pull your opponent out wide first. Make them think you're aiming for the sideline or the far corner. Get them moving laterally and commit their weight in that direction.

Once they're stretched out, that's when you hit the inside foot dink. They're already off-balance, their paddle is extended, and they have nowhere to go. The pop-up is almost guaranteed.

The 4 Pickleball Shots That Statistically Lead to the Most Points Won

These four shots aren’t flashy, but they’re where points actually end. The research backs it up: master the dink, the pop-up, the drive, and the volley, and you’ll win way more matches.

The Dink PickleballThe Dink Media Team

Why This Works Every Time

• Limited paddle leverage makes it hard to keep the ball low
• Off-balance positioning prevents a solid defensive response
• The inside foot is a natural weak spot in court coverage
• Pro players use this exact pattern in every match

This isn't just a random tip.

It's the number one thing all pro players look for when they're dinking at the kitchen line.

Understanding this one concept can transform your game because it gives you a clear target and a clear strategy.

Instead of just trying to keep the ball in play, you're now playing with purpose. You're setting traps. You're forcing mistakes. You're controlling the point before you ever hit an attacking shot.

If you want to level up your dinking game and start winning more points, this is where to start.

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