Quick answer

A dink is a soft shot played after a bounce, usually near the kitchen and landing in the opposite kitchen. A volley is any shot struck before the ball bounces.

One describes purpose; one describes contact

Dink describes a soft, controlled shot intended to keep the opponent’s contact low near the net. Volley describes hitting the ball out of the air. A volley can be soft or firm, attacking or defensive.

Thinking of these as opposite power levels creates confusion. The useful questions are whether the ball bounced and what you want your shot to make the opponent do.

Build a cooperative dink rally

Stand in balanced positions near the kitchen line and send gentle bounced shots to one another. Aim to keep the ball low enough that the receiver cannot easily attack it.

Count consecutive controlled shots instead of winners. Start with generous targets and use small movements to reach the ball. If every shot goes high, shorten the swing and slow down.

Practise volleys separately

Start outside the kitchen with a partner sending comfortable balls that can be taken in the air. Use a stable paddle face and a compact motion. Watch that your contact and momentum keep you clear of the zone.

Not every reachable ball should be volleyed aggressively. A low ball may call for a soft block; a high ball might offer an attacking opportunity. Control and positioning come before pace.

Choose based on the incoming ball

If a short ball bounces, move to play it rather than trying to force a volley that is no longer possible. If it stays in the air, check your feet and balance before taking it early.

In a real rally you may move between dinks, volleys and groundstrokes several times. Practising the transitions helps more than memorising shot names. Ask a partner to vary the feed only after both players can maintain a steady rally.

Common questions

Can a volley be soft?

Yes. Volley describes hitting before the bounce, not how hard you hit.

Does a dink have to be a winner?

No. Its purpose is often to keep the opponent’s next contact low and build the rally.

References and further reading

Rules guides refer to standard play. Check the current official rules and your event’s format for competition or adaptive play.

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