Taking Dinks Out of the Air and Mastering Volleys: Technique Tips

James Ignatowich

Top 5 Pro Player James Ignatowich

Hey guys, this is James Ignatowich, and today I will cover some dinking and volley techniques. What I often see is that when people take dinks out of the air, they tend to bend at the upper body instead of using their legs. But it’s really important to bend with your knees. Here’s why: the more you bend your knees, the lower your arm naturally is, which allows you to reach farther forward. It gives you better control and range without compromising your balance.

If you’re standing upright, you end up having to lean awkwardly with your upper body just to reach the ball—and even then, you can’t reach as far. But if you simply lower your body by bending your knees, you can extend your arm straight out and reach much farther, without losing stability.

Why Upper Body Bending Doesn’t Work

Also, if you bend your upper body and try to speed the ball up—even if you pull it off and the ball comes back—you won’t be ready for the next shot. That’s why it’s important to stay in an athletic base: knees bent, balanced, and controlled.

A Few Key Things About Volleys

First, always keep the ball in front of you. If a fast ball comes to your forehand, don’t let your elbow drift behind your body. That’s a common mistake, and shots like that rarely work out well.

It’s much better to either:

• Get lower while keeping your elbow in front.
• Or, just take it with a backhand if that keeps your form solid.

Keeping the elbow in front sets you up to stay balanced and in control. If you’ve got time, this positioning can make all the difference.

Why Staying Loose on Volleys Matters

Staying relaxed in your arm during volleys is crucial, and it’s something that’s rarely taught well. Your arm should be loose and tension-free. When I volley, I’m as relaxed as possible in my upper body. No stiffness. No tension. That looseness allows for better control, quicker reactions, and a more natural feel through contact.

For exclusive content and special giveaways, make sure to check out the full James Ignatowich newsletter.

Related Articles: 

How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle 

How to Play Pickleball: Easy-to-Follow Guide