How to Play Dingles, a Drill for Pickleball Players

“Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.” – Vince Lombardi

If you're looking for a fun and challenging way to sharpen your reflexes, ball placement, and team coordination, look no further than a game of Dingles. Popular among pickleball players of all skill levels, Dingles is not just entertaining. It’s one of the most effective drills for improving court awareness, quick decision-making, and doubles strategy.

Whether you’re warming up for a match or just want to spice up your practice routine, here’s how to play Dingles and make it a regular part of your pickleball routine.

What is Dingles in Pickleball?

Dingles is a two-on-two training game that starts with controlled dinking and quickly escalates into competitive doubles play. The drill emphasizes soft game control, quick transitions, and communication between partners, all essential elements of a winning doubles team.

Think of it as a hybrid between a drill and a mini match—one that teaches you how to reset, react, and stay alert at the kitchen line.

How to Play Dingles: Step-by-Step

1. Set Up the Teams

You’ll need four players, positioned in standard doubles formation with one team on each side of the net. All four players stand at the non-volley zone (kitchen) line.

2. Two Balls in Play

Start with two pickleballs, one for each team. Each team will begin a crosscourt dink rally at the same time, diagonally dinking back and forth across the net. The soft rally continues until someone misses a ball, the ball is hit out or into the transitional zone, or the ball hits into the net.

Once the first ball is out of the play, a player shouts “Dingle!” and now all four players are playing with the one pickleball and play until a point is made. Any team can win the point regardless of who won the dink rally.

This fast switch from a soft-game to power-play simulates the reality of live matches—where dinks can instantly turn into volleys or speed-ups.

What Dingles Teaches You

Incorporating Dingles into your routine builds skills in real-time situations and trains your body to respond to momentum shifts mid-point.

• Transition Readiness: Helps players shift quickly from soft play to aggressive play.
• Net Play Control: Builds consistency in dinking and hand-eye coordination at the kitchen.
• Team Communication: Requires you to stay in sync with your partner during quick plays.
• Mental Focus: Sharpens awareness and trains you to adapt on the fly.

Pro Tip Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic flow of Dingles, try these twists to keep the drill fresh and competitive. These variations increase intensity and add new challenges.

• Add Scoring: Play to 11 and keep score on the second ball only, or give a bonus point to the team that wins both rallies.
• Speed Up: Limit the first rally to 3 to 5 dinks before immediately switching to the second ball.
• Challenge Court Style: Winning team stays, and the losing team rotates out to keep the energy and competition going.

Game Point

Dingles is more than just a drill. It’s a dynamic way to develop the essential skills that win games. It teaches balance between patience and aggression, forces better communication, and simulates match-like momentum shifts. Whether you're prepping for a tournament or just playing for fun, Dingles is a must-have in your practice lineup.

So next time you hit the courts, bring two balls, three friends, and a desire to play smarter, not just harder.

See you on the courts!