Sports comedies are about to get a brand-new star player with The Dink, an upcoming pickleball movie that promises to bring laughter and heart to the world of sports.
Directed by Josh Greenbaum and produced by Ben Stiller’s Red Hour Films, The Dink will begin filming in Los Angeles this November. Rivulet Films is also involved in the production of the movie.
With a mix of humor and the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, this movie is set to be a unique and exciting addition to the genre.
The Dink: Plot and Pickleball
At the core of The Dink is a story about redemption, wrapped in a hilarious pickleball-centered plot.
Jake Johnson (New Girl) stars as a washed-up tennis pro struggling to rebuild his life. He’s desperate to save a failing tennis club and to regain control of his father’s respect.
However, to do so, he must confront the one thing he swore never to do again: play pickleball. The protagonist is reluctantly playing pickleball as part of his journey to save the club and earn his father and opponent’s respect.
This comedic journey involves learning to dink—pickleball’s signature soft shot—bringing plenty of laughs as the protagonist stumbles through the sport.
The word “dink” isn’t just in the title, it’s central to the story, and it mirrors the main character’s growth throughout the film.
All-Star Cast Brings Humor and Heart
This pickleball movie boasts an impressive lineup of stars:
Jake Johnson brings his dry, sarcastic humor to the lead role of the fallen tennis star.
Mary Steenburgen and Ed Harris lend depth and emotional resonance in their supporting roles, adding warmth to the film.
Ben Stiller, the producer of The Dink, also steps in for a supporting role, ensuring his comedic genius is part of the movie’s charm.
Andy Roddick, the former tennis champion, makes his acting debut, adding authenticity to the pickleball action and sports-focused narrative.
What is a Dink in Pickleball?
In the world of pickleball, the dink is a soft, controlled shot that lands gracefully in the opponent’s non-volley zone (NVZ), also known as the “kitchen.” This area, which spans 7 feet on either side of the net and stretches from sideline to sideline, is a no-go zone for volleying. Players must master the art of hitting accurate shots into the NVZ, ensuring the ball lands softly and cannot be easily attacked. The dink or soft shot hit, is a strategic move that adds a layer of finesse to the game, making it a crucial skill for any pickleball enthusiast.
Why Dinking is Central to This Pickleball Comedy
The word “dink” is a central theme both on and off the court in this movie. The movie showcases intense ‘dink battles’ where players engage in strategic exchanges at half the non-volley zone.
In pickleball, the dink shot—a soft, controlled stroke—is crucial for success, much like mastering life’s more delicate moments. The protagonist learns to master the dink volley, which provides a higher contact point and puts pressure on opponents. Additionally, the technique of hitting dinks is emphasized, highlighting the importance of using the whole body and arm for controlled shots.
As Johnson’s character learns to navigate the technical and strategic side of the dink shot, viewers will see it serve as a metaphor for his personal growth. Considering the ‘next shot’ during dink exchanges is crucial to balance defensive and aggressive play.
The film uses the dink shot as a perfect comedic device, with its deceptively simple execution leading to plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Offensive dinks are shown putting pressure on opponents, forcing them into difficult positions to attack.
Mastering the successful dink shot can significantly enhance a player or team’s game, either by neutralizing pressure from opponents or setting up an advantageous position for attacking.
Mastering the Dink Shot
Mastering the dink shot is a rite of passage for every pickleball player. This seemingly simple move requires a blend of technique, strategy, and plenty of practice. Here are some tips to help you perfect your dink drop shot move:
Start with the right grip: The continental grip is your best friend when it comes to dinking. This versatile grip allows you to execute effective dink shots with both your forehand and backhand.
Bend your knees: Keep your knees slightly bent and your weight forward on the balls of your feet. This stance provides stability and allows for quick, agile movements.
Make contact in front: Position your paddle in front of you to make contact with the ball as early as possible. This gives you the option to volley the ball before it bounces or let it bounce first.
Skip the backswing: A short, compact swing is key to maintaining accuracy and precision. Avoid a big backswing to keep your shots controlled.
Lift the ball, gently: Stay relaxed, especially with your grip, and focus on a smooth, controlled motion. Use your legs to lift the ball gently, following through towards your target.
Hold the line: During dink exchanges, stay close to the NVZ line. Don’t let your opponents’ shots push you back, as this exposes your feet and gives them more space to aim at.
By following these tips and dedicating time to practice, you can master the dink shot and drop and elevate your pickleball game to new heights.
Cultural Impact of Pickleball and The Dink
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., and The Dink is positioned to bring this beloved game to an even wider audience.
This pickleball movie could potentially have the same cultural impact that films like Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story had on dodgeball.
By bringing the sport’s unique qualities and fun nature straight to the big screen, The Dink will likely introduce pickleball to those who haven’t yet experienced its charm.
Behind the Scenes of the Dink Pickleball Movie
The sharp humor and relatable storytelling in The Dink come courtesy of Sean Clements (Workaholics), who wrote the screenplay. With Ben Stiller starring and John Lesher (Birdman) producing, the film is set to hit all the right notes for both sports fans and moviegoers.
Filming kicks off this November, and excitement is already building for The Dink’s 2025 release.
As the first major pickleball movie, it could become a touchstone moment for the sport, bringing even more attention to the growing pickleball community.
Why *The Dink* Could Be the Next Big Pickleball Comedy
With its engaging plot, all-star cast, and a spotlight on pickleball’s signature dink shot, The Dink has all the elements of a breakout hit in the sports comedy genre.
Whether you’re a seasoned pickleball player or just hearing about the game, this film will have you laughing—and maybe even inspire one team of you to pick up a paddle and give dinking a try!
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, The Dink is poised to become a cultural touchstone that introduces the sport to new fans while celebrating the players who already love it.
Keep your eye out for this hilarious pickleball movie when it hits theaters in 2025.
Other Pickleball Documentaries and Shows
If you’re eager to dive deeper into the world of pickleball, there are several documentaries and shows that capture the essence of the sport. Here are some recommendations, along with quick reviews:
Pickleball: The Movie
Overview: A documentary exploring the rise of pickleball, featuring interviews with top players and coaches.
Review: A great watch for anyone curious about the history of the sport and how it became a phenomenon. It offers a deep dive into pickleball culture with fascinating behind-the-scenes stories.
Pickled
Overview: A celebrity-filled pickleball competition for charity, hosted by Stephen Colbert.
Review: This fun and light-hearted show introduces pickleball to a mainstream audience in a star-studded way. It’s perfect for both seasoned players and those new to the game.
Pickleball Masterclass with Tyson McGuffin
Overview: A comprehensive training series featuring one of the world’s top pickleball pros.
Review: For players who want to improve their skills, this instructional series is a goldmine of tips, drills, and strategy insights from one of pickleball’s best.
These documentaries and shows complement the rise of The Dink and highlight the growing fascination with pickleball in both the sports and entertainment worlds.
Whether you want to learn more about the sport or just enjoy some pickleball-related entertainment, these options are a perfect match.