how to play
Official Dinkhole Rules
Roll out your Dinkhole battlefield by placing two Dinkboards 8 feet apart. Make sure they’re on a level surface—nobody likes a wonky dink! Pop a Dinkpad into each hole, ensuring the ball stays put. Only one ball is needed, but each player should be equipped with a paddle.
Gather your dink squad! Dinkhole can be a duo duel or a quartet quarrel. In singles, it’s a one-on-one showdown. In doubles, tag team to alternate your dinks.
Who goes first? Let’s decide with:
- Ball, Paddle, Ernie: It’s like rock, paper, scissors but way cooler.
- The Lob: Toss your ball aiming for center-hole glory. Winner takes the serve if no one matches the feat.
Serve it Right
The server starts the fun by stating the score before bouncing the ball off the ground or the Dinkboard, before contacting the ball with their paddle.
Once the serve is in play, teams dink the ball back and forth, hitting the ground or the Dinkboard, just keep it moving!
Points fly when you nail those holes:
- 1 point for the large hole
- 2 points for the medium hole
- 3 points for that tiny, tricky small hole
A ball must stick its landing in a hole to count—no bounce-outs allowed! The last scored-on player restarts the action.
Play defense like a pro—volleys are allowed only from behind your board. You cannot block out-of-the-air shots directly over the board, but feel free to get creative once the ball has bounced.
Caught volley blocking? That’s a no-no! The other team gets a bonus point.
First to 11 points wins, but don’t forget you must win by 2 and shout Dinkhole! like you mean it.
Hit a rim and send the ball back to no-man’s-land? Foul balls spark a Dinkhole Duel! In this frantic free-for-all, each player rushes to snag the ball. The fastest player becomes the next server. Ready, set, go!
Try These Fun Game Variations
Seize the momentum in “Makers Takers,” where scoring a point gives you not just glory but also control! Here’s how to keep the ball rolling:
- Score and Serve: Each time your team scores, you not only add points to your tally, but also earn the right to serve again. It’s all about keeping the streak alive!
- Maintain Momentum: This variation rewards streaks and puts pressure on teams to break their opponents’ runs. Perfect your dinks and strategize to keep the serve as long as possible.
- Rally to Victory: The more you score, the longer you keep serving, and the closer you get to victory. Can your team dominate the Dinkboard and control the game?
Precision is key in “Deadshot,” where scoring too many points can set you back. Aim just right to win:
- Exact Score to Win: You must score exactly 11 points to claim victory. Overshoot, and you’ll face a penalty!
- Bust Penalty: If you score over 11 points, your score drops back to 7. It’s risky business as you hover close to victory.
- Strategic Shooting: Carefully choose your shots when you’re close to winning. Aim for the right hole to hit the perfect 11!
No ‘win by 2’ and no luck allowed. It’s all about that perfect drop shot.
For those who like a bit of spice in their play, “Sting Hole” adds a playful punishment for the losing team:
- Victory Bangers: After each game, the winning team gets to ‘sting’ the losing team by hitting a ball hard against their backside.
- More Points, More Pain: For an even more intense experience, a banger can be awarded each time a score occurs.
- Keep It Friendly: Ensure it’s all in good fun to maintain the spirit of camaraderie and friendly competition.
Agree upon the banger distance before the game begins. Is it from behind each Dinkboard (roughly 14′) or something farther?
Ready to double the fun and the challenge? “Double Trouble” takes the classic Dinkhole game and turns up the intensity with not one, but two balls in play at all times!
- Twice the Balls, Twice the Fun: Start with the regular Dinkhole setup, but arm each team with two balls. Prepare for a wild ride as you manage multiple threats and opportunities simultaneously.
- Simultaneous Serve: After each score or thrilling Dinkhole Duel, both teams reset and serve their balls at the same time to the opposing team. This simultaneous action keeps the energy high and the gameplay frantic.
- Keep Your Eyes Peeled: With two balls flying, your focus and coordination will be tested like never before. It’s a fantastic way to sharpen your multitasking skills on the fly.
- Scoring Squared: Points are scored as usual for each ball that lands in the holes. Can you keep track and capitalize on double the scoring chances?
“Double Trouble” is perfect for players who thrive under pressure and enjoy a chaotic, laughter-filled game. Are you ready to handle the mayhem?
Craving a royal rumble? “King of the Board” is perfect for large gatherings where everyone wants a slice of the action. Here’s how to set up your own pickleball monarchy:
- Set the Throne: Designate one Dinkboard as the regal domain, where the reigning King or Queen will stand. This is the throne from which they rule the Dinkhole court.
- Challengers Assemble: Players queue up to challenge the reigning monarch in a one-on-one showdown. Each challenger tries to dethrone the King or Queen by winning the round.
- Long Live the King/Queen!: The King/Queen starts each round with the serve. If a challenger defeats the monarch, they take over as the new King or Queen of the Board. The ousted ruler joins the end of the challenger line to await another shot at glory.
- Reign Supreme: The goal is to remain King or Queen as long as possible by defeating all challengers. How long can you hold the throne?
This high-energy, fast-paced variation keeps the games quick, competitive, and utterly engaging, as every player gets their chance to rule the court!
Add a splash of flair and a dash of dazzle to your game with “Street Performer,” where every dink comes with a trick. This variation is perfect for those who like to show off their style and keep the crowd entertained:
- Showtime with Every Shot: After each dink, the player must perform a trick—be it a Paddle Spin, a slick 360, a High Kick, Jumping Jacks, Hip Thrusts, or even a Burpie. Players agree on the tricks before the game begins, ensuring everyone’s ready to put on a show.
- Creativity on Display: Encourage players to get creative with their performances. The more original and amusing the trick, the better the entertainment!
- Engage and Energize: This variation isn’t just about scoring points; it’s about keeping the energy high and the laughs coming. It’s perfect for light-hearted play and ensures everyone stays active and engaged.
Street Performer not only tests your dinking prowess but also your ability to entertain and perform under pressure. Impress your teammates and onlookers with your coordination and charisma—make every dink a headline act!
“Sharpshooters” is the ultimate precision challenge, where focus and accuracy reign supreme:
- Targeted Triumphs: Before the game begins, players agree on which hole to target—large, medium, or small. Only points scored in this chosen hole count.
- Pinpoint Precision: Hone your aiming skills by focusing solely on one target. Each successful dink into the specified hole brings a surge of satisfaction.
- Strategic Play: With limited scoring options, plan your shots carefully and watch as the tension and excitement build with each swing.
Varying Difficulty Levels: The small hole is the hardest to make not only because of its size but also because of its placement upfront, which requires a tighter arch on the ball.
Dive into “Paddle Passers,” where teamwork and timing are everything! This relay-style game amps up the camaraderie as you pass a single paddle among teammates:
- One Paddle, Team Effort: Each team starts with only one paddle. After each dink, pass the paddle to the next player like a baton in a relay race.
- Seamless Swaps: Coordination is key! Time your passes and shots to keep the rhythm going without missing a beat.
- Dynamic Team Play: This variation tests your team’s ability to work fluidly under pressure, making every successful pass and dink a thrilling achievement.
Remember, protect your paddle at all times.
Challenge your adaptability with “Lefty Right,” where players must switch hands after every shot. It’s a test of true skill and flexibility:
- Hand-Swap Hustle: Each player alternates the hand holding the paddle with each swing. Right-handed shot followed by a left-handed one, and so on.
- Skill Stretching: This variation pushes players to develop ambidextrous abilities, adding a layer of difficulty and fun.
- Balance and Brainpower: Perfect for players looking to enhance their coordination and mental flexibility. How well can you adapt on the fly?
This might be one of the most humbling variations of Dinkhole.
Turn Dinkhole into a large team sport with “Dink Squad,” where the last team standing wins:
- Team Rotation: Players take turns dinking the ball. Miss the Dinkboard with a shot, and you’re out for the round.
- Team Spirit: Rally your squad to stay in the game, strategizing to protect your less experienced players and outlast the opposition.
- The Last Shall Be First: Continue rotating through your team until all players on one side are eliminated. Last squad standing wins!
Popular matchups include Battle of the Sexes, West Coast vs. East Coast, Age vs Beauty, Republicans vs. Democrats, or any other politically incorrect faceoff.
Travel the Dinkboards in “Around the World,” where players must prove their skills to stay in the game; it’s every man for himself (requires 4 or more players).
- Global Challenge: Players form a queue and take turns trying to dink the ball onto the opposing board or land in a hole.
- Survival of the Fittest: If you miss the board or fail to make a hole, you’re out. Keep hitting successfully to stay in the rotation.
- Fast Feet: follow each successful shot by sprinting to the back of the opposite line.
- Head-to-Head Finale: The game narrows down to the final two players (remain in place), who then face off to determine the ultimate champion.
If you don’t break a sweat with this variation, you’re not doing it right.
Take a break from the paddles and get ready for “Toss Up,” where your throwing skills take center stage. This hands-on variation brings a twist to the traditional Dinkhole game, emphasizing aim and arm strength:
- Hand-Thrown Heroics: In Toss-up, players discard their paddles and use their best throwing techniques to land the ball in one of the three holes on the board. Whether you prefer an overhand fastball or a gentle underhand lob, each throw counts.
- Extended Play: Aim for a score of 21, making this a longer, more suspense-filled challenge. Each successful toss racks up points, so steady your hand and sharpen your focus.
- Challenging Distances: Dial up the challenge by extending the distance between the two dinkboards. Test your throwing power and accuracy over greater lengths to keep the game exciting and unpredictable.
- Bounce Rules: Set the ground rules before the game starts by deciding the role of bounces. Choose whether a bounce can’t occur, may occur, or must occur before the ball lands in a hole to count for points. This rule adds an extra strategic layer, allowing players to tailor the game to their preferred style and skill level.
Casual Competition: Toss-up is perfect for those looking to engage in a more relaxed yet competitive atmosphere. It’s all about the joy of the throw and the thrill of seeing the ball drop perfectly into the hole.
GamePlay FAQ’s
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty…
Not at all, but it can take a few rounds if you don’t have experience dinking. Pickleballers pick Dinkhole up very quickly.
Typically 2, or 4 players however, some of our game variations allow unlimited players for endless fun.
Of course! Our ELITE version comes with 4 wooden paddles. If you already have composite paddles, our LITE version will be a great version for you.
A volley is a ball hit in the air before it bounces on the board or ground. Volleys are allowed in Dinkhole when the ball is contacted behind the Dinkboard.
An ace is a serve that lands in a hole without a rally.
You bet! Dinkhole Instructions